** CORONA VIRUS APPEAL **
The anxiety of corona virus and the changes in routine and in our way of life is challenging for everyone but particularly for the autistic children and young people we support. We have adapted our services to offer online therapy sessions so that they can safely express their anxiety and be supported through this difficult time. Our Mum's group has also moved online via WhatsApp and Zoom groups.
Please help us adapt and expand our services so we can continue to offer support.
DONATE HERE https://localgiving.org/appeal/ExpressCoronavirusAppeal/
The anxiety of corona virus and the changes in routine and in our way of life is challenging for everyone but particularly for the autistic children and young people we support. We have adapted our services to offer online therapy sessions so that they can safely express their anxiety and be supported through this difficult time. Our Mum's group has also moved online via WhatsApp and Zoom groups.
Please help us adapt and expand our services so we can continue to offer support.
DONATE HERE https://localgiving.org/appeal/ExpressCoronavirusAppeal/
Newsletters
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We send all our supporters a monthly newsletter with the latest happenings from express via email. To ensure you're kept up to date, enter your email below. We assure you we won't use your email for any other purpose.
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To read this years monthly bulletins, please click below:
Jan 2021 * Feb 2021 *
Jan 2020 * Feb 2020 * Mar 2020 * Apr 2020 * May 2020 * Jun 2020 * Jul 2020 * Aug 2020 * Sep 2020 * Oct 2020 * Nov 2020 * Dec 2020
Jan 2019 * Feb 2019 * Mar 2019 * Apr 2019 * May 2019 * Jun 2019 * Jul 2019 * Aug 2019 * Sep 2019 * Oct 2019 * Nov 2019 * Dec 2019
For an archive of news prior to this date, please click here
Jan 2021 * Feb 2021 *
Jan 2020 * Feb 2020 * Mar 2020 * Apr 2020 * May 2020 * Jun 2020 * Jul 2020 * Aug 2020 * Sep 2020 * Oct 2020 * Nov 2020 * Dec 2020
Jan 2019 * Feb 2019 * Mar 2019 * Apr 2019 * May 2019 * Jun 2019 * Jul 2019 * Aug 2019 * Sep 2019 * Oct 2019 * Nov 2019 * Dec 2019
For an archive of news prior to this date, please click here
What's on at express:
REGULAR SUPPORT GROUPS:
We currently run 5 different support groups. We try to cover age groups and different issues over different times and days in the week so that hopefully there'll be one to suit you. We are also available in the office to drop in if you just need someone to talk to who gets it!
For all dates please check our monthly newsletters as dates can vary depending on where school holidays fall.
In addition we run an EHCP and DLA Support Service by appointment only. These are very specific 1:1 support to help you through the process. Email support@expresscic.org.uk to arrange an appointment.
There is also our Counselling Service for parents/carers of children with additional needs. Please email counselling@expresscic.org.uk for more details.
For all dates please check our monthly newsletters as dates can vary depending on where school holidays fall.
- We run Rose Theatre Talks and events bi-monthly which are always oversubscribed and where we meet many new parents. Dates vary so please do check the newsletter and our facebook page for details.
- Our Mum's Group meet at the Waggon and Horses pub in Surbiton, 7:30pm-9:30pm. All mums, grandmas and female carers of young people with an autism spectrum condition are welcome to attend. All dates on our newsletters. Email info@expresscic.org.uk to register your interest.
- Our popular Dad's Group meets at the Waggon and Horses pub in Surbiton, 7:30pm-9:30pm. All dads, granddads and male carers of young people with an autism spectrum condition are welcome to attend. All dates on our newsletters. Email info@expresscic.org.uk to register your interest.
- Our PDA Group is a group for parents/carers of young people with Pathological Demand Avoidance. The group is a warm and welcoming place where you can chat to other PDA parents/carers and share experiences. (see newsletter/website for dates)
- We also run a specific support group for parents/carers of young people going through transition. Our TYA Group (Teens, Young Adults) runs from the Express offices in Tolworth, 7.30-9.00pm. The TYA Group is a place where you can share similar experiences dealing with puberty, transition to secondary, college or work. These are parent/carer led and have proved much needed. All dates on our newsletters. Email info@expresscic.org.uk to register your interest.
