Summer activities in

Shropshire

Shropshire summer holiday events for children on the autism spectrum and their families

• Events for different age groups • Children get a chance to mix with others • Parents meet other families and relax in a sympathetic atmosphere • Autism West Midlands staff on hand to support and answer questions

All events (apart from photography workshops) are family events so parents must remain with their children.

Photography workshops - Contact Hilary Attingham Park, Near Atcham, Shrewsbury SY4 4TPYour booking includes a family pass to the park so parents can leave their child in our care and enjoy the park and coffee shop with siblings.

Wed 25 - Thurs 26 JulyWorkshop for secondary school age/abilityChoice of morning or afternoon sessions. Over the 2 days children will use a number of photo processes, use a dark room to develop their prints and computer edit them to produce finished images. Cost £5 per child.

Wed 22 August Workshop for children of a younger age/ability (minimum age 7 years)Choice of morning or afternoon sessions. Children will make photograms using light sensitive photographic paper and will create decorated pictures or greeting cards. Cost £3.50 per child.

Farms and steam railways - Contact HilaryTues 31 July at 11am – 3pmDorrington Hall Farm, Woore (nr Market Drayton) CW3 9RRThis is a busy working farm with excellent facilities for visitors - disabled toilets, handwashing, indoor space, place to make tea & coffee. Bring a picnic. Activities on the day include visiting the animals, trailer rides, art & craft, walk in the woods.

Thurs 30 August at 11am-3pmNant Mawr railway nr OswestryThis heritage railway has woodland walks, a nature trail and steam train rides. Bring a picnic. Cost £1 for train trips.

Walks and picnics – Contact EmmaFri 3 August - Colemere Walk and Picnic, near EllesmereMeet at 11.00am and enjoy a gentle circular walk around one of Shropshire’s beautiful meres (approx 3km). Bring a picnic, suitable clothing/footwear including waterproofs and something to sit on for the picnic. Footpath is suitable for

pushchairs, and dogs on leads are welcome.

Thurs 9 August - Stiperstones Walk and Picnic, South ShropshireMeet at 11.30am. We will use the easy access trail which is a short walk suitable for pushchairs/mobility scooters, with wind-up sound boxes and tactile maps along the way (approx 1.5km). We can extend the walk for those who want more of a challenge on rocky terrain. Bring a picnic, suitable clothing/footwear including waterproofs and something to sit on for the picnic. Dogs on leads welcome.

Spaceguard Centre – Contact EmmaFriday 17th August - Spaceguard Centre, near Knighton LD7 1LWMeet at 1.30pm (The tour will start at 2.00pm)A special trip to visit the largest telescope in Wales, with a 1.5hr guided tour of the facility. This will be a daytime visit, so we won’t be able to see live images using telescopes however there are plenty of astronomy related activities to enjoy. Our group will have sole access to the centre during the tour. Early booking for this activity is essential. Cost Adults £6 Children under 15 £3

Barge Trips at Welshpool – Contact JaneThurs 26 July, Fri 10 Aug, Mon 20 Aug at 11am-3pm Relaxing fun on the canal with the Heulwen Trust. Bring a packed lunch and raincoat. Book early to avoid disappointment. All ages welcome, we will try to group according to age range so flexibility is helpful when choosing dates. A booking form with health and safety advice will need to be signed and returned so early booking necessary. Donations to the trust on the day will be welcomed.

Cookery workshop – Contact JaneWed 15 August 3.30-5.30pm at The Lantern, Meadow Farm Way, Sundorne. This activity is for children under 10yrs and their siblings. A cookery demonstration followed by hands on “no-bake cookery” to take home. A small charge for ingredients will be made. Numbers limited so early booking essential.

All the above activities are funded by Shropshire Council/Shropshire PCT so are only open to families living in Shropshire.

Attendance data is passed to Shropshire Council to aid planning for future services and events.

For booking details, please see the back page of this leaflet.

About Autism West MidlandsThere are more than half a million people in the UK living with autism, an invisible, misunderstood and lonely disability. 60,000 live in the West Midlands.

We are the leading charity in the West Midlands for people affected by autism. We exist to enable all people with autism and those who love and care for them to lead fulfilling and rewarding lives. Our passionate, expert staff and volunteers work across all age groups and abilities, providing direct support to people affected by autism.

Booking information:Hilary McGlynn on 07971 261334 or email mcglynn.h@shropshirelg.netJane Bannington on 07500 885137 or email bannington.j@shropshirelg.netEmma Hegenbarth on 07989 682701 or email hegenbarth.e@shropshirelg.net

Address:Autism West MidlandsWoodlands OutreachTilley GreenWem SY4 5RJ

Information helpline:0303 03 00 111

Website: www.autismwestmidlands.org.uk

Find us on Facebook: Search “Autism West Midlands”

Follow us on Twitter: @autismwestmids

Our vision is a world where all people on the autism spectrum have the specialist care and support they need to lead fulfilling and rewarding lives.

Registered Charity Number: 517077Registered Company Number: 1953344 (England and Wales)