AS we head into World Autism Awareness Week, a Northwich charity reflects on how it has navigated the past year, and looks forward to future adventures.

Not only has COVID-19 impacted the ways Cheshire Autism Practical Support (ChAPS) delivers its services, but after months spent refurbishing a building on the banks of the River Weaver, the entire ground floor was submerged during the January floods.

Obtained last October, the building overlooked the river and offered plenty of space for the charity to deliver activities such as professional training, adults’ groups, and specialist therapies, as well as centralising its office team.

Sadly, the property, dubbed The Ark, was one of many Northwich buildings left awash during this difficult time, causing a mass set back to the charity’s efforts.

Northwich Guardian:

Jo Garner, managing director, said: “It was heartbreaking. All the hard work that we had done trying to get the building ready to open had gone to waste. We had struggled to get contractors to work at the building due to the pandemic and couldn’t believe we would have to start all over again.

“Our new kitchen, including a commercial fridge, freezer, and cooker, none of which had been used, had to be replaced. The scene of destruction was appalling – they say a picture speaks a thousand words – well that is a picture I never want to see again!”

However, resilience has paid off and after two months of extraordinary effort, the team’s dampened hopes have been lifted. Not only are they working towards opening The Ark Café later this spring, but they’re also buoyed by the sessions and therapies they have been able to provide during the lockdown and are looking forward to being part of the World Autism Week’s #LightingItUpPurple campaign.

Carey Hulme, families manager, said: “We have seen lots of positive examples of children, teenagers and adults engaging in our online Zoom sessions, chats and Google Classroom, joining an array of activities such as mindfulness, mental health self-help and cooking sessions.  

“A number of members joined virtual sessions for the first time, as their social anxiety makes face-to-face activities too difficult to access. The lockdown has been a double-edged sword for our members – the positive engagement is brilliant, but the thought of coming out of lockdown and having to return to face to face activities can create anxiety for many of our members.”

Jo added: “There is nothing that our children and adults cannot achieve with the right help, support and mentoring.  They are a pleasure to work with and we can’t wait to see them back face to face very soon.”

To find out more about ChAPS visit www.cheshireautism.org.uk