- Finally, we run a Parent/Carer Support Group 1.00-2:30pm at the Express offices in Tolworth. This is an informal group for all parents and carers of young people on the spectrum whether pre-diagnosis, newly diagnosed or experienced with lots of support of what worked for you to share. All dates on our newsletters. Email info@expresscic.org.uk to register your interest.
In addition we run an EHCP and DLA Support Service by appointment only. These are very specific 1:1 support to help you through the process. Email support@expresscic.org.uk to arrange an appointment.
There is also our Counselling Service for parents/carers of children with additional needs. Please email counselling@expresscic.org.uk for more details.
EVENTS COMING UP:
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EXPRESS Mum's GroupFollowing on from the success of our Dad's group, a group for Mums by popular demand!
Meeting's are Thursday's and currently via zoom from 8pm 2020/21 : Sep 3rd (zoom), Oct 1st (zoom), Nov 5th (zoom), Dec 3rd (zoom), Jan 7th (zoom), Feb 4th (zoom), Mar 4th (zoom), Apr 1st (zoom), May 6th (zoom), Jun 3rd (zoom), Jul 1st (zoom), Aug 5th (zoom) Our Mum's group is usually at The Waggon & Horses, Surbiton however they swapped to zoom from April 2020 in accordance with guidelines until further notice. Please do come along and spread the word. In the same vein as the Dad's group, the group will be an informal, mutual support group for Mums, Grandmas and female carers of children and young people with an autism spectrum condition. Free to attend but buy/bring your own refreshments :) Please email us on info@expresscic.org.uk to register your interest & receive zoom details. |
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EXPRESS Dad's GroupPOSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Our 'Dad's Group' is a great success! Meeting's are Wednesday's 7:30-9:30pm 2020/21: Oct 14th, Dec 9th, Feb 10th, Apr 14th, Jun 9th The Waggon & Horses, Surbiton. Please do come along. The group is an informal, mutual support group for Dads, Granddads and male carers of children and young people with an autism spectrum condition. Free to attend but buy your own refreshments :) Please email us on info@expresscic.org.uk to register your interest. |
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POSTPONED: EXPRESS ANNUAL AUTISM CONFERENCE:
Thursday 26th March 2020 at Glenmore House
On Thursday 26th March we are holding our 8th annual Autism Conference, 10:00am - 3:00pm at Glenmore House in Surbiton including talks, information stalls. Glenmore House is a 1 minute walk from Surbiton station, well served by bus links and there is free onsite parking.
Registration from 9:45am First talk 10am. Each talk will include time for Q&A.
DEAN BEADLE
Autism, education & me
Dean Beadle is public speaker and singer who shares his experiences of life as an autistic person and is also a former journalist and patron and honorary president to several autism charities.
HELEN RALSTON & HANNAH CLEMENTS
Flourishing at school: Promoting the well-being & mental health of our whole school community
Helen Ralston trained to teach English, enjoying a range of learning and teaching roles both in the UK and abroad. Helen was a senior leader in a secondary mainstream before moving to become a Deputy Head Teacher & then Headteacher at The Rise School in Feltham for pupils between 5-19 with autism.
Hannah Clements has worked in autism education for over 20 years, in both mainstream and special educational school settings, training staff to enable them to provide teaching environments that enable pupils with Autism to thrive and achieve their potential, both academically and socially.
AMY WALKER
Neurodiversity in work, reasonable adjustments & the benefits of creative differences
Amy Walker is a neurodivergent and disabled Changemaker, with diagnosis’ including autism, dyslexia and dyspraxia, who works as Inclusion and Diversity Coordinator at GroupM. She runs Neurodiversity Works, a campaign and hub for neurodiversity friendly employment, which she set up as part of the Scope for Change disability campaigning training scheme.
