THIS week the North East Autism Society launched its annual Christmas campaign - and we're calling on people across the region to get involved.

This year's theme is ‘All I Want for Christmas’ and the campaign is officially underway, with the aim of raising money to fund the vital front-line services we provide, as well as promoting autism acceptance across the region. 

There are plenty of ways that people can involved as we will be running a number of events throughout the festive period, including the Society’s first-ever Great Christmas Bake Off on December 3^rd, with prizes up for grabs for the most impressive bakes.

We will also be holding our annual Jolly Jumper Day on December 10^th, which has already attracted the attention of local figures such as Pam Royle, with the former ITV presenter calling on people to don their best Christmas knits in support of the leading autism charity.

“After a tough year, we’re so excited to be launching our annual Christmas campaign,” says Fundraising Manager Kevin Meikle.

Our aim this year is to shine a light on the wants and needs of autistic individuals and their families, and focus on how we can all do better, together.

We’re hoping that people, as well as schools and businesses, will get involved and ultimately help us to continue delivering lifeline services for autistic children, young people and adults across the North-east.

We are hoping to partner with local schools and businesses to help educate pupils and employees about autism, including how they can support classmates and colleagues who have, or are going though, a diagnosis. And every school and business that signs up to take part will receive an exclusive autism acceptance presentation.

And for those who would rather get involved from the comfort of their own homes, we have also created a range of activities for people to enjoy, including games, quizzes, online resources and more.

Sign up to take part in All I Want for Christmas