Leading Autism Campaigner
Posts tagged thisisstaffordshire
SAAS Receive £190,530.00 from the lottery
08 months ago
by kevinhealey33
in Autism
Staffordshire Adults Autistic Society (SAAS) receive lottery cash
The 5 year project called changing lives for Autistic spectrum disorder, will support adults on the spectrum, carers and professionals, the funding will enable the charity to recruit two members of staff an helpline officer and and admin officer.
Kevin Healey Chairman said, “this is amazing news for the charity and we are absolutely delighted, we continue to grow from strength to strength putting staffordshire on the map for Autism provision for Adults, the project will help health and social care, teachers to gain a better understanding of ASD, people on the spectrum will have improved mental and emotional well-being, through access to various information, and volunteers will gain increased skills and develop new skills within the charity.
SAAS recently attended Buckingham palace, and met with her Majesty the Queen, and was presented with the Queens award an M.B.E for the charity, she was very impressed with the work that SAAS have been doing over the last 5 years.
The Big Lottery Fund is the largest distributor half of National Lottery good cause funding across the UK. The Fund aims to enable others to make real improvements to communities and the lives of people most in need.
Media enquires: contact 07751223065/ 01782617088.
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New Autism Charity HQ & Autism Radio UK
01 year ago
by kevinhealey33
in Autism
Today we move into our new Charity HQ at old stables court, Queen Street Newcastle Staffs ST5 1ED, we have our own two floors, bathroom, kitchen, head office, helpline, resoursce library with over two hundred books, Downstairs we have Autism Radio UK (Fully kitted out studio which goes back on air this friday!), soon we will upload some photos of the new HQ!
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12 hour none stop Sponsored Radio show Autism Radio UK please Donate
01 year ago
by kevinhealey33
in Autism
well Autism Radio UK alongside Kevin Healey, Andrew Robinson, and Mark Alexander, will be doing a 12 hour marathon show, to raise funds for Autism Radio UK, and staffordshire Adults Autistic Society- it all goes off on the 22nd sept 2011 a 12 hour none stop show with the three presenters, from 10am until 10pm – you can donate on line by clicking hear DONATE NOW
It’s going to be a very long day, but we hope it raises allot f money for the charity, the target is £2000.00
please click on the share link below and share this fundraising story to your friends
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Susan Chandler R.I.P “One in a million”
02 years ago
by kevinhealey33
in Autism
Sue Chandler Tribute 1951-2011
(please email tributes to infosaas@ntlworld.com)
COMMUNITY stalwart Sue Chandler has died just weeks after being diagnosed with bowel cancer.
Sue, aged 59, was diagnosed with the illness in February, and died on April 5th 20011
Sue had previously been nominated for The Sentinel Our Heroes awards and for a place at Stoke-on-Trent‘s centenary dinner for her charity and volunteer work.
She set up the Special Educational Needs Support Group (SENSG) in 2006 and worked closely with Staffordshire Adults Autistic Society (SAAS), having held the position of secretary and was treasurer for the North Staffordshire Asperger and Autism Association in 2001.
She is survived by her husband of 21 years, Brian, aged 51, grown up children Sharon, Stephen and Andrew and two grandchildren.
In her role with SAAS, she set up workshops and conferences, ran autism awareness events and was a presenter for Autism Radio UK.
Brain Chandler
Sue gave up hours of her time each week to help the groups.Brian said: “Sue would spend hours organising things, doing fund-raising, taking people on trips and organising fairs.”Even when she was diagnosed with cancer, she was still working with SAAS.”Sue’s main passion was helping others. She enjoyed it more than going on holiday.”I will remember her every day. I look at the children and the grandchildren and I see Sue in them.”
Chairman of SAAS Kevin Healey
“Sue spent the last 10 years helping others, making their world a better place.”I have not met many people like her. I have lost a very dear friend and colleague. Nothing was too much trouble; Sue would help anyone at any given time.”Sue has made a huge difference to the lives of hundreds i feel totally numb & gutted that sue as been taken away so quickly, i met sue 10 years ago at the first Autism meeting i set up at the children development centre, since then we became very close friends, we spoke every day, and text each other every day, and now i just have the memories of such a wonderful lady that i will cherish forever & ever until we meet again sue i love you so much xxxxx Kevin”
In December, Kevin presented Sue with an outstanding achievement award for the voluntary sector at the charity’s Christmas gala.
Parents whose lives Sue helped through SENSG have also paid tribute to her.
Karen Knapper,
“Sue was so kind. I didn’t have any family down here and I could just pick up the phone to Sue and she was there.”My son is at sixth form college now and he is doing really well, and that’s down to Sue.”
