Autism West Midlands Sandwell Parent/ Carer Charity Walk

by Karen Tuckley

 Autism West Midlands will be holding their annual 5K Charity Walk at Sandwell Valley Country Park on Monday 22nd September and are looking for participants.  Everyone taking part will receive an Autism West Midlands T-Shirt, Goody Bag and Certificate. There will also be a photo opportunity and entry into their Autumn Newsletter 2025.

Last year they raised: £700 which enabled them to provide the following events and activities:

Past Events:

  • Parent/ Carer well-being session (specifically for parents of Autistic children)
  • Parent/ Carer Christmas Craft Session and Prize Draw
  • Parent/ Carer Complimentary Drinks at the YMCA Coffee At The Clock
  • Teen Re-charge Session  (specifically for Autistic young people)
  • Teen Animal Interaction at Forge Mill Farm

Upcoming Events:

  • Parent/ Carer Accepting Behaviour Workshop with Aaron Yorke
  • Low Ropes Session age 8 – 12 at Forge Mill Farm
  • Parent/ Carers Selective Mutism Workshop with Small Talk Occupational Therapy

These extra funds have enabled them to offer something extra, separate from what they are contracted to provide by Sandwell MBC.

The aim of their fundraising activities and events was to be able to provide specialist face to face training fand workshop which will run alongside their online webinars. They also wanted to provide activities and events for Autistic young people, as this is something that has been requested by parents and carers. The above events have been a huge success, and they would love to be able to continue to provide more in the future, but they need your help!

Event and Activities for Sandwell’s Autistic young people:

  • An opportunity to meet other Autistic young people of a similar age outside of their educational setting
  • Adapted environment and reasonable adjustments as required depending on individual needs and activity (Autism Specialist Advisors use their experiences and expertise to ensure sessions are accessible)
  • Meet Adult Autistic roll-models and listen to their lived experience (Autism west midlands staff, speakers, and trainers).
  • Feel comfortable and safe to unmask and explore their true autistic identity by meeting others who share the same diagnosis
  • Help promote self-advocacy, self-awareness and improve mental health and well-being

Specialist Training and Workshops for Sandwell Parents and Carers:

  • Provide Autism specific specialist face to face training to help improve understand around more specialist topics
  • Therapeutic session to help reduce anxiety and stress and manage difficult emotions/ issues faced by parents and carers of Autistic young people
  • Meet Adult Autistic roll-models and listen to their lived experience (Autism west midlands staff, speakers, and trainers).

If you are unable to take part in this event, you could help by making a donation via their just giving page or sharing:

https://www.justgiving.com/page/donna-baggott-3?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL&utm_campaign=015

For more information, please click here or email: donnab@autismwestmidlands.org.uk  or Tel: 07881109525