Warwickshire News Mine

The Autistic Spectrum Disorder Friendship Club has received a £500 start-up grant from the county council’s Small Grants Scheme for North Warwickshire, to enable it to set up monthly get-togethers for parents and carers and spread the word about its work.

The Club meets on the third Wednesday of every month at the Dreamers Café in Coleshill High Street (inside Dreamers shop), from 5.00pm to 7.00pm.  The next ASD Friendship Club meeting will be held on 21st April 2010 and there will also be social events and family outings organised over the coming months.

Parents and carers of autistic children have the opportunity to meet and chat with others over refreshments, and listen to short talks by a guest speaker on ASD related topics - from managing behaviour and statementing, to support services available locally to families.

The funding for the Club was awarded by Councillors on Warwickshire County Council’s North Warwickshire Area Committee, after the group made an application for a grant.

Councillor Tilly May, Chair of North Warwickshire Area Committee, said: “The Friendship Club is a brilliant scheme and extremely important for parents and carers who are trying to handle the stresses and strains of looking after someone with ASD.

“The club enables them to share their problems, but also share the ‘good’ things about those that they care for. Warwickshire County Council’s North Warwickshire Area Committee is delighted to be able to provide funding for this.”

The Friendship Club is open to anyone who lives in North Warwickshire or who lives in a neighbouring Authority but whose child uses services in North Warwickshire. The group support anyone who cares for someone with ASD, whether a child or an adult. 

People who can’t make it to meetings can have a postal membership and participate in family events and outings. Further information about the group can be found on their website http://www.asdfriendshipclub.btik.com, by telephoning 01675 463707 or through Facebook. 

Warwickshire County Council’s Small Grants Scheme is available to small and emerging community and voluntary groups based in North Warwickshire, and aims to provide the vital first stage of funding to help groups establish and expand.

For example, a group may use the funding to purchase equipment, hire a meeting room to attract more members, or promote their activities.

Link to WCC