Jo Burnett
“I was put in touch with Sue five years ago and she helped me and Jack. Sue became like a second mum to me. We became really close.”She was one in a million.
Christine Scrivens
“My thoughts and prayers are with her family who, while we lost a wonderful friend,they have lost their Mother, Grandmother, Wife and Sister and Aunt.”
Jo Meek
“I was intoduced to Sue by a friend of hers who told me that she had been through what I was going through with my Son within ten mins of Lynn giving her my number, she rang me, she was so nice, I suddenly felt no more alone and she invited me to her Sens group on the first group at the Mount. She was so kind and cute I just had to cuddle her, she did so much for our families and pampered us Mums and this loss of Sue is so unfair and heartbreaking I will really miss her Thankyou so much Sue for being in my life you were such a great little lady xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx”
Jenni Miller
“I am so very sorry to hear of your loss Kevin, and i send my love to u and all of Susans family. Treasure your memories and Susan will always be with you.x. Carry on with your good work and she will smile down on you and watch over you from above.x.”
Marie Gungor
“Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, Such a lovely lady sadly missed by her family and very close friends RIP xx”
Tom Plimbley
“Sue was a very special, kind, true and selfless individual – i’ve only had the pleasure of working with Sue for 6 months which doesn’t sound a lot but in those 6 months I grew to know a very, very lovely Lady who alwalys put others first even if it was at her expense – TRULY RARE – the world would be a better place with more people like Sue – WE ALL MISS YOU SUE AND YOUR LOVELY SMILE – GOD BLESS – My heartfelt sympathies to the family and to all who knew Sue.”
Joshua Littler
“I will really miss sue it has come to a shock to me when she died I carnt stop crying”
James Meakin
“Sue was such a lovely, caring person who will be sadly missed by a lot of people. R.I.P Sue. Xxx”
Julie Kearns
“Sue was a lovely kind person and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
RIP Julie xx”
Alison Amison
“im so lost for words carnt believe you have gone, you will always be an angel as you were in life you will be in death.xxxx god bless all the family.xxx”
Jennie Murray
“I had only known Sue for a short time but was immediately impressed by her warmth, kindness and care for others. I was looking forward to getting to know her better and still can’t believe that chance has gone. All my thoughts now are with Sue’s family and friends”
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please Vote for SAAS Autism to win upto, 10,000 in a competition
02 years ago
by kevinhealey33
in Autism
please vote for SAAS click hear to vote (VOTE HEAR VIA FACEBOOK)
vote for SAAS Autism to win 10,000
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Kevin Healey on Autism Blog Talk Radio
02 years ago
by kevinhealey33
in Autism
Autism Show Kevin Healey- Author of twin brothers worlds apart, with special guest’s every week, call in and join the show, if you have any questions or comments you can use our online chat service when we are live on air Kevin Said- There has been quite a few films on Autism but these have mainly been on Autistic Savants, and they show Autism in a different perspective, However this film will show my childhood up to my Adult years, also there has never been a film released by twins on the Autistic spectrum. Proceeds from the film will goto SAAS Staffordshire Adults Autistic Society.www.saas.uk.com The Book Title was the brain child of Kevin’s Sister Julie Healey who was the inspiration of the Book Title, and also the main poem which features in the Book, the film will show Kevin’s childhood up-to his Adult years, Also the Book was Huge success because of all the support from Co Author Elisabeth Hughes. The Charity are looking for potential Filmmakers, Screenwriters and Producers, for more information please contact The charity’s HQ on 01782617088 or email infosaas@ntlworld.com
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Autism charity SAAS to launch charity Single
02 years ago
SAAS Will be releasing a charity single in the new year 2011, Martin Finn and Carly Ryan off BBC3′S autistic superstars will make the single possible for the charity, currently Martin and Carly are the Amassadors for Autism Radio UK which operates under the charity (SAAS).
more details to follow soon in the new year
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Autism Campaigner Kevin Healey hands over thousands of names today to NO 10 for Autism
02 years ago
Kevin Healey at NO 10 for the Autism Campaign that he launched
In May 2010, i launched the ‘It’s Time For Change -Stand-up For Autism’ project.
The petition asks the major political party leaders to put autism at the top of their agendas.
So far i have had support from celebrities and MPs and backing from the National Autistic Society (NAS) for my campaign – which started in Stoke, but has since grown nationwide.
I’m chairman of Staffordshire Adults Autistic Society(SAAS) “Enough is enough. Now it’s about time the government woke up to autism. Over 500,000 are affected in the UK and with the recent autism act only half a million pounds have been ploughed into autism; it’s ridiculous.
i get hundreds of calls each month with people at breaking point. They struggle to access the right support, i.e. housing, benefits, respite care and employment. I have known people to take their own lives, families and marriages break up, and more and the Government need to act now and do more for autism.