Tea, coffee, biscuits and a light lunch will be provided all included in your ticket price. Please let us know of any dietary requirements.
Please do book your TICKETS as soon as possible to take advantage of our EARLY BIRD rate during February. As per previous events we will be operating a reserve list.
We very much hope to see many of you there.
*The contents and views of the speakers are not necessarily endorsed by Express but are provided for your information only.
STALLS AVAILABLE PLEASE EMAIL US FOR DETAILS OF BOOKING AND COSTS: info@expresscic.org.uk
Thursday 26th March 2020 at Glenmore House
On Thursday 26th March we are holding our 8th annual Autism Conference, 10:00am - 3:00pm at Glenmore House in Surbiton including talks, information stalls. Glenmore House is a 1 minute walk from Surbiton station, well served by bus links and there is free onsite parking.
Registration from 9:45am First talk 10am. Each talk will include time for Q&A.
DEAN BEADLE
Autism, education & me
Dean Beadle is public speaker and singer who shares his experiences of life as an autistic person and is also a former journalist and patron and honorary president to several autism charities.
HELEN RALSTON & HANNAH CLEMENTS
Flourishing at school: Promoting the well-being & mental health of our whole school community
Helen Ralston trained to teach English, enjoying a range of learning and teaching roles both in the UK and abroad. Helen was a senior leader in a secondary mainstream before moving to become a Deputy Head Teacher & then Headteacher at The Rise School in Feltham for pupils between 5-19 with autism.
Hannah Clements has worked in autism education for over 20 years, in both mainstream and special educational school settings, training staff to enable them to provide teaching environments that enable pupils with Autism to thrive and achieve their potential, both academically and socially.
AMY WALKER
Neurodiversity in work, reasonable adjustments & the benefits of creative differences
Amy Walker is a neurodivergent and disabled Changemaker, with diagnosis’ including autism, dyslexia and dyspraxia, who works as Inclusion and Diversity Coordinator at GroupM. She runs Neurodiversity Works, a campaign and hub for neurodiversity friendly employment, which she set up as part of the Scope for Change disability campaigning training scheme.
Tea, coffee, biscuits and a light lunch will be provided all included in your ticket price. Please let us know of any dietary requirements.
Please do book your TICKETS as soon as possible to take advantage of our EARLY BIRD rate during February. As per previous events we will be operating a reserve list.
We very much hope to see many of you there.
*The contents and views of the speakers are not necessarily endorsed by Express but are provided for your information only.
STALLS AVAILABLE PLEASE EMAIL US FOR DETAILS OF BOOKING AND COSTS: info@expresscic.org.uk
Here are some of our past events.
2019 Events
Express CIC Comedy Gala - Friday 18th October
*EarlyBird Tickets 2 for £20*
*** Paul's London Marathon for Express ***
WE REALLY NEED YOU!
Paul our London Marathon runner is on the #Localhero leaderboard! Let’s move him up the board and he will raise even more for Express.
We cannot thank Paul enough for choosing to run for Express and the families we support, please add your thanks & donate now
https://localgiving.org/fundraising/LM2019PNUTTALL/
We rely on fabulous fundraisers and generous supporters to help us provide services & support. We can raise even more by moving Paul up the leaderboard. Each donation is worth a point so the more donations the better! You can donate from £2 or as much as you like 🙂
Follow Paul aka Mr Nuts :) on Sunday his number is 4793 - GOOD LUCK PAUL we're all behind you!
Paul our London Marathon runner is on the #Localhero leaderboard! Let’s move him up the board and he will raise even more for Express.
We cannot thank Paul enough for choosing to run for Express and the families we support, please add your thanks & donate now
https://localgiving.org/fundraising/LM2019PNUTTALL/
We rely on fabulous fundraisers and generous supporters to help us provide services & support. We can raise even more by moving Paul up the leaderboard. Each donation is worth a point so the more donations the better! You can donate from £2 or as much as you like 🙂
Follow Paul aka Mr Nuts :) on Sunday his number is 4793 - GOOD LUCK PAUL we're all behind you!
