Crab campaign helped support a worthy claws
INSPIRED by clay model maker Sophie Gray, a North East seafood restaurant came up with a unique campaign to raise awareness about autism and related conditions.
During the summer Sophie, who was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, a form of autism, when she was 13, made 50 crabs which she hid at secret hideaways along the region’s coast.
And, as people found them, they were asked to post a photograph of themselves with ‘Claude the Crab’ on social media.
Eighteen-year-old Sophie, who now works at Latimer’s Seafood based in Whitburn, South Tyneside, and her family were responsible for nominating Latimer’s at the Autism Professional Awards 2018 in the ‘Most Supportive Employer’ category for which it was shortlisted.
And now the winner of the #RewardforClaude photography competition has been announced.
The Button family from Sunderland, including Finn, 13, who has autism, Isabel, nine, and mum Vicky, found Claude where they live at North Haven Marina.
Company bosses launched the campaign using Sophie’s ‘Claude the Crab’ to help raise awareness of autism and related conditions in the workplace.
Sophie’s conditions mean she can sometimes have difficulties in social situations, but she has worked at the award-winning seafood deli and cafe for two years as an assistant in the deli.
Sophie, of Whitburn, who is starting a glass ceramic degree at Sunderland University while continuing part-time work, credits the #RewardforClaude campaign and her role at Latimer’s for giving her the confidence to win a place at university.
Sophie said: “It’s been a great experience fronting a campaign that raises awareness of people like myself who have autism or autism-related conditions. I’ve had a wonderful response from people.
“Latimer’s has also helped me develop workplace skills and I’ve been allowed to develop while working hard and having fun, which is why I’m continuing to work here while doing my degree in ceramics and glass.”
The Button family submitted their winning #RewardforClaud image during the summer holidays and are now looking forward to cashing in their prize, a meal for four at Latimer’s.
Vicky Button said: “I think the initiative brought about by Sophie and Latimer’s Seafood is brilliant.
“It’s amazing that Sophie’s skills are recognised and her contribution to the team is obviously valued.
“I really hope the project has brought about more awareness for autism and given employers insight on how valuable the contribution can be from individuals who have an autism spectrum diagnosis.
“I have to add, the project has a personal impact for me too.
“My son Finn is autistic and I do have concerns about what employment opportunities will be open to him when he leaves education.
“It’s so reassuring to me as a parent that Sophie is doing so well and is so supported in her role.
“I only hope the awareness raising continues and that more businesses are as proactive in their recruitment of people with additional needs.
“I would like to say well done to Sophie for a great idea, and for such a good design in the crab that the children found, it was so lovely we wanted to keep him.”
Ailsa Latimer added: “To receive those comments from our #RewardforClaude competition winners is amazing and hopefully there are employers out there who’ve seen the campaign and are now better informed about autism and autism-related conditions in the workplace.
“Seeing Sophie embark on a university degree has been wonderful and the support we received for the #RewardforClaude campaign across social media and in the deli and cafe has been fantastic.
“We currently have a cafe apprenticeship role, which combines the chance to start a career and gain a recognised professional qualification in partnership with Gateshead College.
“It would be great to see someone benefit in the way that Sophie has and others here at Latimer’s, like Gabrielle McCririck, who has completed her apprenticeship and been with our business for five years.”
For more information about working at Latimer’s Seafood, visit www. latimersseafood.co.uk/vacancies.