Exciting News for ChAPS from the National Lottery!
Emma Lamb • May 1, 2025
We’re so excited to share some amazing news with you – Cheshire Autism Practical Support was recently awarded almost £300,000 from The National Lottery Community Fund!
The National Lottery Community Fund is the UK’s biggest community funder, and every week National Lottery players raise over £30 million for good causes. That money goes to projects that make a real difference, and we’re proud to be one of them.
So, what does this mean for ChAPS? It means we can keep doing what we love: creating spaces where autistic individuals and their families feel included, supported, and understood. It means more activities, more resources, and more opportunities to connect.
Here’s what we have planned:
- A brand-new digital hub full of helpful resources
- More neuro-affirming activities and events across Cheshire and beyond
- Extra training and support for schools and professionals
- The launch of Autism Ally, a development of our attention card to help autistic individuals communicate their needs in everyday situations
ChAPS started back in 2010 as a small group of parents who wanted better support for their children. Today, we’re a growing community making a real impact – and this funding helps us dream even bigger.
A huge thank you to National Lottery for making this possible, and to all of our community for being part of our journey. We can’t wait to share updates as these plans come to life!
Want to know more about The National Lottery Community Fund? Read more here: www.TNLCommunityFund.org.uk.
Here’s to the next chapter! Together, we’re building a more inclusive future 💜
Meet Our New Trustees: Passionate Advocates for Neurodiversity and Inclusion At APS, we’re always looking to grow in ways that reflect the needs of the community we serve. That’s why we’re so excited to introduce three new trustees who bring a wealth of experience, compassion, and commitment to our work.
CHAPS Becomes APS – Growing with Our Community This week marks a huge milestone for our organisation and we couldn’t be more excited to share it with you! We’ve officially changed our name from Cheshire Autism Practical Support (CHAPS) to Autism Practical Support (APS) 💜 Our new name reflects our growing reach and our commitment to supporting autistic individuals and families not just in Cheshire, but across the UK. While our name has changed, our heart hasn’t, we’re still offering the same trusted, practical support you know and value. What’s New? We’ve now moved into our beautiful new home at Sension House, Denton Drive, Northwich CW9 7LU – a space designed to be welcoming, inclusive, and reflective of our mission. We’ve welcomed new team members t o help extend our support into schools, counselling services, and workplace training, ensuring we can meet the needs of even more individuals and organisations. We’ve embraced a fresh new identity that better reflects our national reach and future ambitions. What’s Staying the Same? Everything you know and love about us: Our values Our team Our practical, person-centred support APS is still the same trusted organisation, just with a name that helps us grow and reach more people. A New Chapter Begins This is more than a name change – it’s a celebration of growth, connection, and the future. APS is here to support autistic individuals and their families with the same heart, same team, and same commitment, just with a name that helps us extend our support. We look forward to welcoming you into our new space next week and continuing this journey together. 💜 With love, The APS Team
To our ChAPS Community and to all Autistic Individuals You may have seen the recent headlines about President Trump’s press conference, where he claimed that taking paracetamol (Tylenol) during pregnancy could cause autism. We want to speak directly to you, our members, families, and supporters, because we know how deeply upsetting and harmful these statements are. Let us be absolutely clear: autism is not caused by painkillers, and it is not caused by vaccines. These claims are not backed by science. In fact, leading experts and organisations have confirmed that there is no proven causal link between paracetamol use during pregnancy and autism. What has been presented is misleading, fear-driven, and irresponsible. Autism is not a problem to be cured. It is a unique way of way of experiencing the world. Our community already faces enough adversity without having to battle misinformation that fuels stigma and fear. Suggesting that autistic people are the result of something that we may have done wrong is not only scientifically inaccurate, but also deeply offensive. We understand that these kinds of claims can have a profound effect on the mental health and wellbeing of our community, especially mothers of autistic individuals. If you are struggling, please know this is not your fault. You are not alone. CHAPS is here to support you. Please reach out to our team if you need us. At CHAPS, we stand proudly with autistic individuals and their families. We celebrate neurodiversity. We advocate for understanding, inclusion, and respect. We will always challenge narratives that dehumanise or marginalise our community. Let’s keep supporting each other, raising awareness, and building a society that embraces every way of being. With solidarity and strength, Cheshire Autism Practical Support
An Exciting New Chapter for ChAPS! After many wonderful years in our current space, we're excited to share that we will be moving to a new home on Denton Drive, Northwich, on the 1st October! This move marks a new chapter for us. One filled with fresh opportunities, more space to grow, and a renewed commitment to supporting autistic individuals and their families. Our new premises will allow us to expand our services, host more community events, and create an environment that truly reflects our values of inclusion, support, and empowerment. To celebrate, we’ll be hosting a housewarming event in early October (details coming soon!). It’ll be a chance to explore the new space, meet the team and learn more about what’s ahead. We’re incredibly grateful for the support of our community throughout this transition. Whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or are just getting to know us, we can’t wait to welcome you into our new home.
