Issue 3 2026 www.ne-as.org.uk
A DECADE OF EMPLOYMENT FUTURES 100 DAYS AS CEO
PLUS CHRISTMAS EVENTS: HIDDEN BARRIERS, GROWING FUTURES, AND MUCH MORE
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Notes from our CEO With the leaves beginning to change colour for autumn, we can look back at an incredibly busy summer for us at the North East Autism Society.
Paul McGinnety Chief Executive Officer
In my first hundred days as CEO of this lifechanging organisation, which you can read about on page 6, I’ve been overwhelmed by the welcome I’ve received from our amazing supporters, the staff who make NEAS what it is, and the autistic people and families that we support.
Growing Futures is going to offer autistic people in our region new opportunities for work and training, and it wouldn’t be possible without the expertise of our Employment Futures team, who have supported hundreds of people into long term, fulfilling jobs in the ten years since the service was created (page 8).
The summer had so many highlights for us, and I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who fundraised for us in events like our London to Paris cycle challenge, or the Great North Run – and to all our staff, who filled the summer with activities for our people, with holidays, parties, and festivities.
Our newest ‘Hidden Barriers’ documentary is out, covering health inequality and the additional obstacles autistic people face in getting access to GPs surgeries (page 10). And finally, with Christmas on its way, we’d love to give you an early taste of what we’re doing at New Warlands, with traditional Christmas puddings that you can order ahead of the big day.
Looking forward to autumn and winter, we’re on track to finish the amazing development at New Warlands. Working on Growing Futures with our incredibly passionate team has been an honour, and as we approach the final milestone, we were delighted to welcome Sir Peter Vardy to the site (page 12), after his belief and support of the project meant so much to us.
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Thank you for your incredible support,
Paul McGinnety
Contents 4 Christmas events
A whole host of festive fun on the horizon at NEAS.
6 100 Days as CEO
Find out how our new CEO has settled in.
8 10 Years of Employment Futures A decade of removing barriers and empowering people.
10 Hidden Barriers
Find out more about our latest Hidden Barriers film.
11 GP Tips
Make your trip to the GP as smooth as possible.
12 Growing Futures
Find out what’s been happening at New Warlands
14 Highlights of the Quarter
A glance at some of the incredible things that happened throughout NEAS this quarter.
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North East Autism Society Unit 15 Lumley Court Drum Industrial Estate Chester-le-Street DH2 1AN 0191 410 9974 info@ne-as.org.uk www.ne-as.org.uk Registered Charity No. 1028260 Company Limited by Guarantee No. 2859620
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Christmas Market Saturday, 28 November from 10am - 2pm New Warlands Farm, Holmside, Edmondsley, Durham, DH7 6EX Relaxed Santa Sessions
Enjoy a magical visit to Santa in our cosy grotto, with quieter, relaxed sessions available for children, young people and adults.
Booking essential • Limited spaces available
Come and join us! If you would like a stall at the event, please get in touch with the team on 0191 371 3010 or email thefarm@ne-as.org.uk 4
Christmas Events We’re on the countdown to Christmas and have a list of festive activities you won’t want to miss!
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Messages from Santa Videos Don’t miss out on a magical personalised makaton message from Santa this Christmas!
Jolly Jumper Day
Spread some cheer, wear your favourite festive jumper and make a donation to NEAS!
Date: Thursday 10th December Sign up: ne-as.org.uk/event/jollyjumperday
For just £10, your little ones will receive a bespoke video from Santa himself, with special mentions about their achievements, favourite things, and what they want for Christmas. It’s the perfect festive treat for children who might find visiting a busy grotto a little overwhelming.
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Messages will be delivered before 18th December, and there’s only a limited number available, so get your request in early! Click Here
Great Festive Bake Off
Whip up something delicious and join in the festive baking fun.
Date: Thursday 10th December Sign up: ne-as.org.uk/event/festivebakeoff
Letters A magical letter from Santa delivered straight to your door! This Christmas, Santa is writing personalised letters, created especially for your child and posted directly from the North Pole. Each letter will include: • Your child’s name • Where they live and who they live with • A special achievement or proud moment from their year There are six designs to choose from with each letter being carefully written and signed by Santa himself.
