Two Cumbrian parents who have sons with autism say they are preparing for a busy summer as their new charity hopes to support families.
Nadia Shaw, of Flimby, and twin sister Natalie, and their partners, set up Bee Unique, to embrace, educate and entertain those diagnosed with and those engaged in the diagnosis of autism.
“My two boys have autism and I wanted to help others,” said Nadia, 35.
“We set up a Facebook site where people can post details and get support for the challenges they face.
“We have a site set up for fundraising and a shop. We wanted the Facebook page to be a place where people introduce themselves, we didn’t want to make it about us.”
The page was set up to give families the opportunities to share their problems and also help each other through the hard times.
“There is a lack of support and a stigma around autism,” said Nadia.
“The more public understanding there is, the more it helps those with a diagnosis and their families.
“There is not always the support out there for parents and carers. We want to provide more support.”
Nadia says their plans have been disrupted due to the coronavirus pandemic, but that they hope to hold regular events in the coming weeks and months and also plan to open up their home near Flimby.
“We have been overwhelmed with the support we have received,” said Nadia.
“We have plans to hold events outside at our home to offer activities for parents and carers and their children.”
The family have a play park and various animals at their home for families to enjoy, with the aim of providing sensory stimulation and tactile play.
They also hope to hold activities such as swimming and trampoline sessions when restrictions allow.
To find out more about the charity, go to www.beeuniquecharity.co.uk
A fundraiser for the charity has so far raised more than £1,800. To donate, go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/bee-unique?utm_term=dx7r3zM5J
