Fareham Autistic Spectrum Support (FASS)
This is our new logo. The smiley face star is the PECS symbol for free time and the yellow ring on the outside represents a life-ring symbolizing the life line that FASS provides for many of our families. FASS has been successful in acquiring registered charity status. We are now officially registered charity number 1130386.
FASS is a support group for families in the Fareham area who have a child or children on the autistic spectrum. FASS organises trips and outings, provides a forum for mutual support and offers advice and information on activities that are happening in the local area.
To find out more about FASS, or to make a donation, please contact Susie Maddy, the group founder and co-ordinator, on 01329 841097 or 07900297267. Please note that Susie is away on a well earned holiday until 8th June 2009. Rachel has the FASS phone until then and will try to answer any queries - but it's probably best to wait until Susie gets back if you can. Alternatively you can email FASSadmin@googlemail.com, write to FASS, c/o 63 Abbey Road, Fareham, Hampshire, PO15 5HN, or download a FASS membership form
Funding for established groups is extremely difficult to obtain, so unfortunately the committee has had to come to the decision that an annual membership fee will still apply. This is not a large amount and is used to cover postage and administration costs. Please download a Membership fee form here. Fees are due by 16th April 2009. Please send your cheque, made payable to Fareham Autistic Spectrum Support, to Susie Maddy.
DIARY
There's so much going on at the moment. Here's a diary for the next few months to help keep track of FASS events:
MaySunday 3rd May: Alresford Steam Train Trip (leaves at 11am)
Sunday 10th May: Family trip to Monkey World
Friday 15th May: Fun City
Friday 29th May: Horizone
June
Friday 5th June: Marwell Zoo Dreamnight (6-9pm)
Sunday 7th June: Siblings trip to Chessington World of Adventures (coach leaves 8:45am OMC car park, Nashe Way)
Friday 12th June: Fun City (6:30 - 8:30 pm)
Friday 19th June: HMS Sultan Show (5:30-7:30m)
Sunday 21st June: Bowling
Friday 26th June: Horizone (6:30 -8pm)
July
Friday 17th July: Fun City (6:30-8:30pm)
Sunday 26th July: Alresford Steam Train trip (leaves at 11am)
Friday 31st July: Horizone (6:30 - 8pm)
August
Saturday 2nd August: PASN Summer Picnic (further details in "Other Organisations" below)
Wednesday 5th August: Horizone (6:30 - 8pm)
Thursday 13th August: Fun City (6:30-8:30pm)Tuesday 18th August: Horizone (6:30 - 8pm)
Wednesday 26th August: Monkey Bizness (6:30 - 8:30pm)Thursday 27th August: Fun City (6:30 - 8:30 pm)
FUNDRAISING
Fund Raisers
We are really thrilled that the Fareham and Gosport branch of MOOSE INTERNATIONAL have chosen to support FASS as their local charity. We look forward to working with Moose to raise some money and the profile of FASS. More news on this later in the year.
Many many thanks to Pete, Glynne, Chris, Katharine, Rosie and Emma from NATS at Swanick who did the three peak challenge and raised over £2,500 for FASS. These great people are pictured below. Read all about it by downloading the blog of the trip.
UPLANDS PRIMARY SCHOOL in Fareham have chosen FASS to be their local charity for the year. Isaac won the school poetry prize last year for his poem about his little brother who is autistic - it must have touched a few hearts! THANK YOU UPLANDS. Here is the poem...
MY LITTLE BROTHER
Oh Paddy, my Paddy
I love you so much.
You walk round the house,
with the bag of toys you clutch.
You really love biscuits, apple juice and bread
But the fact that you're crazy
just has to be said.
On Saturdays and Sundays
you sleep in till twelve.
But once you are up
you're a naughty little elf.
You take off with the biscuit tin
and won't give it back.
The apple juice and French bread
you'll also hijack.
You may be autistic,
but I love you to bits.
When you're walking about
in your little woollen mitts.
So far since September, Uplands have raised a total of £372.10 for FASS. One way that they have raised money is by running a competition to draw a charity logo. The winning entry is shown below - Congratulations to Isabel who drew this design. The year 6 children have also been running their own businesses (given £2 each to start them off). The profits from this will be split between the year 6 end of school treat and the school charities. The children have been very busy baking cakes, washing cars etc, and Isaac has done extremely well selling his paper plane kits - thanks to everyone who has bought one - I hope they fly well.
