WEST CHESHIRE & WIRRAL CHARITY LAUNCHES NEW INITIATIVE FOR CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

A Wirral charity specialising in autism care has unveiled a new initiative aimed at regional businesses of all sizes.

To mark the end of Autism Acceptance Month in April, Autism Together held a special event to launch its new scheme, Together for Change.

The charity, which supports over 400 autistic adults through services across Wirral and West Cheshire, saw local business leaders and key stakeholders come together for the launch at Egerton House in Birkenhead to learn more about the new programme and the impact it aims to create.

Together for Change offers businesses a range of options to get involved and work with Autism Together, from one-time donations and sponsorship opportunities, to being a longer-term Ambassador or Patron for Change.

The initiative combines teambuilding experiences, important networking opportunities, a meaningful contribution to CSR and ESG goals, alongside tailored support to help increase opportunities for autistic people.

Angie Kemp, CEO of Autism Together, said:

“Together for Change will help our charity build impactful and long-term partnerships with organisations across Merseyside and Cheshire.

“Businesses can celebrate their commitment to our charity through meaningful benefits to their brand, while helping create a better, fairer world for autistic people.”

Alongside this, the event showed guests the value of Autism Together’s existing Pathway to Work programme, which helps autistic people gain meaningful employment in local workplaces, explaining how they could offer autistic adults a chance to gain real world experience in the workplace.

Guest speaker at the event was The Right Honourable Sir Robert Buckland KBE KC, author of The Buckland Review of Autism Employment. Sir Robert also visited Autism Together’s services, and met autistic adults who are part of the team at the charity’s Bromborough Pool Cafe, before giving his keynote speech about the importance of improving employment outcomes for autistic people.

The event itself offered members of the Merseyside and Cheshire business community the chance to learn more about Together for Change and sign up to offer their support.

It was also an opportunity for Autism Together to recognise and thank those organisations who have already joined the scheme, including M&S Bank Chester, West Wallasey Fleet Hire, Make it Happen, Byrne Avenue Trust, Spark Youth, and Eureka! Science & Discovery.

Colette Griffiths, Autism Together’s Head of Business Development, said:

“Huge thanks to all those who have already signed up to join Together for Change and the employers working with us to provide a Pathway to Work for autistic people in our region.

“Going forward, we hope to create lasting partnerships with businesses to drive lasting change, improve autism acceptance, and open up opportunities that can make a genuine difference to the lives of autistic people.”

To find out more about Together for Change and how to get involved with Autism Together, visit the charity’s website: 

autismtogether.co.uk/together-for-change/

Autism Together is a charity and service provider, offering specialist support to autistic people for nearly 60 years.

Founded in 1968 by a group of pioneering parents, today the charity employs around 900 staff, supporting over 400 autistic adults through services across Wirral and West Cheshire. This includes residential care, supported living, day services, advice and support for families, along with specialist autism training.

The charity also manages two farms, a woodland, three cafés, and a rock band led by the people we support.

More details here:

autismtogether.co.uk

Pictured - Amy Butterworth, CEO of Make It Happen in Birkenhead, celebrates Make It Happen becoming Ambassadors for Change, with Autism Together’s Pathway to Work Coordinator, Helen Bolton.