Alstonville the venue for annual autism Family Day
May is Autism Month, and in celebration, the Aspect Far North Coast Centre will be holding their annual Family Day on 23 May from 10am–1pm at Summerland House with No Steps in Alstonville.
Funded by the Good Guys Ballina, supporters of the Aspect Far North Coast Centre since May 2007, the Family Day offers local families of children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) an opportunity to be with other families in similar situations.
Autism Month aims to generate greater awareness about ASDs which affects one in 160 Australians.
“A growing number of local families are in need of support,” says Jodi Rodgers, Manager of the Aspect Far North Coast Centre.
“Aspect hopes to raise much-needed funds to sustain and grow its many ASD services, including those on the Far North Coast.
“The Family Day is one of the many programs we provide that benefits the whole family, 300 people attending last year. It’s a day where parents, siblings and friends can mix and create ongoing connections in the community.”
The Aspect Far North Coast Centre plays a vital role in helping families of people with an ASD in the Northern Rivers region, by providing a comprehensive resource library and a range of programs, including early intervention,parent support networks and assistance for local service providers.
James Williams, proprietor of The Good Guys Ballina, explains the importance of the Family Day to the local community and those affected by autism, saying: “The Family Day decreases the isolation of families with children with an ASD.
“Not only does it provide a chance to enjoy a day out together, but also the opportunity to meet and socialise with other families in similar situations.”
The Good Guys National Cause Program which sees a donation made from every transaction in store donated to local community organisations has raised over $7000 for the Aspect Far North Coast Centre, with the program nationally reaching $1.5 million in donations to grassroot community projects.