*** Express Presents An Evening with Dean Beadle ***
So excited to have Dean Beadle talk for us again. It’s always such a pleasure.
Your evening will be hosted by our wonderful patron Mr John Williams (My Son's Not Rainman)!
Dean will share what he has learned about himself in the 20 years since he discovered he was autistic. He will cover: school life, anxiety, autistic joy, sensory needs, emotional needs and much more. This humorous and insightful evening will include songs that have been relevant to Dean's life, sung by Dean and accompanied by John Pead.
Tickets include light nibbles and there will be a cash bar on the evening.
Doors at 7:30pm - Limited Early Bird tickets available
wegottickets.com/event/466144
Your evening will be hosted by our wonderful patron Mr John Williams (My Son's Not Rainman)!
Dean will share what he has learned about himself in the 20 years since he discovered he was autistic. He will cover: school life, anxiety, autistic joy, sensory needs, emotional needs and much more. This humorous and insightful evening will include songs that have been relevant to Dean's life, sung by Dean and accompanied by John Pead.
Tickets include light nibbles and there will be a cash bar on the evening.
Doors at 7:30pm - Limited Early Bird tickets available
wegottickets.com/event/466144
Workshop for Parents - Autism in the Early Years: Finding the Fun!
An interactive workshop exploring how sensory, social and communication differences in autism influence early play development. Ideas and strategies to engage your child and to develop their play skills in a positive and meaningful way.
The workshop will be run by Sue Goldman, a teacher and Early Years Professional who specialises in working with autistic preschoolers. Sue regularly runs training workshops for Early Years practitioners.
www.suegoldman.co.uk
"Very inspiring and full of practical ideas. Amazing to listen to.” – Delegate, Dorking Nursery
Date: Wednesday 3rd April 2019
Time: 10am-midday
Place: Express CIC, 452 Ewell Road Surbiton KT6 7EL
Cost: £10
To book your space contact sue@suegoldman.co.uk
An interactive workshop exploring how sensory, social and communication differences in autism influence early play development. Ideas and strategies to engage your child and to develop their play skills in a positive and meaningful way.
The workshop will be run by Sue Goldman, a teacher and Early Years Professional who specialises in working with autistic preschoolers. Sue regularly runs training workshops for Early Years practitioners.
www.suegoldman.co.uk
"Very inspiring and full of practical ideas. Amazing to listen to.” – Delegate, Dorking Nursery
Date: Wednesday 3rd April 2019
Time: 10am-midday
Place: Express CIC, 452 Ewell Road Surbiton KT6 7EL
Cost: £10
To book your space contact sue@suegoldman.co.uk
Express Autism Conference 2019
Over the last few years Express has put on many events to raise autism awareness and understanding in the community.
On Wednesday 20th March 2019 we are organising an event for World Autism Awareness, 10:30am - 14:30pm at The Rose Theatre in Kingston upon Thames including talks, information & product stalls.
Please do spread the word! Talks are suitable for autistic people, parents, professionals, local businesses and anyone who would like to learn more about supporting our young people in our community.
Speakers include Chris Bonnello, Purple Ella, Suzy Rowland, John Williams, & Local Young People
For more information about the talks and to book your tickets BOOK HERE
Chris Bonnello
Chris is a former primary school teacher with Asperger's Syndrome, who has also worked in special education. He is now an award-winning writer and speaker on autism issues, and author of autisticnotweird.com. At the age of 10, an educational psychologist reported him as having a 'slightly odd personality'. He grew up believing himself to be the weird kid, until his Asperger Syndrome diagnosis finally came at the age of 25. Since then, he has been able to turn his attitude around and defines himself by his strengths rather than his weaknesses, and encourages other autistic people to see their own strengths.