A BIG THANK YOU to SWANMORE METHODIST CHURCH who raised money for FASS by doing a Lent Challenge.
Congratulations and thanks to PAULETTE who ran the London Marathon finishing in 4 hours, 48 minutes and 11 seconds raising £572 for FASS.
Thanks and congratulations are also due to DAN MARLOW who ran the 10 mile Great South Run in a time of 1 hour, 22 minutes and 51 seconds to raise nearly £200 for FASS.
The OFFICE FOR NATIONAL STATISTICS in Titchfield, Fareham have chosen FASS as one of five local charities for whom they will raise money on their staff fun day in July.Thanks are also due to:
THE ROTARY CLUB in Fareham who have sponsored a whole years worth of Fun City sessions.
KELLOGGS who sponsored 12 Horizone sessions.
THE CO-OP who sponsored a steam train trip.
ZURICH CARES who have been brilliant and chosen FASS for several events over the past few years and for the coming year. More about Zurich Cares below...
Raise Money by Shopping Online
Now you can raise money for FASS without doing anything except shopping online.
Fareham Autistic Spectrum Support have registered with www.easyfundraising.org.uk to help raise funds for the group. www.easyfundraising.org.uk provides a FREE fundraising service where you can raise funds for any charity, trust, school, club, good cause or community group you support when you shop online.
Choose from over 500 of the UK's best known retailers including many popular names such as NEXT, Amazon, Debenhams, John Lewis and HMV, and when you shop using the links on the easyfundraising website up to 15% from every purchase you make is donated to the cause you choose to nominate.
It doesn't cost a penny extra to shop and raise funds for FASS at the same time. Many retailers give discounts when you buy online so you might even save money.
So please go to www.easyfundraising.org.uk and register as a supporter of FASS. Every time you buy online via the easy fundraising website from the stores included in the scheme they will give a donation to FASS. Go on... get shopping in the name of FASS!
OTHER ORGANISATIONS
Other organisations that may be of interest include:
The National Autistic Society (NAS) www.nas.org.uk
The Portsmouth Autism Support Network (PASN) www.portsmouth-autism-support.co.uk. PASN are holding their annual Summer Picnic on Saturday 2nd August, 12-4pm at Admiral Lord Nelson School. For further details and to book tickets please go to the PASN website.
The Hampshire Autistic Society (HAS) www.has.org.uk
Family Liaison Autism Support Havant (FLASH) www.flashonline.org.uk
NOTICEBOARD
Life with paddy blog
As part of my work I've had to create a blog and now my task is to get as many people as possible to look at, and if possible, add comments on the blog. My blog is called "Life With Paddy" and is about what it is like having an autistic child in the family. You can look at the blog by clicking on this link: Life With Paddy.
Please give it a go - many thanks, Rachel
Research into sleep problems
Jane MacQuarrie, a trainee clinical Psychologist, is conducting research into parent’s beliefs about their child’s sleep problem, in parents of children with a diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Full details about the research, and how you can participate by completing an on-line questionnaire are available at this website linkCALLING ALL DADS
Ian Mallandain from the University of East Anglia has asked me to put the following information about a research project he is undertaking onto the website. If you would like more information you can telephone or email Ian or his supervisor Dr Langdon - contact details given below. You can also download an information sheet about the research by clicking here.
Research into autism at the University of East Anglia
We are looking to speak to fathers who have a child, between the age of 3-16, with an autistic spectrum disorder. Taking part will require a five minute interview about your son or daughter, which can be carried out either over the telephone, or in your home where practical. We will also ask you to complete some questionnaires which ask you questions about how things are for you and your child.
We are hoping that the findings of this study will contribute to a greater understanding of the father-child relationship, which could help inform future support and interventions.
If you are interested in taking part, please contact Ian Mallandain or Dr Peter Langdon on the following telephone number or email address.
Telephone: 01603 593599
email: p.langdon@uea.ac.uk
Autism Friendly Cinema
Screenings
Picturehouse
Cinemas
are working in partnership
with The National Autistic Society to hold special film screenings for
people on the autistic spectrum and their families, friends and carers.