New Warlands Traditional Christmas Puddings Lovingly handcrafted by our adults at New Warlands. Made with quality fruit, festive spices, and brandy. Nothing artificial.
Letters are £5 each, with all proceeds supporting our Growing Futures appeal Click Here
Available in three sizes and retailing from £6-£20.
Other upcoming events Keep an eye on our full events calendar for the latest activities, fundraisers, and ways to get involved: www.ne-as.org.uk/our-events
For collection only. All orders must be collected at New Warlands Christmas market on the 28th November.
Whether you join us for a fete, a fundraiser, or a fun festive day, there’s something for everyone and every event helps support the amazing work we do. 5
100 Days as CEO Paul McGinnety’s first 100 days as the new CEO of the North East Autism Society. By Peter Barron
Days into his fact-finding tour as the new Chief Executive of the North East Autism Society (NEAS), Paul McGinnety accepted an invitation to help out at a disco for supported individuals. And a look around the room quickly underlined why he’d made the right decision to return to his home region to run NEAS after 13 years working abroad. “I was struck by the unbridled joy on so many faces,” recalls Paul. “Some were in feather boas, others were playing inflatable guitars or saxophones, and they were having the time of their lives. “I felt the warmth in the room, and I had no doubt I’d made the right decision to come back to the North East. Those faces underlined what NEAS is all about – what a special organisation it is.” Paul, who was born in North Shields and grew up in Durham, has completed his first 100 days as CEO, and he’s “hugely excited” by what he’s found. “Every day, I’ve seen dedicated colleagues go above and beyond, service-users living their best lives, and families who know their loved-ones are in safe hands.”
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Paul’s focus so far has been on listening to staff and families to find out how he can build on the foundations laid by his predecessor, John Phillipson, who has retired after 21 years at the helm. From Northumberland to Teesside, Paul has visited the charity’s schools, colleges, residential homes, supported living facilities, and attended summer events – including the Sunderland disco. “It’s important for me to listen to those whose lives are embedded in the organisation – staff, families and service-users,” he says. “Some colleagues have dedicated 40 years of their working lives to NEAS. They are the experts and their feedback will help develop an inclusive threeyear strategy.” Having started with local authorities in the North East, Paul embarked on a five-year stint on the remote South Atlantic island of Saint Helena, where his responsibilities included safeguarding and tackling poverty. In 2018, he and his family moved to Jersey, where he rose to become Director of Local Services, leading on homelessness and disability, as well as overseeing care homes during the pandemic, and co-ordinating charities. “I was happily settled in Jersey but the chance to become chief executive of NEAS was too good to resist,” says the father-of-two.
And he certainly hasn’t been disappointed by his 100-day experience.
“I’m delighted to say that our properties around the region are of a really high standard, so it’s a question of how we can maximise their use.”
“I’ve been bowled over by the commitment of the staff, and the trust placed in us by so many families,” he says.
With residents living longer, the charity also needs to plan for an older population and assess its accommodation needs for the longer term, adds Paul.
“It’s my job to build on what’s already here, and it’s been lovely that so many colleagues and families have come forward with ideas.” Paul is speaking during a visit to New Warlands, near Burnhope, in County Durham, which NEAS is developing into a £4.9m training and employment hub for autistic and neurodivergent people, as well as a working farm and visitor centre. Thanks to the dry summer, work is on schedule for the farm to be operational by the end of the year, with an official launch planned for April. And the ideas given to Paul by staff members include opening the farm buildings at weekends for additional social activities, including creating a cinema. “The farm was an amazing vision long before I arrived, but we want to take that vision even further,” says Paul. “One colleague, who has an autistic son, told me that she finds it difficult to find soft-play facilities that fit his sensory profile. She also finds it hard to take her son to the cinema because mainstream provision can be challenging. “That feedback has inspired us to look at using the main building at the farm as a soft-play venue at weekends, as well as turning it into a cinema because it has a large wall that’s perfect for screening films. “We want New Warlands to be a place where we have the expertise to train autistic people and help them achieve qualifications that support their employment prospects.”
