School comes to aid of youth club
9:40am Fri Feb 03, 2012
A group for children with autism has found a new venue at Hope House School, Newark.
The National Autistic Society’s Newark youth club, which meets monthly, will hold future sessions at the school, on Barnby Road, after forming a new partnership.
A lack of affordable venues and other rising costs had threatened the club with closure.
The club has about ten members, aged 11 to 19, who suffer from forms of autism or Asperger syndrome.
Organiser Miss Sophie Dunlop said Hope House School had a wide variety of facilities that would encourage the children to develop their social skills.
She said: “The group will benefit immensely from the use of the school as a venue.
“The young people will be able to develop their cookery skills in the school’s kitchen. They will also have the chance to groom the animals that live on site, including donkeys and rabbits.”
The founder of Hope House, Mrs Terri Westmoreland, is planning to create a small cinema room on the site.
“That will also be wonderful for the children,” said Miss Dunlop.
“We hope this is the start of a long-term partnership with Terri, and we cannot thank her enough for providing this fantastic space.”
British Sugar’s Newark factory awarded a community grant of £2,000 to the three youth groups that the National Autistic Society runs in Nottinghamshire. The other two are at Mansfield and Nottingham.
Miss Dunlop said: “The clubs provide a great opportunity for young people with autism and Asperger syndrome to socialise and enjoy themselves.
“The grant will help us buy equipment, such as computer games, and go towards outings in the summer.”
Miss Dunlop encouraged other youngsters to join the group.
It is open to young people aged 11-19 who have a diagnosis of autism or Asperger syndrome.
More information is available from Miss Dunlop at sophie.dunlop@nas.org.uk
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