Charity seeking support to progress
A GROUP of women are in need of funding to take a new charity a step further.
The women, from the Cynon Valley, have worked together to set up the scheme known as ASD Rainbows.
It’s targeted at young people with autism and other communication disorders.
Earlier this year, the charity launched a unique after-school club and received a huge grant worth thousands of pounds to set it up.
ASD Rainbows received the funding of £9,204 from BBC Children in Need to provide an afterschool club for children and young people on the autism spectrum across Rhondda Cynon Taf.
The project, which delivers a variety of craft, sensory and outdoor activities, has proved a big success since April.
But even though the scheme has hit it off with youngsters, the charity need to raise more funds to take it forward.
One of the women involved in setting up ASD Rainbows, Adele Evans, said: “It’s vital that children have these services as they need to have somewhere to go that offers support.
“The after-school club has been very successful there’s even been a waiting list.
“But we still need to raise money for other projects.
“We are now looking for businesses and sponsors to come forward as we need to raise around £100,000 in total.”
Adele, 49, has 30 years experience of working with children with autism and special needs.
After being made redundant from her job around Christmas time, she thought it was important to do something to ensure young people with autism, and similar conditions, still have a place to go in the community.
The team are currently running the services from a community school in Cwmbach.
Adele is working alongside Joanne Morris, Leanne Pritchard and Andrea Thomas to take the scheme forward.
She added: “There is nothing else in the community for these children so we have to offer a service.
“We do lots of things with them that range from helping to improve their communication skills, practicing sign language and taking them to places like the local shops.”
To find out more about ASD Rainbows, email asd.rainbows@ mail.com