(taken from the mapping project for the city in 2004) the waiting list for a diagnosis in Stoke can be 10 months, due to the service only operating two and a half hours a week.
Staffordshire has “around 11,000 people with an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), “There are 1023 children under 16 in Stoke alone with an ASD”.
thousands of people have signed the petition, including local MPs Joan Walley, Rob Flello and Paul Farrelly. Celebrity astrologer Russell Grant is also amongst the supporters.
SAAS recently launched the first national autism radio station in the UK - Autism Radio UK an internet based service manned by those affected by autism and Aspergers syndrome, which provides information and news to others.
it’s time for change Campaign stand up for Autism with Kevin Healey
Last November the government passed the Autism Act 2009 , the first legislation of its kind in the UK. It sets in law the requirement for the Secretary of State to publish a strategy for meeting the needs of autistic adults. This then has to be enacted by local authorities and the NHS.
The act was first brought to parliament by Conservative MP Cheryl Gillan who agreed to take forward a private member’s bill on autism in late 2008.
A similar bill is currently going before the Scottish parliament.
Only 15% of adults with autism in the UK are in full-time paid employment
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Three more days before the launch of the first autism radio station
02 years ago
by kevinhealey33
in Autism
Our launch is just three days away now before we do our very first live broadcast the mayor of Newcastle under Lyme will be attending the event alongside VIP guests also joining us Carly and Martin from the autistic superstars please join us for the live broadcast Monday the 27th at 700pm tune in www.autismradiouk.co.uk
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petition collectors wanted 4 our Autism Campaign “it’s time for change stand up for Autism with Kevin Healey Today”
02 years ago
please get involved and download a petition from www.autism-campaign.co.uk or contact us on 01782 617088 and our charity HQ can send you some form’s out, we are looking to obtain 20,000 names to take to the government, this campaign started over six weeks ago and now has over 2300 followers on facebook and 35000 on twitter
volunteers are out on staffordshire this weekend collating signatures, if you would like to get involved please contact us, it’s your child’s/Adult future at the end of the day, with the current crisis of the government wanting to scrap DLA and other benefits for people with Autism, as well as the recent Autism Act the so called 500.000 into this and this is just for training please get behind SAAS now one of the largest Autism Adult charities in the UK campaigning on behalf of you so please support this vital change so we can make the Government listen
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Kevin Healey Autism Campaign launched today
03 years ago
ok the campaign is well under way with a new video on facebook and you tube, plus twitter, and you tube to keep upto date with the campaign visit this site but most of all make sure you join the facebook campaign site http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/its-time-for-changestand-up-for-autism-campaign-with-Kevin-Healey/118425941522533?ref=ts
don’t forget to sign the petition hear http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/stand_up_4_autism/
new video coming soon, make sure all your contacts, friends and family are aware of what this campaign is all about…
this campaign is aimed @ the three political leaders need to take more action for autism, and put autism on top of the political agenda autism affects over 500,000 people in the UK autism affects children and adults in so many ways……. communication, social interaction, imagination vaccines don’t cause autism there is no scientific proof yet…… nobody know what causes autism…. as a person with autism i don’t believe that biomedical intervention can help autism the three political leaders need to take me seriously and the many thousands like me affected by autism its time for change….stand up for autism campaign with Kevin Healey
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Young, Autistic and Stagestruck Channel 4
13 years ago
by kevinhealey33
in Autism
Channel 4 are to televised a new series directed by David Dehaney called ‘Young, Autistic and Stagestruck.’ The Channel 4 series follows nine autistic youngsters as they try to produce their own stage show, guided by theatre professionals.These professionals have never worked with a cast of young people who are all on the autism spectrum.
The first episode of the series introduces the first five youngsters. Twelve-year-old Ben has high functioning autism: he’s exceptionally bright but experiences acute loneliness. But as the project develops he starts to bond successfully with the other youngsters.
Andrew, 17, is classically autistic, and despite limited social skills, he is very keen to have his first proper relationship with a girl. From day one he starts getting closer to Claire, 19, and takes her on the first date of his life: a night at the cinema. Claire is a talented singer and pianist who also struggles socially.
Mollie, 11, is prone to tantrums and lengthy sulks, which test her mother’s considerable patience. She suffers from PDA – Pathological Demand Avoidance – a pervasive developmental disorder with symptoms including mood swings, language delay and obsessive behaviour. A talented singer, Mollie was diagnosed with autism at four.
