Summary
The project is to provide a weekly group for our young Autistic young people which will also provide respite opportunity for the carers. The project provided funding to run groups for our Autistic young people and young adults (up to 20) in the school holidays. We aimed to offer an activity per age group (12 and under, 13-17 and 18+) each week of the holidays with a local weekly family outing to a local leisure facility. We also offered one larger trip per holiday period to the whole family.
What SAASy’s chill in did
The majority of activities took place within our hub ,The Igloo, in Ayr. We visited local cafes and leisure facilities as well as having family trips further afield.
The activities took place in the school holidays, namely, Summer holidays – July to August, October break and Easter Holidays with one per age group (12 and under and 13-17, 18+) for two hours per week with each session being held in the igloo.
We had one local trip per week to the cinema or bowling where the young peoples carers and siblings can participate. Locations out with the hub included Costa Prestwick, LA Bowl and Laserquest Ayr, Odeon Cinema Ayr or Kilmarnock, Golf Fang Glasgow, Head of Ayr Farm Park, Glasgow Science Centre, Gaiety Theatre Ayr.
What South Ayrshire Autistic Society has learned
We have learned a great deal from this project mostly that it’s not always just about taking some of the pressure of carers by looking after their youngsters. In the future we plan on running our activities along side workshops to assist the carer and pampering sessions like relaxation, massages etc we are currently in talks with local businesses on how best to facilitate this.
How South Ayrshire Autistic Society has benefitted from the funding
This was a learning curve for SAAS it help build our skills and volunteer base is looking healthy and we have made a lot of new connections within our community.
Project Outcomes
Outcome
For 65 young people to have benefited from enjoying the activities and improving their metal wellbeing, social skills and confidence, working successfully as a peer group.
Results
This outcome allowed 45 carers to received a regular weekly break from their caring role giving, having time to themselves and feeling the benefit in their mental well being
Case study
Single mum of 3 children aged 20 and 17 (both autistic ) and child aged 10 with mobility issues:
M attended with the youngsters for the first 3 events then she felt confident to leave all 3 with SAAS allowing time for herself to go to a hairdressing appointment alone for the first time in years. She said “I was totally taken aback by the support supplied by SAAS and shared care I’ve never met such a nice group of people “
Outcome
Lots of happy carers having much deserved break from caring responsibilities for a few hours at least
Results
Outcome couldn’t have been any better all carers reported back that amazing results and had the most amazing time away from caring duties
Outcome
We will continue to work with the youngsters to provide fun activities and outings whilst allowing carers as much free time as possible
Results
Yes much needed time away from care duties was much appreciated and helpful
Outcome
The young people had a blast while carers sometimes joined in on outings to farm park while being supported by SAAS
Results
Yes amazing project