Autism Berkshire is delighted to announce that BBC Children in Need has awarded us a three-year, £30,000 grant to fund our trampolining classes for autistic children and young people living in the county.
BBC Children in Need has been supporting the sessions, held at Crosfields School and Meadway Sports Centre in Reading and at Bracknell Trampoline Centre, since 2014.
Many autistic children and young people have poor motor skills and co-ordination and trampolining can help to improve these and develop core body strength.
The classes also provide an opportunity for the children taking part, aged five to 17, to make new friends and improve their social skills in a supportive environment and for parents and carers to meet and chat.
Sarah Brown, Autism Berkshire’s projects executive, said: “The children and young people really benefit from the classes and our coaches love helping them to grow in confidence and skill.
“As well as the physical and therapeutic benefits of exercise, the classes can also help to ease anxiety and improve mental health.
“We would like to say a huge thank you to BBC Children in Need for continuing to support our trampolining sessions – a service that has proved vital for many of the families we help across Berkshire.”
Daniella Lipscombe, Regional Support Assistant at BBC Children in Need, commented: “At BBC Children in Need we are committed to improving the lives of children and young people right across the UK and it’s local projects like this that continue to help make that happen.
“We can’t wait to put the funds to work and see how the project creates a positive influence in Berkshire.”
Click here for more information about Autism Berkshire’s trampolining classes, and our other leisure and social activities for autistic children, adults and their families, or email contact@autismberkshire.org.uk or call 01189 594 594.
- Please note that there is a waiting list for places at the trampolining sessions. Families can register their children’s details and we will offer places when they become available.
