A CHARITY in Rugby is helping children with autism enjoy days out with their families thanks to a windfall from supermarket shoppers.
The Rugby Autism Network (RAN) has taken members on trips to Cadbury World, Cotswold Wildlife Park, Kenilworth Castle, Coombe Abbey Country Park and Ryton Pools as part of its Great Outdoors Project – with more outings planned for the coming months.
The project was given a boost over a year ago when RAN won a vote among Tesco shoppers in Rugby to receive £5,000 from the supermarket’s Bags of Help scheme.
RAN chair Fay McSorley said the project’s impact on the children had been huge.
She said: “It goes without saying that getting out of the house and into the fresh air is going to have a massive benefit on children’s health – both mental and physical.
“It’s fun, great for relieving stress and anxiety and, perhaps most importantly, it gives families the opportunity to spend time together in a peaceful natural environment.”
The project was established after many of the group’s members expressed a wish for more outdoor activities.
Fay added: “The outings have proved a real hit with all our members, which is why we’re keen to build on the programme further in 2019.”
Keith Jackson, Bags of Help manager at Tesco, said: “This is a fantastic project for the local community to support and we look forward to backing similar initiatives in the future.”
Visit www.rugbyautismnetwork.co.uk for more information on the Rugby Autism Network.