Latest News 2010
8 March - shop now for Struan!
Struan is collecting Tesco vouchers and hoping to beat last year's collection of 12,000. They were able to buy skipping ropes, sensory toys and all kinds of games. This year they are also collecting Sainsbury's Active kids vouchers which will allow them to buy sports, computer, cooking and gardening equipment as well as take part in active experiences. Please send your vouchers to Wendy Thomson, New Struan School - A Centre For Autism, Bradbury Campus, 100 Smithfield Loan, Alloa FK10 1NP
1 March - The Horse Boy screenings start this week
The Horse Boy is being screened in various venues across Scotland from this Thursday thanks to the efforts of Fife mother, Gillian Naysmith, whose son Sam is on the Spectrum. The film tells the story of one family's adventure as they travelled to Mongolia to the Shaman people in search of help for their autistic son, Rowan. It shows the boy's amazing connection to horses and how just being on a horse had an incredible effect on him. Find out more on her website.
25 February - Linsey runs for the Society
Linsey Donald from Dundee, is our first supporter to sign up for the Big Fun Run in July - www.bigfunrun.com.
By then she will have also completed her first Marathon as she is joining our team of runners taking part in this year's event in Edinburgh in May - two spaces still available! Pictured here with her seven-year-old son Jordan, who has autism, Linsey fits in motherhood and fitness training with her studies in forensic science.
22 February - Crafty gifts for New Struan
The Centre for Autism at New Struan became the first school in Scotland to benefit from the gift of a set of creative tools, provided by Craft-Ed, a leading educational convent provider and arranged through the Hilton Foundation.
Following a discussion with the company's local manager, the School's Deputy Head, Maria Murray arranged for the tools to be gifted to the school and these pupils are the first to use them.
17 February - St Andrews students ready to run!
Students at St Andrews University are urging people to Get Active 4 Autism in 2010.
They are helping the Society to recruit people keen to walk, jog or run and to raise awareness of autism. Events on offer this year in Scotland include the Women's 10K in Glasgow on 9 May, the Scottish Half Marathon and the Edinburgh Marathon on 23 May and the 5km Big Fun Runs -register online here: www.bigfunrun.com.
15 February - Adam DVD to give away
The Society has three copies of romantic comedy Adam from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment on DVD to give away. It stars Hugh Dancy in the lead role of Adam, with Rose Byrne as Beth, in this quirky love story that earned the Alfred P Sloane Feature Film Award at last year's Sundance Film Festival.
Adam has Aspergers syndrome which means a less-than-straightforward start to a romance with Beth whose protective parents, played by Peter Gallagher and Amy Irving disapprove. Join Adam on this moving journey with DVD special features that include an alternative ending, deleted and alternative scenes with optional director commentary. To enter the draw, just answer this question: In which year was the Scottish Society for Autism founded? Email your answers to Adam. Deadline for entries is noon, Friday 26 February.
1 February - Malawi made easier!
The fundraising target for the Malawi Trek (6-17 October) has been reduced to £2500 if trekkers book their own flights in the next few weeks. So far 12 people will be heading to the Warm Heart of Africa in October - but there are still places available. Find out more - email us!
18 January
Top food safety award for Ridgepark
Excerpt from South Lanarkshire Council News
Ridgepark House has passed a national food safety hygiene test with flying colours.
It scooped the Food Standards Agency's 'Eat Safe' food hygiene award which is awarded to commercial kitchens which prepare food in conditions which exceed those required by legislation.
The Food Standards Agency, which grants its awards to commercial kitchens - whether a snack bar or a major hotel, set up the scheme a few years ago to provide an incentive for caterers to strive for food hygiene and food safety management standards beyond those required by law. There are now around 20 premises in South Lanarkshire which have obtained the award.
Ridgepark House assists with the transition from school to living within the community and where possible to supported employment. Pictured are Andrew Ramsay, service manager with administrator/kitchen supervisor, Anne Campbell (back)and cook, Catriona Bason. The other part-time cook not pictured is Gillian Weir.
13 January
Choral Society Concert raises £500
The proceeds from a Christmas concert held by the East Neuk Choral Society in December have been kindly donated to the Scottish Society for Autism.
"The Society directly supports over 500 adults with autism in Scotland and offers training and advice to countless more," said Carolyne Nurse, Fundraising Development Officer, who accepted the cheque for £500 at the Waid Academy on Tuesday 12 January.
"Donations like this help us to enhance the support we offer and may be used towards specialist sensory equipment, art therapy materials and communication aids."
Pictured from left to right
Jane Macdonald, Irene Stevenson , Marjory Richardson and Ian Derward from the Choral Society with Carolyne Nurse (centre)
4 January
HOT TICKETS FOR EDINBURGH MARATHON 2010
The Scottish Society for Autism has six places in the Edinburgh Marathon 2010 up for grabs. Places in the Marathon, which is reputed to be one of the fastest around, will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis.People also have the option to do a half marathon or make up a team of four for the Hairy Haggis relay.
They all take place on the same day, Sunday 23 May, making it one of the largest running festivals in the UK. Runners for the Scottish Society for Autism are asked to raise £275 in sponsorship and make a personal contribution of £50 to the charity.
Donations to the Society will help to extend and enhance our level of support and widen the opportunities for our clients. From learning basic communication and social skills to vocational training, the Society offers support tailored to individual need for the whole life journey. People interested in running for the Scottish Society for Autism should contact 01259 720044 or email enquiries@autism-in-scotland.org.uk
01259 720044