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I work for Aspire, Romsey Mill's project supporting autistic children and young people who are in mainstream schools, and their families.

Like many people, when the Jan 2021 lockdown was announced I felt a sense of hopelessness and helplessness. I made a plan to focus on a positive goal and signed up to a virtual Lands End to John o'Groats walking challenge. The route I'm taking covers just under 1084 miles and allows me to track any walk I do to the challenge. 

I have tried to walk every day which has meant around 3.5 miles on average. I haven't counted daily steps but only tracked times I've gone out walking.

Throughout the Covid crisis of 2020 and 2021, Aspire has continued to support autistic children and young people online and in person as government guidelines have allowed. We are now supporting around 150 children and young people through our 12 weekly groups.

Autistic young people and their parents have expressed the impact that our support has on them:

"Whenever I've needed them they have been like an extended family to me. I can talk to them. They helped boost my self esteem when I needed it."

"Over lockdown my son became increasingly isolated to the point that he was no longer engaging in school or everyday life. Attending Romsey Mill's Aspire group has literally turned his life around. Having somewhere to go where he can be himself and is understood has made him a more happy, confident and resilient person. He always comes out smiling. He is now back in mainstream lessons at school and his future is looking a lot brighter."

"My daughter has said they finally have somewhere to be themselves with other people like them. They are happy at Aspire and they have made friends which is difficult to do when they are at school. They have fun and are completely accepted for who they are."

"I would feel lost without this support and I know my child would be too."

While it's been incredible to be able to continue our support, we have seen a higher number of new referrals for our support than ever before and currently over 60 autistic children and young people are on the waiting lists for our youth clubs and support. We would love to be able to increase what we do to help more children and young people and their families.

I would really appreciate it if you could sponsor my efforts. Every pound donated will help us towards our goal of increasing the support we can offer.

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Thank you