During the film the lights are left on inside the auditorium and the
volume of the soundtrack is reduced. It is fine for customers to move
around, make a noise or take a break during the film if they need to.
The next autism friendly screening is going to be Coraline on the 7th
July. (Unfortunately this is a Tuesday and the film is during school
hours so this may not be appropriate for our school age children.
However I will try to keep you up to date with any further screens
which may be at more suitable times.) For
further details please click here.
Join the library
Did you know that disabled children can get a special library card, called an access card, which lets them take out for free up to two items every week for which there is normally a charge. This includes videos, DVDs, CDs and computer games. Ask in the library for further details.Attention - Alert Cards
Did you know that the Hampshire Autistic Society, in partnership with Hampshire Constabulary have launched the Autism Alert Card. These cards are available free of charge to anyone with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. The cards should be carried at all times and can be displayed if the individual finds themselves in a situation where they cannot easily explain their behavior. It will also assist the emergency services to identify that they are dealing with someone with autism. The card will carry the Hampshire Police Authority crests so they will be easily identifiable to the emergency services. The cards give some simple advice, the person's name and emergency contact details.
If you would like to apply for an Alert Card please go to http://www.has.org.uk/ and download an application form. For further information please contact the Hampshire Autistic Society on 02380 633951 or email info@has.org.uk
direct payments for respite care
Sylvia Hutchins from Carers Together came to FASS parents on 4th February to answer our questions about direct payments – these are payments made to carers so that they can pay directly for respite care. Maybe you qualify? If you have any questions about direct payments, you can contact Sylvia on 023 9259 5455 or see www.carerstogether.org.uk.
Oak meadow sensory room
Did you know that the Oak Meadow Centre now have a Sensory Room with music, mirrors, bubble tubes, fibre optics, mirror ball, aromatherapy and much much more. This wonderful room is available for everyone to use. You need a training session first, but once you have had training, you can book a 30 minute session whenever the centre is open including evening times. For more information, or to book training or a session please phone the Oak Meadow Centre on 01329 841097 or call into the centre.
QEII Centre
The Hampshire Autistic Society (HAS) has been fortunate enough to receive a grant in order to enable people with ASD and their families/carers the opportunity to use the facilities of the QEII Centre based in the Manor Farm Country Park in Hampshire. The QEII Activity Centre has been providing activity opportunities for people with special needs for 30 years. Activities include canoeing, climbing, archery, motorboat, orienteering, horse-riding, zip wire, crabbing and more.....We went to the QEII Centre for a weekend last year and we had a brilliant time doing canoeing, archery and wall climbing. It really is a fantastic place. The instructors are really patient and everybody can participate to their own ability level. The kids had a wonderful time.
For further information see www.qe2activitycentre.co.uk and contact Jackie Harvey on 02380 633951 or jackie.harvey@has.org.uk for details about the HAS funding. I have now heard that all of the HAS funded places have already been booked for 2009. You can still contact Jackie and ask to be put on the mailing list for next year so that you can book your place at the QE11 in good time.
EVENTS
If you have any photographs of FASS events that you would like to see on the website please give a copy to Susie Maddy or Rachel Shipsey. Photos or any other information for the website can be emailed to rshipsey@googlemail.com.
Recent and ongoing trips include Bowling, Monkey World, Steam Train Trips on the Watercress Line, Horizone Soft Play, Funcity, Monkey Bizness and horse riding at the Hampshire Riding Therapy Centre Ltd.
ZURICH CHALLENGES
FASS is really lucky to again have had several challenges chosen by the Zurich Cares Programme. The staff at Zurich have chosen to raise funds and help to organise events for the siblings of the autistic children in FASS to give them some time out and a lot of fun.
The events for this year include a trip to Paultons Park, tickets for the Ice Skating show at the Gosport ice rink and a chance to try Go Karting. Further details about these trips will be available later.
We are also going on a trip to Chessington World of Adventures with a team from Zurich Cares. This trip is on Sunday 7th June 2009. All places are now taken. Please ensure that you arrive at the back entrance of the Oak Meadow Centre (the car park in Nashe Way, Fareham) no later than 8:45am. We expect to arrive back at the Oak Meadow Centre at approximately 7pm. If you have any problems on the day please call Rachel on 07947 045554.We are delighted that Zurich are organising and fund raising for a FASS siblings day trip to Chessington World of Adventures. Chessington has rides for everyone and a zoo! See their website www.chessington.com for more details.