Another priority is to invest in technology and streamline processes, to free up time for the charity’s 1,200 staff. “If we don’t modernise, we’l lose good people, so it’s about making people’s jobs easier and creating more space in their working day to provide the amazing support NEAS is known for,” he explains. Other new measures will include a salary sacrifice scheme, plus enhanced terms and conditions on maternity, paternity and adoption. The charity is also looking to support staff with Electric Vehicle charging points, plus free meals for those working in schools and colleges. This year marks the 10th anniversary of Employment Futures, a department set up by NEAS to support autistic people into work experience, training and employment. “We want to build on the success of Employment Futures by bringing outsourced services in-house, so we can create more job opportunities,” says Paul, who is in discussions with Greggs and other North East businesses around training partnerships. In the meantime, NEAS has won a new contract with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council to provide residential services for autistic children. The first 100 days have passed quickly, but Paul McGinnety is relishing the challenge that enticed him back home. “We have to be exemplars in everything we do,” he insists. “And if I don’t consider it to be good enough for my children, then it won’t be good enough for anyone’s else’s children.”
“The farm can also be somewhere families can feel safe and relax with a slice of cake and a coffee, while having fun in the soft-play, or watching a movie.
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10 Years of Employment Futures For 10 years the Employment Futures team has been removing barriers and empowering individuals to take their next steps into meaningful employment.
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What began as a two-person team in 2016 has grown exponentially, with the team now providing bespoke support and advice to more than 2,000 people across the North East. Overseen by Employment Services Manager, John Facchini, Employment Futures’ mission isn’t a complex one – but it’s poignant.
“Employment Futures was established with a simple but powerful purpose,” said John. “That purpose is to support neurodivergent people into employment or help them take meaningful steps closer to the job market.” 10 years later, that powerful purpose remains steadfast and the two-person team has developed into a 20-person unit filled with dedicated professionals committed to the cause.
“Our passion and commitment to our mission has only grown stronger over the years,” said John. “And I am immensely proud of every member of our team and the difference they make every day. “Our success is not measured solely by employment outcomes, but by the countless moments of personal achievement we witness along the way.” The bespoke nature of the provision is a real point of pride for the team and it’s what sets Employment Futures apart from other programmes. “Whether it is someone gaining the confidence to travel independently on public transport, developing essential life skills, progressing into education, or securing meaningful employment, every achievement represents a significant step forward in someone’s life.” Community plays a pivotal role in everyone’s Employment Futures journey, which is why John believes it’s important that all involved feel valued and recognised for the part they play
“Over the last decade we’ve had the privilege of supporting thousands of individuals to realise their potential, build their confidence, and achieve goals they may have once thought impossible. “These successes belong not only to our participants, but to our dedicated staff, partners, employers, families, and supporters who have been part of our journey.” While it’s important to reflect on and celebrate past successes, John and the Employment Futures team are always looking to the future and ensuring acceptance and inclusion are at the forefront of all employers’ minds. “As we celebrate this important milestone, we also look ahead with excitement and determination,” said John. “The need for our work remains as important as ever, and we will continue to champion opportunities for autistic and neurodivergent people, helping to create a more inclusive society where everyone has the chance to succeed. “Thank you to everyone who has been part of our first ten years. Here’s to the next decade of changing lives, breaking down barriers, and creating opportunities.” 9
Autism and GP Surgeries ‘Unbearable’ waiting rooms, difficulty communicating pain, and potentially severe symptoms being dismissed as ‘just autism’ are just some of the obstacles identified in our new documentary on GP Surgeries. Backed by TV doctors Dr Amir Khan and Dr Hilary Jones, and healthcare activist Paula McGowan OBE, the newest film in our Hidden Barriers series investigates health inequality in GP surgeries. The film reveals that more than half of autistic people have had medical symptoms dismissed by GPs as “just autism” or anxiety. Candice Burton, mother of seven-year-old Cameron from Newton Aycliffe, told filmmakers: “I’ve lost count of the number of times we’ve had medical professionals say Cameron’s symptoms are just behavioural.” Candice added: “It can add so much frustration and heartbreak around an already difficult situation, and it can become dangerous very quickly.” Autistic people suffer poorer health than the general population. Their life expectancy is lower, and they are twice as likely to need emergency care. Filmmakers from the North East Autism Society wanted to investigate why this was – and found that one of the reasons is the challenge of going to the doctors.
