CHILDREN IN NEED NORTH based at Media City UK, Salford provide grants to local projects to help support disadvantaged children and young people.

One of those projects is the Autistic Society for the Greater Manchester Area (ASGMA). Based in Stretford, South Manchester they cater to the ten authorities of Greater Manchester which are Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan.

People on the autism spectrum travel across Greater Manchester to this volunteer led charity as it offers them a haven where they can engage in activities with like-minded people, learn life skills such as cooking, and make friends.

One of their service users Christopher Whitelegge, said: “Outside people don’t really acknowledge or recognise autism which makes you feel like you’re invisible…”

Since coming to the centre, he and friend John Hendrickson say they feel much better about themselves as their confidence has grown and they have come out of their shell.

Tom Kirk, Regional Officer at BBC Children in Need North said: “We currently fund 64 projects that are supporting children and young people on the autistic spectrum, to the value of more than £3million.”

Click on the link if you would like to get involved.

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