Bristol Giving Day 2020

When R first joined the group his mood was low and he found it uncomfortable to interact with others.  Initially the other group members found him difficult and were concerned about him coming to the sessions regularly. 

At Kingsweston School we have been working closely with All-Aboard Watersports for 4 years. They have given our pupils – all of whom have an Autistic Spectrum Condition (many have additional needs as well) – the opportunity to experience something that would have seemed completely inaccessible to them, and challenge themselves in doing so.

Once he started to reduce his alcohol intake, he found it hard to believe that he deserved to be okay and safe.

The local authority refused to believe he was just 17 years old, leaving Mukhtar without a safe place to live or the support of social services.

The word autism is not well understood in many communities and often leads to confusion and misinterpretation.

After a failed attempt to take his own life in October 2016, a few months after being released from hospital, Ross came to Talking Money.

SBAS put in an appeal based on mental health issues and challenged, in a late appeal, the fact that she was in the WRAG group. With help from a mental health services assessment and care plan this was overturned on review and she was placed retrospectively in the Support Group. Sanction was no longer valid and income was restored to former level.

While Paul found talking to people very hard, he found communicating through music much easier…

Families who have previously had substantial social support are now relying on the community and school for counselling and academic support. Every Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday there has been a place for young people to come for a fun, engaging activity that boosts their self-esteem and empowers them to be responsible citizens within their community.

Over 4000 people come through the door of The Park Centre every month – each with a different interest or need for support.