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A survey conducted to go alongside the film found that: • 80% of autistic adults and children find waiting rooms unbearable because of sensory challenges, including lighting, crowds and noise • 80% find it difficult to identify or communicate their pain to doctors • 75% find physical examinations difficult because of hyper-sensitivity to touch Dr Kathy Petersen, medical director for mental health, neurodivergence and learning disability for the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board, told filmmakers: “Our systems are not as autism accepting as we would like, and there’s much work to be done on that. “One of the things we’re doing is rolling out a digital flag which acknowledges someone might need adjustments and making them known in the system.” North East Autism Society CEO Paul McGinnety said: “No one should have their pain or illness dismissed because they are autistic. Simple adjustments can transform healthcare experiences and ultimately save lives.” Watch the film on YouTube:
GP Surgery Tips With the release of Autism and GP Surgeries, the latest film in our Hidden Barriers series, here are our tips you can use if you or someone you support finds it difficult to access surgeries for appointments. 1. Ask for reasonable adjustments Under the equality act surgeries have a legal duty to offer adjustments to disabled people – for example, a quiet area to wait, appointments at a specific time, longer appointments, or an adjustment to meet your way of communicating.
5. Speak out if your needs aren’t met
You can ask reception staff about adjustments for yourself or someone you support.
Finally, you can also contact Healthwatch the independent champion of patients of health and social care services.
2. Make staff aware of your needs Ask for a ‘flag’ to be added to your notes, so staff are aware of your needs as soon as you contact them. 3. Ask someone else to speak on your behalf You can arrange for someone else to speak on your behalf on the phone by handing in a signed letter to reception staff, or by filling out the surgery’s form for that purpose. 4. Use a health passport Consider using a health passport such as the Autism Communication Tool developed by researchers in Liverpool. You fill in a form specifying what your needs are and what sensory challenges you have, as well as what you want to talk to the GP about. Then you take it in with you on your phone or print it out to show to staff at the surgery.
If you don’t get the support you need, make a complaint to the practice manager. If that doesn’t work, contact your local Patient Advice and Liaison Services (PALS) for support.
6. Change surgeries if another can help you You have the right to change surgeries if you find one that is likely to be more accommodating to your needs.
Helpful links: Create a Health Passport: Click here to Create a Health Passport. Find your local Patient Advice and Liaison Services: Click here to find your local Patient Advice and Liaison Services. Find your local Healthwatch Branch: Click here to find your local Healthwatch Branch
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One of the North East’s bestknown business leaders has praised the “incredible” progress of Growing Futures’ bid to transform a farm into a training and employment hub for autistic people.
Sir Peter Vardy has been a leading supporter of the vision created for Growing Futures at New Warlands, near Burnhope, in County Durham. As well as being a place where autistic people can develop employability skills, the site will also become a working farm and tourism attraction due to the £4.9m development. In March 2025, Sir Peter led a rallying cry to other North East businesses by pledging a £500,000 contribution towards the charity’s Growing Futures appeal. He called on other businesses in the region to come together to match the donation, urging them to “be part of something very special”. The second phase of the 78-acre project started this summer with the construction of new buildings, including a farm shop, café and cider mill. The site will also feature retail outlets, specialist play areas, wildlife areas, and a petting zoo, with internationally renowned artist Mackenzie Thorpe involved in producing the designs.
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The scheme is on schedule for Growing Futures at New Warlands to be operational by the end of the year, with a formal launch next April to celebrate World Autism Acceptance month. During a visit to the farm, Sir Peter said: “I think it’s fantastic the way the site’s developed. The speed of construction is faster than anything I’ve seen in the last five years. “To see the progress, and to think you’re going to have it ready for the end of the year, I think is incredible.”
“You invest in people. You invest in people who have passion, who have a vision of what can be done, and an ability to make it happen.” NEAS officially launched the ambitious project in November last year, with the symbolic planting of a sapling from the felled Sycamore Gap tree at Hadrian’s Wall.
As well as touring the development at New Warlands, Sir Peter also had a chance to sample early batches of the artisanal goods that will be sold on site in the farm shop, including freshly baked sourdough bread and chutney.