Ice Skating
A great time was had by all at the FASS/Zurich Skating on Ice Party in November!
Go Bowling
Bowling events have been a huge success for FASS. The next family bowling session will be on Sunday 21st June. You should have received a flyer about this. For further details please contact Susie on 07900 297267.
HORSE RIDING
The Hampshire Riding Therapy Centre Ltd is a unique centre providing counselling, therapy, education and riding for young people with special needs, children and their siblings. FASS are offering members discount riding rates through vouchers. Each voucher costs £5 (instead of the usual £15). Vouchers are currently limited to one voucher per child. You will be responsible for contacting the riding centre and booking your own place once you have received your FASS voucher. It will be necessary to provide your child's age and weight when booking a place. Please be reassured that the staff at the riding centre are very helpful and understanding. This is a great opportunity to let your children try horse riding in a safe and friendly environment.
We are currently looking at alternative riding stables closer to Fareham as several families feel that the Hampshire Riding Therapy Centre is too far away. If anyone already goes riding at a stables near Fareham and would recommend them please do let us know.HORIZONE
FASS members are welcome to join us at Horizone Soft Play, Havant Leisure Centre, Civic Centre Road, Havant.
These sessions run from 6:30pm until 8 pm and are for FASS members only. A voluntary contribution of £3 per child (for the first two children per family and £1.50 per child for any further children) would be appreciated to ensure that further sessions can be booked. Please note that parents are responsible for their children at all times.
Dates for the next Horizone sessions are:
- Friday 23/01/09
- Wednesday 18/02/09
- Friday 20/03/09
- Friday 24/04/09
- Friday 29/05/09
- Friday 26/06/09
- Friday 31/07/09
- Wednesday 05/08/09
- Tuesday 18/08/09
Funcity
FASS also hires FUNCITY (part of Soccer City behind Fareham Sainsbury's) for private sessions.
See www.funcityfareham.co.uk for further details about the FUNCITY and contact Susie Maddy on 07900297267 for further details about FASS sessions...
The next FUN CITY dates are given below. All session run from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. We ask for a voluntary contribution of £3 per child for the first two children per family and £1.50 per child for any more children.
- Saturday 3rd January
- Friday 20th February
- Friday 27th February
- Friday 6th March
- Friday 17th April
- Friday 15th May
- Friday 12th June
- Friday 17th July
- Thursday 13th August
- Thursday 27th August
- Tuesday 1st September
MONKEY BIZNESS SOFTPLAY
The first FASS session at Monkey Bizness went really well. We have booked another session for Wednesday 26th August 2009 from 6:30-8:30pm.The session will run along similar lines to Horizone events. i.e. There is no need to book, you can just turn up on the night and pay (voluntary contributions of £3 per child for the first two children in a family and £1.50 per child for any further children would be appreciated). You are responsible for your children at all times. Please note that Monkey Bizness has five fire exits so any child who might try to "escape" needs to be watched at all times. If this event is popular then we may be able to hire the venue several times throughout the year. Find out more about Monkey Bizness by going to http://www.monkey-bizness.co.uk/.
STEAM TRAIN TRIPS
The next stream train trip on the Alton Alresford Watercress Steam Train Line is on Sunday 26th July. Please contact Susie Maddy on 07900297267 for further details or to book places on the train.
FASS hires an entire carriage of the train so that our kids can be themselves and enjoy the trip.
CHRISTMAS EVENTS
Thanks to Susie and the committee for organising load of great trips and events over the Christmas holidays. We all enjoyed Cinderella at the Mayflower Theatre, Skating on Ice with FASS/Zurich, and Trigger the Train with Father Christmas.
MONKEY WORLD
On Sunday 10th May, we had a trip to Monkey World for FASS siblings and some parents. A big thank you to Moose who sponsored this trip. We all had a great day out.
If you have any photos of the Monkey World FASS trip or any other FASS events and would like them to be displayed on the website, please contact Susie Maddy (details above) or email them to rshipsey@googlemail.com.
Page last updated on 30th June 2009