Autism Initiatives

16/06/2026

We are delighted to announce that Marie Cooil has been appointed as the new Chair of Trustees at Autism Initiatives, stepping up into the role following her time as a Trustee.

Marie has been a long-standing campaigner for autism on the Isle of Man, where she lives and has spent decades advocating for autistic people and their families 🇮🇲

She holds a wealth of experience, including her work alongside regulators and the IOM Government on corporate and trust services legislation.

Visit our website to read the full story https://autisminitiatives.org/news/marie-cooil-steps-up-as-chair-of-trustees-at-autism-initiatives/

15/06/2026

We recently held an Autism Acceptance Day at Ragworth Community Centre in Stockton-on-Tees, where those who attended could learn more about our services while enjoying a hot drink with the team ☕️

A huge thank you to Corner Café for their delicious donations! We also appreciate the staff members and families who contributed cakes, as well as the team from the local Poundland shop for their generous donations of sweets and treats 🌈

14/06/2026

Save the date!

Families and carers, and professionals who work with children with SEND are invited to St George’s Hall on Wednesday 17 June to learn about all the support available to them.

A SEND Local Offer is a centralised directory that outlines all the education, health, social care, and support services available in a specific local area for children and young people (aged 0–25) with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) – but this is usually all found on a website.

SEND Local Offer LIVE brings these services to children and families so they can speak directly to services more easily.

89 services from health, local authorities, support groups, activity groups and third sector organisations will be at the dynamic marketplace event, including Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, SENDIASS/Young Carers, Preparing for Adulthood Team, EHCP Assessment Team, The Brain Charity, and many more.

Doors will open from 12-6pm and entrance is free.

This year will mark SEND Local Offer LIVE’s sixth event, and it has been organised by Liverpool Parent Carer Forum (LivPaC), which supports families and children who have disabilities and additional needs, in partnership with Liverpool City Council, the NHS and third-sector organisations.

All local authorities are required to have a Local Offer for children and young people, aged up to 25, with SEND.

Liverpool’s SEND Local Offer can also be accessed online through the Liverpool Family Information and SEND Directory

For more information, visit fisd.liverpool.gov.uk

13/06/2026

Well done to Peterhouse School student Abel, who has just been signed to play football for Blackpool F.C.!

We'd like to give a HUGE congratulations to Peterhouse pupil Abel, who has just been signed to play football for Blackpool F.C.!! 🥳👏

This photo was taken on his signing day 🙌

Well done, Abel!

12/06/2026

We're saying goodbye to Brian Williams, Chair of Trustees, as he retires from Autism Initiatives.

After more than 20 years of service in a wide variety of roles, Brian Williams has stepped down as Chair of Trustees at Autism Initiatives. The transition marks the end of an era shaped by Brian’s unwavering commitment, warmth and leadership.

Thank you for all your service to Autism Initiatives, Brian!

Read more on our website: https://autisminitiatives.org/news/much-loved-and-respected-chair-brian-williams-retires-from-autism-initiatives/

08/06/2026

The talented people at The Studios community resource centre have been busy in the garden growing these beautiful sunflowers, vegetables and herbs 🌻🌱

05/06/2026

Well done and thank you to Katie, a parent of a child who is a student at Peterhouse School. Katie recently climbed Snowdon and has raised an amazing £1,112 for the school!

Katie said:
“My son Logan is non-verbal autistic, and since starting at Peterhouse School, the change and development in him cannot be put into words.”

Visit Katies fundraising page for the rest of her amazing story https://fundraise.autisminitiatives.org/fundraisers/katiehenderson

05/06/2026

🌱 Do you know a young person in Southport who could benefit from a fully funded summer placement? 🌱

Autism Initiatives is delighted to offer our "Grow for It" Summer Placements for young people aged 13–17 years.

📅 Choose one of our three fully funded placement weeks:

Week 1: 3rd, 5th & 7th August
Week 2: 10th, 12th & 14th August
Week 3: 17th, 19th & 21st August

Over three fun-filled weeks, young people will gain hands on experience, build confidence, and take part in engaging workshops designed to develop new skills and inspire future opportunities.

Fully funded
Practical work experience

Confidence building activities
Opportunities to meet new people and learn new skills

Places are limited and booking is essential.

If you know someone who may be interested, please share this post or forward it to them.

📧 To enquire or book a place, contact:
[email protected]

03/06/2026

October is coming... and so are the miles! 🏃‍♀️💜
The Run For Autism challenge returns this October, but you can get a head start by following our page!
Stay tuned for updates launching in July. Will you be joining us?

01/06/2026

OSSME never take for granted that children and young people share their inner most thoughts and feelings with us about their strengths and difficulties so that we can support them effectively.