Mulberry Construction Group, architects BDM Ltd, and Turner and Townsend have come together to work on the development, while former NEAS CEO, John Phillipson, has stayed on as a consultant until the project has been completed.
Sir Peter added: “Throughout the work of The Vardy Foundation, I’ve found that outstanding people do great work, and our aim is to support the outstanding people who make things happen.
John’s successor, Paul McGinnety, said: “Sir Peter Vardy has played an inspirational and incredibly generous leading role in this development, and it was a pleasure to show him the remarkable progress that is being made.
“We invest in inspirational leaders, with fantastic vision, who can dream of what it will look like and make that dream a reality. It’s important to support the people that can do that.
“It is exciting for all of us to see the vision becoming a reality, knowing that New Warlands is going to be a place where lives are transformed for years to come.”
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Highlights of the quarter As we say hello to the colder days and darker nights, we’re reflecting on some of our standout achievements from the last few months. From gruelling fundraising challenges to new initiatives and new beginnings, here’s a look back at the people, moments, and milestones that have made the past few months so special. Great North Run
London to Paris Challenge
A huge thank you to our runners, every supporter lining the streets, and everyone cheering from home for this year’s Great North Run.
A team of cyclists raised nearly £8,000 for a charity’s ‘lifechanging’ project, after successfully completing a multi-day ride from London to Paris.
Our incredible runners raised a staggering £37,000! Every pound raised is vital and directly supports our life changing work supporting autistic children, young people, and adults right here in the North East.
Eight cyclists took part in the ‘Tour de NEAS’ a 240-mile cycle ride between capital cities organised by the North East Autism Society.
For more information about the 2027 Great North Run: Cilck here
Leading them was the charity’s former CEO, John Phillipson, who coined the challenge as a farewell fundraiser after 21-years at the helm. “I was persuaded to get my old bike out and take part in this ride as a farewell retirement fundraiser, and I’ve been absolutely blown away by people’s generosity,” John said. “The support shown not just for myself, but for the rest of the team as well, really helped keep us going through the rainy and windy days we had in Normandy.” Read more here
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Cooking up something special at New Warlands Hadrian’s Wall Challenge 34-year-old James Henderson raised more than £800 by successfully traversing the length of Hadrian’s Wall from Bowness-on-Solway to Wallsend. James, who was diagnosed as autistic two years ago, completed his 86-mile challenge over the stunning but rugged countryside by splitting the journey into longer and shorter legs. “I wanted to push myself,” said James. “I’m not someone who goes to the gym and I can’t run particularly well because I’ve got asthma, but I love walking. “It’s a good push for me to show that I can achieve something difficult and strenuous, and I just love being outdoors.”
Kayliegh Straker-Burgess is preparing to utilise her baking expertise in a whole new way as she embarks on her new role as Product Development & Vocational Mentor as part of the Growing Futures initiative at New Warlands. Kayliegh, alongside Linda McDonald, a well-loved former NEAS cook who has stepped out of retirement to help with the project, has been developing several products that adults at New Warlands can create. “I’m always looking at the bigger picture when thinking of product ideas,” said Kayliegh. “I’m always thinking where can I create a learning opportunity for our adults. “No matter the level of involvement, each product will require skills our adults can utilise in a work or home environment, with the ultimate aim being that they take their new skillset on to meaningful work wherever that may be.” Read more about Kayliegh’s incredible work here:
You can still support James’ incredible effort here: Read More Click Here 15
Since 2010, the North East Autism Society has been developing New Warlands into a place where autistic people can thrive. In 2023, we secured planning permission to grow the farm into something special; a visitor centre, cider press, workshop and café – which will support autistic and neurodivergent people directly by offering work placements and training opportunities. In 2025, our 45th anniversary year, we launched our Growing Futures appeal to help make our most ambitious project into a reality and transform the lives of autistic and neurodivergent people in our region.
Help us make a difference Our £4.4 million vision for New Warlands is the charity’s most ambitious project yet. Whether you’re a business or an individual, there are many different ways to get behind our appeal and help create something that will benefit autistic people – and the North East community – for years to come.
To find out more about the appeal visit: ne-as.org.uk/growing-futures
Scan the QR to donate
If you have any questions, get in touch with our fundraising team on 0191 410 9974 or email fundraising@ne-as.org.uk 16