Cheshire Autism Practical Support (ChAPS), a dedicated local charity supporting autistic individuals and their families, is seeking passionate and skilled individuals to join its Board of Trustees. In particular, the charity is looking for people with professional expertise in Human Resources, Education, or Marketing to help shape the future of its vital work. Why Become a Trustee at ChAPS? Trustees play a crucial role in guiding the charity’s vision and ensuring its long-term success. As a trustee, you will help support: Governance & Strategy – Help set ChAPS’s vision, mission, and strategic direction, making key decisions about services, priorities, and future plans. Support & Challenge the Leadership – Act as a critical friend to the leadership team, providing both encouragement and accountability. Advocacy & Representation – Serve as an ambassador for ChAPS, raising awareness and building relationships with funders, partners, and the wider community. Collective Decision-Making – Contribute to quarterly board meetings, working collaboratively with fellow trustees to make informed decisions. Who We’re Looking For We welcome applications from anyone over 18 (subject to eligibility and DBS checks) who has a genuine passion for improving the lives of autistic individuals and their families. We are especially keen to hear from candidates with skills in: HR – to support staff development and organisational structure Education – to guide our work in schools and community learning Marketing – to help share our story and engage supporters Trustees should bring diverse perspectives, professional expertise, and lived experience wherever possible. Most of all, a passion for ChAPS mission is crucial. A Chance to Make a Real Difference “ChAPS has always been about practical, real-world support for autistic people and their families,” said Emma Worrall. “We’re looking for committed individuals who share our values and want to help steer the charity towards an even brighter future.” How to Apply To find out more or express your interest, please contact: Emma Worrall, Head of Service: emma.worrall@cheshireautism.org.uk.
ChAPS Easter Bingo After the success of 2024's Easter bingo, we're excited to be bringing you more! Join us on Tuesday 15th April, for an evening of family friendly fun! You can expect plenty of bingo calls, and some Easter Inspired prizes for the winners! All funds raised will be going directly to ChAPS, to ensure we can continue to run and grow the services which we offer, supporting autistic individuals and their families throughout Cheshire.
ChAPS Easter Egg Hunt Our Easter Egg Hunt at Petty Pool is back for 2025! Join us for an inclusive afternoon of Easter fun, in the woods at Petty Pool. designed for children and young people and their families. Before you set off, all participants will receive a trail sheet and pencil to help you with your adventure. On completion of the trail, all children will receive either a chocolate egg or a bag of treats for those with dietary requirements.
Date Of Event Here At Cheshire Autism Practical Support (ChAPS), we believe that carers deserve a break too! That’s why we’re pleased to announce our upcoming Go Ape Treetop Challenge events, generously funded by Halton Borough Council . These exhilarating activities are open to anyone who fulfils a caring support role for an autistic individual and lives within the Borough of Halton. No need to be a ChAPS member to join us—just bring your adventurous spirit! What to Expect Join fellow parent carers and the ChAPS team to take on Delamere’s Treetop Challenge, a high ropes course designed to challenge participants of all ages and skill levels. Navigate wobbly bridges, balance on tightropes, and experience the rush of the 212-meter zip line that will have you soaring through the trees! Participants must be over 18. Event Details We have two exciting dates planned, with a slightly different format at each: Sunday, 23rd February: The event will conclude with a picnic of sandwiches, crisps, and a sweet treat. Sunday, 23rd March : We’ll kick off the day with welcome drinks and pastries to energise you for the adventure ahead. Time : 10:00 AM - 2:30 PM Location: Delamere Go Ape, CW8 2JD Booking Link: Reserve Your Spot here. Why Join Us? These events offer a perfect opportunity to unwind from the daily grind and connect with others who understand the unique challenges and joys of being a carer of a child or young person with autism. Spend quality time with parents and carers who share similar experiences and enjoy some outdoor adventure in a supportive and inclusive environment. Plus, all dietary requirements will be catered for, ensuring everyone can enjoy the refreshments provided. Spread the Word You don’t have to be a ChAPS member to participate—just a carer of an autistic individual residing within the Borough of Halton. Please feel free to share these events with anyone who might benefit from a well-deserved break. We look forward to seeing you high up in the treetops, ready to embrace the challenge and create unforgettable memories. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to recharge, connect, and enjoy some well-deserved adventure. For more information regarding the adventure experience please visit the Go Ape Delamere website: https://goape.co.uk/locations/delamere/tree-top-challenge If you would like more information about a parent/carers short break please contact us here or call us on 0344 850 8607 Book your spot today and join us for a social day of outdoor excitement and down-time with ChAPS!