Eleven-year-old Jozsef is more challenged by his autism, but his playfulness makes him endearing to others and soon turns him into the group joker.
at the beginning of the program the lady who was leading the workshop said after the first hour session she felt as though she had been hit by a truck?? i wonder what she meant by this, was it all too much for her?
When i watched the first episode Ben 12 did not want to participate in the group session he did no want to stand and take part, and to me that’s completely fine as he said he felt uncomfortable. Ben was quite direct and very outspoken which i though was quite funny he was to the point.
Ben says’ he has a negative personality
Andrew his parents said he was diagnosed with classical Autism, at the age of 5, but had quite good communication skills and interacted quite well with others, he was interacting quite well with Claire including hugs, which i know quite allot of classical autistics don’t like touch or that social contact, when been interviewed he came across quite well with the presenter
Joseph 11 classes as severely Autistic, did have limited communication skills, he likes to have several baths a day and likes the contact with water
Claire 19, was a fantastic singer very HF and could play the piano, as well as singing classical songs, i thought she was remarkably gifted.
overall i thought the first program was really good, but on the same token every person whether they are Autistic, Classic, kanner, Asperger, HF each one is different in there own way they all have different ability, and talents, and it was good to see more awareness been shown on British TV
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Sue Dedicates 10 Years of community work to Charity
03 years ago
Sue Chandler Secretary of SAAS along with Kevin Healey attended the 100th year of Stoke On Trent event Sue, was nominated as one of the top 50th people in the City for recognition of her work to the community for the last ten years.
Kevin Healey Said
Sue has helped so many people over the years her dedication and commitment to the community of Stoke On trent is fantastic, you don’t come across many people like sue who puts others before herself
The dinner included 50 people nominated by Sentinel readers and their guests, making up The Sentinel 100.
Mrs Chandler said she decided to establish SENSG, which meets every week at the Hope Children’s Centre, in Garth Street, Hanley, after being motivated by people she met as a volunteer for the city council’s Parent Partnership.
In this role she helped to support families with special needs children by liaising with their schools and also attending tribunals.
She said it made her realise how little support there was to parents of children with special needs.
Mrs Chandler, who is mum to Steven, aged 36, Sharon, aged 33, and Andrew, aged 18, said: “I am over the moon to be nominated. I did not expect anything like this. I just like to help people and make sure they get who they are entitled to.
“I also love Stoke-on-Trent so would be very proud to attend this dinner.”
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Script Writer for Twin brother’s worlds apart Autism Film
03 years ago
Well its been chaotic i have been approached by 12 film Directors now God! i cant keep up with them, so know I’m looking for a good film production company and most importantly a good Screen writer to do the script for the film, the interview on friday went really well the BBC Stoke presenter did asked who would i really like to direct the film well of course me been quite literal and straight to the point i said one person Steven Spielberg WHY? because he is on the spectrum, he is a great Director, and he would make the best Autism film ever, well i guess my expectations are High
i have also been contacted by one film director from London who wants to buy the right of my book, but i don’t want to do this one its copyrighted, and plus i don’t want someone manipulating my life story or changing the story for that reason.
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Sue Chandler has spent 10 years helping children with special needs and their families
13 years ago
KIND-HEARTED Sue Chandler has spent 10 years helping children with special needs and their families.
The 58-year-old was treasurer for the North Staffordshire Asperger and Autism Association before setting up the Special Educational Needs Support Group (SENSG) in 2006.
The mother-of-three of Mary Rose Close, Bucknall, gives up hours of her time each week to the group, which helps around 70 people across the area.
She gives benefit advice, organises day trips, holds fund-raising events and supports families with the benefit of her experience in whatever way she can.
Now Kevin Healey, chair of the Staffordshire Adults Autistic Society (SAAS), has said she deserves civic recognition for her long-term contribution to the area
He has nominated her to attend a dinner celebrating 100 years of the federation of Stoke-on-Trent next month where the city’s Citizen of the Century will be announced.
The 35-year-old of Newcastle said: “Sue is an inspirational woman, a lady who has sometimes not found life to be quite so easy, but who shows the strength and determination to help others.
“Sue has spent the last 10 years helping others, making their world a better place to live in. Her enthusiasm and dedication is second to none. I have not met many people like her.
“She is a very determined person and her heart is in the right place. She has made a huge difference to the lives of hundreds of children and also their parents who are at the end of their tether.
“She has made a great difference to the community and especially to the people of Stoke-on-Trent.”
A panel of judges have already selected 10 individuals who they felt had made significant impact on Stoke-on-Trent. The list includes politicians, sportsmen, a pottery industry pioneer, a pop superstar and inventors.
