Staff, parents and carers work hard throughout the year on fundraising through fairs, raffles and other events. The money raised contributes towards trips for Flower Lane service users – which this year arrived just in time for the heat wave!

Pictured above, are staff with one of a group of service users having a day of exploration by the seaside in Southend. There are also trips to Brighton, Canvey Island, Whipsnade Zoo and a canal boat trip arranged for service users to enjoy.

The week also ended on a special note – with a party arranged at the Flower Lane Centre to celebrate Autistic Pride Day. A delicious cake for the occasion was made for all to enjoy.

Autistic Pride Day is a national day, which this year was on Sunday 18 June. Its aim is to celebrate what people with autism bring to the community and help recognise their potential.

Autistic Pride Day fits in perfectly with the ethos at Flower Lane, which provides specialist support to people on the autism spectrum. The most desired outcome is to help service users gain confidence to access the community, so trips like these are hugely beneficial for them.