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April Update.
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Welcome to our April Update!
 
express News in Brief

WAAD, Elections, Easter - Phew!

Thank you Ben & Anna who kicked off World Autism Awareness Week with a fundraiser at The Old Moot House and raised £138.63!
World Autism Awareness Day - We had a packed day at The Rose Theatre in Kingston on 2nd April for Express' World Autism Awareness Day event. Thank you to Dean Beadle, Saskia Baron & Joe, Max & Rosalind, for your inspirational talks, we were especially touched that Saskia's father Michael Baron came along to support us. All our speakers were very well received and in turn they all wanted to come back and talk some more!! We had stalls from SOS!SEN, Kingston Carers Network, Curly Hair Project, Balance, Hao2, NAS Surrey, Your Healthcare & AfC Participation officer Tom Quilter. Thank you to The Swallow Bakery at The Rose for allowing us to serve our cakes provided for us by our lovely supporters from the Kingston Soroptimists & The Kingston Lodge hotel. Our thanks also to Zac Goldsmith for coming along to support us. We hope everyone who attended felt the information, support and network opportunities were of great benefit. Tell us what you thought we'd love to hear from you. 

HUSTINGS - As part of the NAS 'I'm One' General Election Campaign we have been busy organising a hustings (pre-election Question Time)! This is a unique opportunity for a large number of us to raise our concerns and have our issues heard together by candidates from different political parties. Please see further details below. - So exciting!!

We are now hoping to have a much needed rest for Easter, hope you do too! 

If you are a parent/carer please could you complete our short survey if you have not done so already. This will help us evidence need. Thank you.
 
Your comments are always welcome - please click here to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you.

Please continue to support us it really does make a difference. You can do your bit by spreading the word, attending events, offering your expertise, and fundraising. Please do get involved.

For further information on our upcoming events you can visit www.expresscic.org.uk. 
 
best wishes,
Annette & Tracey
We need you! Please do join us for an Express Hustings.

In the run-up to the 2015 General Election and as part of the 'NAS' I'm One' campaign, help Express make sure autism is a priority for every candidate looking to get elected. Ask your candidates what they will do to support people with autism and their families.

The evening will be chaired by John Williams, parent, author and comedian - My Son's Not Rainman. The focus of the evening will be on Autism, SEND, Carers, Health & Social care. There will be an opportunity for you to ask questions of your prospective parliamentary candidates.

Join Express for a lively evening! In addition there is an opportunity to book tickets for John Williams show My Son's Not Rainman to follow immediately after the hustings!

Book your tickets here!

This flyer was designed by students at Richard Challoner, if you woud like to help spread the word and know somewhere suitable to display them please do get in contact and we can drop them with you. Thank you.
express Support Groups
Bi monthly (dates via newsletter) at The Rose Theatre 11:00-12:30pm
NEXT ONE JUNE 18th
First Thursday of the month (term time) at Surbiton Children's Centre 7:30-9:00pm
NEXT ONE MAY 7th
Last Tuesday of the month (term time) at Moor Lane Centre 1:00-2:30pm
NEXT ONE APRIL 21st

Autism and Ill Health
Autism and ill health: how to spot the subtle signs that something is wrong, read Saskia Baron's article here.

Care Act FAQ

The Care Act came into effect from 1st April. To find out about the Care Act: what it is and how it will affect you. Click here Care Act FAQ - Carers UK

Information for families about the SEND reforms, in particular the conversion of statements to Education, Health and Care Plans. A series of meetings being held to help explain this and give you a chance to speak to the SEN team direct. Please see details here and dates.
 
Becky Powell - Transition & Family Support Team Manager at AfC
'Two sessions are planned for parents and carers to share their views about what should be included in the transition to adulthood protocol across Richmond and Kingston. The two sessions will be the same, choose which session best suits you and just come along. Each session will be a mix of parents, carers and parent/carer support organisations. The two sessions are: 
Fri 10 Apr 2-3.30pm Moor Lane Centre, Moor Lane Chessington KT9 2AA (room 1)
Thurs 16 Apr 2-3.30pm Windham Croft Centre, 16 Windham Road Kew TW9 2HP (training room)'
We have asked if additional times could be arranged, we will let you know. 

'Teenage Girls with ASD' workshop

You are invited to a special event in London at 2pm on Saturday 11th April. This workshop is aimed at parents of teenage girls, and professionals who work and interact with young people on the spectrum. Although this workshop is about girls predominantly, there will be some content relevant to boys too, so feel free to attend, even if you have a son. 
Follow this link for more information and to book your place.
Contact a Family: Busting Myths about Disability Allowance & eligibility - Find out more here.
Pictureexpress Yourself provides a space for children on the autism spectrum to interact and connect with others in a fun, supportive environment. The group aims to meet the specific and unique social and emotional needs of children with autism using creative tools such as drama, puppetry, art, music and storytelling. If you are interested in joining these groups please do email us at info@expresscic.org.uk for more details.
 
Picture
Sibs @ Express is a group for children who have a brother or sister with autism to come together, make new friends and have a space to share their feelings. If you are interested in joining these groups please do email us at info@expresscic.org.uk for more details.
 

That moment when your autistic child looks at you and says: 'Thanks for believing in me mum.'
 
Express CIC - 'creating a hub in the heart of the community, supporting young people with autism and their families, a place for everyone'
 
Reg. no. 8202424
 
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