Ambitious North East Autism Society development enters phase two
Part of our ongoing Growing Futures appeal, the second phase of development will see several new buildings erected – including a cider mill, a farm shop, and a café.
Autism Acceptance Month 2025
North East landmarks go gold for Autism Acceptance
Landmarks across the region are set to go gold as they light up to mark the beginning of Autism Acceptance Month in April.
Organised annually by the North East Autism Society (NEAS), North East landmarks from Tyneside to Darlington will be illuminated in gold, starting from World Autism Acceptance Day on 2 April.
The displays, which will continue throughout the first week of April, kick off the charity’s activity for Autism Acceptance Month, which promotes understanding and acceptance of autism throughout society.
John Phillipson, CEO at NEAS, said:
“This Autism Acceptance Month is part of a milestone year for us as a charity, and it’s brilliant to see local authorities and organisations lighting up these iconic landmarks in support of our message.”
The landmarks lighting up across the region include Gateshead Millennium Bridge, Penshaw Monument, Hylton Castle, and Darlington clock tower, among others.
This year marks the 45th anniversary of the charity founding its first school in Thornhill Park, Sunderland.
Now, NEAS has launched its biggest appeal yet, to transform New Warlands Farm in County Durham into a visitor centre and working farm that will provide training and work opportunities to autistic and neurodivergent people.
The Growing Futures appeal aims to raise the final £500,000 the farm will need to complete the project.
Mr Phillipson said: “Growing Futures is about tackling the disappointingly low employment rates among autistic and neurodivergent people in the UK.”
He added:
“By showing what autism acceptance looks like in action at New Warlands Farm, we can make a generational change to the prospects of autistic people in our region.”
The North East Autism Society has more activities planned across Autism Acceptance Month, including its annual Walk for Acceptance, held in Herrington Country Park on Friday 25 April.
The charity is also challenging participants to a ‘1k a day’ Facebook challenge, where participants will cover 1-kilometre for every day of April, in any way they can.
Schools and businesses are encouraged to get involved throughout the month, and NEAS has created resources and toolkits for any organisation that wants to take part in Autism Acceptance Month.
Get involved this Autism Acceptance Month
To sign up for toolkits, or for more information on how to get involved this April, visit our World Autism Acceptance Month site.
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