Chris will be talking about 'Top Tips for Helping Autistic Students' and 'Why Autistic People Don't Get Hired (and how to change this)'
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Purple Ella
I’m Ella, inimitable lover of all things purple. In the Purple family three out of five of us (including me) are on the autistic spectrum. I also have a chronic health condition. So life can be a challenge but also a lot of fun!'
Ella will talk about 'Autism and Mental Health: Strategies, Systems and Support
************
Suzy Rowland
Suzy is a local parent keen to share insights and experience of raising and educating an autistic child. After a long fight to get a diagnosis for her son and a longer struggle to find the right school for him, she set up the H.I.S project (HappyinSchool).
************
John Williams
John, our Patron is a comedian and author (My Son's Not Rainman).
************
Young people from Kingston
Please do come and listen to local young people from Kingston who are keen to help Express raise autism awareness and understanding. They would like to share their experiences of growing up on the autism spectrum.
***********
All of the talks are subsidised by Express and therefore provided on a donation basis. In order to bring this event to you we are requesting a donation of £5 per talk booked.
Please note that due to the availability of space and the speakers some of the talks will overlap. This will also ensure that as many attendees as possible should be able to see at least two talks. Please make sure that you only book on to talks that you will have time to see bearing in mind that you may have to move to another space in the theatre. There will also be information stalls at the event so please allow yourself time to have a look around.
For more information about the talks and to book your tickets BOOK HERE
EXPRESS - 20th March, Kingston.
On Wednesday 20th March 2019 we are organising an event for World Autism Awareness, 10:30am - 14:30pm at The Rose Theatre in Kingston upon Thames including talks, information & product stalls.
Please do spread the word! Talks are suitable for autistic people, parents, professionals, local businesses and anyone who would like to learn more about supporting our young people in our community.
Speakers include Chris Bonnello, Purple Ella, Suzy Rowland, John Williams, & Local Young People
For more information about the talks and to book your tickets BOOK HERE
Chris Bonnello
Chris is a former primary school teacher with Asperger's Syndrome, who has also worked in special education. He is now an award-winning writer and speaker on autism issues, and author of autisticnotweird.com. At the age of 10, an educational psychologist reported him as having a 'slightly odd personality'. He grew up believing himself to be the weird kid, until his Asperger Syndrome diagnosis finally came at the age of 25. Since then, he has been able to turn his attitude around and defines himself by his strengths rather than his weaknesses, and encourages other autistic people to see their own strengths.
Chris will be talking about 'Top Tips for Helping Autistic Students' and 'Why Autistic People Don't Get Hired (and how to change this)'
************
Purple Ella
I’m Ella, inimitable lover of all things purple. In the Purple family three out of five of us (including me) are on the autistic spectrum. I also have a chronic health condition. So life can be a challenge but also a lot of fun!'
Ella will talk about 'Autism and Mental Health: Strategies, Systems and Support
************
Suzy Rowland
Suzy is a local parent keen to share insights and experience of raising and educating an autistic child. After a long fight to get a diagnosis for her son and a longer struggle to find the right school for him, she set up the H.I.S project (HappyinSchool).
************
John Williams
John, our Patron is a comedian and author (My Son's Not Rainman).
************
Young people from Kingston
Please do come and listen to local young people from Kingston who are keen to help Express raise autism awareness and understanding. They would like to share their experiences of growing up on the autism spectrum.
***********
All of the talks are subsidised by Express and therefore provided on a donation basis. In order to bring this event to you we are requesting a donation of £5 per talk booked.
Please note that due to the availability of space and the speakers some of the talks will overlap. This will also ensure that as many attendees as possible should be able to see at least two talks. Please make sure that you only book on to talks that you will have time to see bearing in mind that you may have to move to another space in the theatre. There will also be information stalls at the event so please allow yourself time to have a look around.
For more information about the talks and to book your tickets BOOK HERE
EXPRESS - 20th March, Kingston.
