Autism Hero Award
January 2019
Starts From Scratch
Huge congratulations to local business Starts From Scratch who were nominated for our Autism Hero Award for January.
Their autism initiatives such as the weekly Wednesday autism hour, their social story on the SHINE for Autism website (www.shineforautism.com)and 360° video to help prepare people when visiting the shop, and events such as the owl visit were all reasons for the nomination.
Well done to them all, a local business with such great awareness of autism
February 2019
Millom Library
SHINE for Autism's February Autism Hero award goes to the Millom Library team, nominated for all the excellent work they do towards making Millom library autism friendly.
Their Friday morning sessions with a sensory den, light table, sensory toys and lego are very popular with our local schools and nurseries, as well as families. They also have ear defenders, fidget muffs and other sensory equipment to make the library experience as smooth and welcoming as possible. They were also last year's Cumbria County Council team of the year in recognition of their work towards creating an autism friendly library. They are held in very high regard by the families and local organisations that use them.
March 2019
Millom Tesco
SHINE for Autism's March Autism Hero award goes to Millom Tesco, nominated for all the excellent work they do to support and assist people on the autism spectrum.
We have received several comments praising Millom Tesco’s staff by the way they welcome autistic people. Millom Tesco keeps trying its best to make people with the condition feel relax and comfortable while they shop. This award is so well deserved as Millom Tesco is one of the companies that keeps searching for ways to be more autism friendly.
Many congratulations to all the team and thank you for your constant work.
April 2019
Millom Parents and Carers Disability Group
SHINE for Autism's April Autism Hero Award goes to Millom Parents and Carers Disability Group, who have been nominated for all the wonderful activities they put on all year round for children with disabilities.
They also do a fantastic job organising relaxation sessions and workshops for parent/carers of children with disabilities, which makes a huge difference to families in our area.
Well done to you all!
May 2019
Jack Park
SHINE for Autism's May Autism Hero Award goes to local lad Jack Park. Earlier in the month Jack took part in the Keswick to Barrow walk to raise autism awareness and funds for autism group Autus Cumbria.
Autus works with many families in the area and also carries out all the local autism training on SHINE'S behalf.
Jack completed the challenging route in an amazing time of 11hrs 38 mins, which is a fantastic achievement at any age, never mind at just 11 years old!
Well done Jack, you’re such an inspiration to us all!
June 2019
David Smith
Our Autism Hero for June is dentist David Smith of Horn Hill Dental Practice. David was nominated for his patience and consistency of approach with autistic individuals, the quiet and calm nature he has, and the time he allows for patients to process the information he is giving allowing them to build up a great trust with him. He also explains everything in a visual way.
One mother says "my son, who has limited communication skills, went to David in a great deal of pain and feeling extremely anxious. David was able to reassure him to the point that he could do an assessment and treat my son for the pain, meaning he left the surgery alot calmer and happier. We are extremely lucky to have such a fantastic dentist here in Millom".
July 2019
Jakki Moore
Autism Hero Award for July goes to Jakki Moore of The Beggars Theatre. Jakki is well known for her open and friendly attitude and does her utmost to make the theatre and it’s many activities inclusive for all. She has run and is currently involved in projects such as the Shadow Program which was aimed specifically at young people on the autism spectrum. Her commitment to delivering creative arts as both entertainment, education and therapy is an outstanding contribution to our community.
We also salute her staff and volunteers who more than support this philosophy too. Thank you!
August 2019
Peter and Lisa Brockbank
This month’s ‘Autism hero award’ goes to Peter and Lisa Brockbank.
Peter and Lisa raised over £2000 for our charity last month at the ‘Trios Cricket day’. This fantastic amount will go along way to helping many families and schools in the area.
Many thanks both on behalf of the Shine for Autism team.
September 2019
Kerry Doyle
Many congratulations to Kerry Doyle, captain of Morecambe Ladies football team, who has received our Autism Hero of the Month award.
Kerry has chosen SHINE as her sponsored charity for this season, doing a fantastic job raising awareness for autism at all her matches.
Congratulations Kerry!