However, they are still appealing to the public to comment on the shortlist and suggest other names.
Shortlisted residents will be invited to attend a celebration dinner at King’s Hall, Stoke, on March 31 when the overall winner will be announced.
The dinner will include 50 people nominated by Sentinel readers and their guests, making up The Sentinel 100.
Mrs Chandler said she decided to establish SENSG, which meets every week at the Hope Children’s Centre, in Garth Street, Hanley, after being motivated by people she met as a volunteer for the city council’s Parent Partnership.
In this role she helped to support families with special needs children by liaising with their schools and also attending tribunals.
She said it made her realise how little support there was to parents of children with special needs.
Mrs Chandler, who is mum to Steven, aged 36, Sharon, aged 33, and Andrew, aged 18, said: “I am over the moon to be nominated. I did not expect anything like this. I just like to help people and make sure they get who they are entitled to.
“I also love Stoke-on-Trent so would be very proud to attend this dinner.”
Readers can still suggest nominees.
To nominate someone for The Sentinel 100, write, outlining your nomination to: The Sentinel 100, Sentinel House, Forge Lane, Etruria, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 5SS
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5 Million pound Autism Centre that never happened!
03 years ago
by kevinhealey33
in Autism
6 years ago I thought that one day in Stoke On Trent that we would have a centre of excellence, a Autism centre consisting of diagnosing children and adults, a autism clinic, therapy centre, dentist, adult independent life skills centre, that would support the many thousands of people living in staffordshire affected with Autism.
I am the founder of the first Autism charity in Stoke on trent the NSAAA, (North Staffordshire Asperger Autism Association), I founded this charity simply because i did not want any other person to go through the sheer HELL i went through, ie professionals not listening to me, when i knew that i was on the spectrum, after i got Diagnosed by one of the worlds renowned experts in Autism Professor Simon Barhoen Choen, when i got back home from Cambridge i felt very isolated and alone simply because i did not know of anyone else who was just like me.
So i started to end the children’s child development centre at the city General Hospital, once a month where parents would meet and discuss various topics of Autism one of them been isolated and no where to turn to, after many month of attending these sessions i kept coming away from them feeling very depressed because everything was so negative from the sessions.
I then met up with a member of staff from the Newcastle under lyme Voluntary sector Noshin Flyn and i explained to her how isolated i felt, she said why don’t i set something up with like minded people who had a interest in Autism, so in October 2000, i set up my first public meeting at the child development unit it was very scary, i invited the National Autistic Society and Social services and the local health Authority, the meeting was very well attended with over 100 people in attendance the meeting just showed how important Autism services were needed in this area.
October 2001 saw the inception of the NSAAA this was a very exciting time a new Autism Charity to support adults and children on the spectrum, we decided to have a drop in centre, and a social group, and a Autism library, the office was run by volunteers people with an Autistic spectrum and also parents of children with Autism the committee was made up of the same type of people
I applied with for my first grant to get funding for an office, and when the news came through the post that we had received a large grant from the Give it sum fund, i just burst into tears because i knew that this was so needed in the community for people with ASD.
After a few years, Jan Williams (Robbie Williams mum) came to see me in the office, she was very impressed with the volunteers and the work of the NSAAA, i mentioned to her that I would like to have a centre of excellence, she was very interested, and we decided to meet up regularly to discuss future plans of the Autism centre, Jan that arranged a funding committee to help raise the 5 million.
October 2004 the Big launch night of the 5 million pound appeal, The local media BBC Radio stoke, the sentinel, cross rhythms radio, a film crew and over 400 guests were present at Gatsby’s bar in Newcastle, Jan and Johnathan Wilkes went on stage to say how important this centre was and how needed it was in this area, also the Number one darts player Phil Taylor came along to show is support, the night was a real success a start to something BIG.
Me and Jan then met up with Bill Bratt from port Vale football club, we had planners come up from London to draw up plans of the centre and everything was going so smoothly until…… some of the trustees did not want the NSAAA to carry on with the campaign because they thought that building a centre on a football ground would not be practical and children, would not cope with the noise on a match day etc (maybe so but all these celebrates including Anthea Turner, knew that this centre would be achievable within a few years.
Sadly i resigned from the NSAAA in 2005 due to various reasons, one was because of the centre not going ahead because certain people did not want it there also, because some people thought that Kevin should not be Chairman, maybe because he is autistic and he is not the right person to be a chairman.
The sad fact remains the vision of this unique centre has now been lost for good all the dreams and work that was involved by everyone is now just a distant memory.
if i won the lottery that’s the first thing i would have an Autism centre? WHY because its so needed and still is but because of a few minority it never happened….
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