6 Months On
Look What We’ve Achieved Together!
Back in May, we shared the exciting news that Autism Practical Support (APS) received almost £300,000 from The National Lottery Community Fund. That funding was a huge moment for us and for the individuals and families we support. Six months on, we wanted to let you know what’s been happening and how the fund has helped make a real difference.
A New Chapter for APS
Since the funding came through, we’ve been busy. We’ve built a strong team, ensured everyone is trained and ready, and introduced new systems to help us stay connected with our members. Our biggest aim has been to make sure families get the best possible support.
One of the most significant milestones over the last six months has been our name change. In October, we officially rebranded from Cheshire Autism Practical Support (ChAPS) to Autism Practical Support (APS). Why? Because we now want to reach more families, expand beyond Cheshire, and work towards becoming a national charity. The heart of what we do hasn’t changed, but our vision has grown.
We also moved into our new home at Sension House in Northwich. This space gives us room to run more activities, host training, and welcome families in a warm, inclusive environment. It’s already making a big difference.
Empowering Families
One of the first things we focused on was our Empowering Families programme. We’ve improved the course, added two new trainers, and delivered four sessions across Cheshire West, both online and in person. The feedback has been fantastic:
“All of the sessions have been really accessible with plenty of Q&A. The practical tips have been useful, and the theory has been fascinating.”
Parents told us they feel more confident and better equipped to support their children, which is exactly what we hoped for.
Activities That Bring People Together
Between May and November, we’ve delivered 378 activities, from kids’ clubs and youth sessions to family swimming, climbing, trampolining, and adult activities and groups. These aren’t just fun days out; they’re opportunities for children and adults to build confidence and friendships, and for families to connect.
Our seasonal events have been a big hit too. At Halloween, 20 children and their families joined us for our “No Mask” event, which provided a safe, inclusive space with sensory play, crafts, and games. The event was a huge success, and we received some lovely feedback:
“Our children usually don’t engage with Halloween as they find it scary, but they love attending your sessions each year because you remove the barriers and let them enjoy it at their own pace.”
We also delivered nine summer holiday clubs across three locations, packed with activities like dance, sand art, cooking, circus skills, and even trips to local attractions. Parents shared comments like:
“H refuses to attend anything that isn’t football. From the first session he said it was ‘amazing’ thanks to the activities and the understanding shown by staff.”
“The effort put in by you all was incredible.”
Schools and Families
We’ve been working hard to build stronger links with schools. So far, we’ve contacted over 50 schools and delivered assemblies and workshops to promote autism acceptance. We’ve also hosted coffee mornings for parents and attended community events to make sure families know we’re here.
Feedback from one of our schools:
“Thank you very much for coming in and teaching our class. It was really interesting and enjoyable to learn about how people with autism function in their day-to-day life.”
Friendships That Last
One of our favourite stories from the past six months is about two young people who joined our climbing club. Before coming along, neither had tried climbing or taken part in sports. Now, they’re not only working towards their Level 1 Climbing Awards, they’ve become great friends. They even spend time together outside the sessions, and their parents have formed a friendship too. This is what inclusion looks like.
Supporting Workplaces
We’ve also launched our Employer Training Programme to help workplaces become more inclusive for autistic employees. Feedback has been fantastic:
“I thought this session wouldn’t be for me, but I was completely wrong. It was engaging, well presented, and very informative.”
Employers are now planning to make real changes, from flexible working options to better communication strategies. We’re excited to see where this goes next.
Wellbeing and Mental Health
We’ve expanded our counselling offer to include children and teenagers, launched wellbeing sessions, and partnered with universities to increase capacity. We’re also planning satellite centres in Chester and Ellesmere Port so families across the region can access support more easily.
What’s Next?
The next six months are going to be just as exciting. We’re launching our digital hub, continuing to grow our school outreach, and developing the Autism Ally card to help autistic individuals communicate their needs confidently. And of course, we’ll continue creating more activities and events where autistic individuals and families feel supported and included.
Thank You
None of this would have been possible without The National Lottery Community Fund and every family, school, and partner who has joined us on this journey. Thank you for being part of our community. Here’s to the next six months and beyond! 💜
Want to Be Part of APS?
If you’d like to join our community, become a member, or support our work through a donation, we’d love to hear from you. Every membership and every gift helps us create more opportunities for autistic individuals and their families.
Find Out About Our Memberships Here
