Generous shoppers have ensured Autism Anglia’s Norfolk Opportunities Centre can develop a new music, sensory and wellbeing department for autistic adults.

The Co-op in East Dereham selected local charity, Autism Anglia as one of the beneficiaries of the Co-op local community fund.  When members chose Autism Anglia as their preferred charity and purchased selected branded products and services, the Co-op made a donation to the charity.

Colleagues at the Co-op presented Autism Anglia with a cheque for £1,856.

The donation will enable Autism Anglia’s Norfolk Opportunities Centre to purchase new equipment to support its service users to develop communication and interaction skills, offering them the chance to move, sing and make noise.

Colin Comaskey, manager of the Autism Anglia Norfolk Opportunities Centre said:

We are very grateful to the Co-op and its members who have so generously supported the charity.

Autism is a developmental condition and many of the adults that attend the centre require intensive support.  They rely heavily on our services to improve daily living skills, participate in leisure activities and improve social interaction.

The Norfolk Opportunities Centre in Dereham provides a wide range of activities for autistic adults and includes a variety of skill-based and leisure sessions such as crafts, art and textiles, sports, IT and horticulture. 

Its life skills department supports people to develop and improve their independent living skills. Sessions cover everyday tasks such as cooking and meal planning, money management, timekeeping, road awareness, travelling on public transport, confidence building, shopping and supporting with voluntary work placements.

The charity also provides activities at community-based venues such as local leisure centres, cinemas, supermarkets and cafes to support individuals from being socially isolated and become actively involved within their community, something that the team at the Norfolk Opportunities Centre are extremely passionate about.

The charity relies on the generous donations from the community to enhance its services for local people with autism. 

To find out more about fundraising for the charity please visit Fundraise for Us | Autism Anglia (autism-anglia.org.uk)