Notes from our CEO
Giving a voice to autistic people is what we’re all about at NEAS, and during Autism Acceptance Month we celebrated those voices.
John Phillipson Chief Executive Officer
It is really powerful to hear from autistic people themselves about their lived experiences. That helps us as a society understand some of the challenges they face and the adjustments we should be making.
You can read about our Acceptance Month highlights on page 12. Thank you to all of you who supported us in some way.
We’re going to be working on more projects like that in coming months because autistic voices really do and must help us to shape the services that we provide.
A new facility I’m really excited about is our New Warlands Farm, where we’re about to start work on building a visitor attraction and training hub that will provide around 70 placements for autistic and neurodivergent people every year.
We’ve finalised the design plans and they are looking fantastic. By this time next year we should have a farm shop, a café restaurant with 92 covers, a cider press, and hopefully a play barn in the courtyard.
There is some fantastic support being offered by local companies with the site’s construction, which you can read more about on page 6. It’s a massive help to the charity and once again demonstrates how brilliant companies are in the North East.
Finally, I gave evidence recently to the House of Lords select committee investigating the impact of the 2009 Autism Act. It was a privilege to be there alongside some exceptional experts (see page 8).
We tried to get across that the Autism Act was welcome but hadn’t made a significant difference because of the limited resources made available to local authorities and NHS bodies, and the fact there was nobody to hold senior managers to account.
We also wanted to highlight the stigma that is still attached to autism, especially when you have people saying it can be cured or is being over-diagnosed. The Government needs to get behind families and autistic individuals to challenge these myths.
In the evidence I gave, I kept very clearly in mind the comments I’d received from autistic people I’d been talking to, and the people we support, and I hope I reflected their views in an appropriate way. That’s our mission.
Thank you for your support.
John Phillipson
Save the Date…
From the return of our summer fetes to a summer solstice challenge, we’ve put together a list of dates you won’t want to miss.
Incredible support boosts farm vision
Our Growing Futures appeal has received an overwhelming response, with major pledges and in-kind support helping transform New Warlands Farm into a training hub for autistic people
Our CEO addresses House of Lords
Our CEO, John Phillipson, was invited to the House of Lords to give evidence to its inquiry into how well the Autism Act 2009 is working.
Employment programmes create lasting impact
Nearly 200 autistic and neurodivergent individuals gained vital skills, confidence, and job opportunities through NEAS’s Diverse Pathways and ProgressNE programmes.
Hundreds
join us for Autism Acceptance Month
What a World Autism Acceptance Month we had! Thanks to everyone who supported us or shared our messages of acceptance and inclusion throughout April. Read our highlights.
Spotlight on… Our new trustees
Get to know the amazing trustees who use their experience and skills to help steer the charity and shape our future.
‘He’s getting to live his best life’
Amy Hossack shares how residential care transformed her autistic son Aaron’s life, bringing joy, stability, and family connection after years of struggle at home.
Highlights of the Quarter
It’s been an exciting quarter, with highlights including our Autism Activists winning awards, our charity hike success and VE Day celebrations across our services.
Save the Dates
Summer Fetes
Kiora Hall - 28th June
New Warlands Farm - 5th July
Mackenzie Thorpe Centre - 7th July
Thornhill Park Schools - 17th July
Join us for a fun-filled summer day at our annual fetes – the perfect outing for family and friends. Pick up some irresistible treats, one-of-a-kind gifts, and browse a range of handmade creations designed by our young people and adults. It’s a day of sunshine, shopping, and community spirit – all for a great cause!
Find out more:
Middlesbrough 10K
Sunday 31st August
Take to the streets of Teesside with Team NEAS! This year’s Middlesbrough 10k takes place on Sunday 31 August 2025, and you can take part in this fantastic event to raise vital funds to support North East Autism Society. Whether you’re a seasoned runner looking for a new PB, or you’re new to running and thinking of taking on a mass participation run for the first time, this fast and flat course is ideal for all comers.
To Register:
With a busy summer ahead of us, we’ve put together a list of events you don’t want to miss!
Scafell Summer Solstice Challenge
Saturday 21st June
Join fellow adventurers for the Scafell Summer Solstice Challenge – a thrilling trek that not only conquers England’s highest peak, but also takes on four additional Wainwrights along the way. Led and organised by the experienced team at TAKE A HIKE, this is your chance to embrace the longest day of the year with an epic journey through the stunning Lake District. While the challenge is managed by TAKE A HIKE, you can make every step count by choosing to fundraise for NEAS.
Find out more:
Make This Summer Count: Host your own fundraising event!
Make this summer one to remember by hosting your own fundraising event. Whether it’s a garden party, sponsored walk, bake sale, or even a family fun day, your event will help create brighter futures, with the money you raise going directly towards our Growing Futures appeal (read more on page 6).
Organising your own event is easier than you think. We’ll support you every step of the way with our top tips, promotional materials, and advice to help you spread the word and make your day a success. Whether your goal is £50 or £500, every penny helps!
So gather your friends and family and do something amazing this summer.
Ready to make it happen? Contact our fundraising team at fundraising@ne-as.org.uk or Whatapp 07585 976080.
Find out more online at:
www.ne-as.org.uk/our-events/
‘Incredible’ response to our Growing Futures appeal to make farm vision a reality
The Society has had an “incredible response” after appealing to businesses to help transform our New Warlands Farm site and create a wealth of opportunities for autistic people.
We launched the ‘Growing Futures’ appeal in March, with businessman and philanthropist Sir Peter Vardy leading the way by pledging £500,000.
Sir Peter challenged other businesses in the region to come together to match his donation, so that the bold vision for New Warlands Farm, near Burnhope, becomes a reality.
NEAS Chief Executive, John Phillipson, has now revealed that the charity is halfway to its target of matching Sir Peter’s pledge after being “overwhelmed” with financial donations and offers of ‘in-kind’ support.
“Having Sir Peter lead the way has created a great awareness of the campaign, and that has inspired an incredible response, giving us all the confidence we need to proceed with the development,” said Mr Phillipson.
The donations so far include £100,000 from the Reece Foundation, launched in 2007 by renowned North East engineer and businessman, Dr Alan Reece, “to fund engineering, manufacturing and environmental initiatives to support sustainable prosperity”.
Multinational professional services company Turner & Townsend, which has worked with NEAS on previous projects, is providing cost and project management at the farm free of charge – estimated at a value of around £85,000.
Meanwhile, Direct Business Group, based at Houghton-leSpring, has agreed to oversee the utilities infrastructure at New Warlands. The work, estimated to be worth around £100,000 to the charity, will ensure the development is sustainable and energy-efficient.
Direct Business Group is also in discussions with NEAS about a mutually beneficial partnership, which would see the company become the charity’s net zero partner across its portfolio of buildings.
NEAS fundraising manager, Kevin Meikle, said:
“These are just three key examples of the kind of support we’ve had. The £100,000 grant from the Reece Foundation makes a huge difference in terms of direct finance, and the in-kind support from highly respected companies like Turner & Townsend and Direct Business Group adds so much credibility. It fills us with confidence to know we are in such safe hands.”
The Direct Business Group also raised £10,000 for NEAS last year by raffling a holiday and matching the donation. The company has pledged to donate another £10,000 this year.
James Henderson, the company’s Chief of Staff, is particularly passionate about the charity’s work because
he was diagnosed as autistic and having Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) just last year.
“The diagnosis at the age of 32 finally made sense of my life,” said James. “It’s not until you start to realise what neurodivergence is that you find answers to questions you didn’t even know you had.
“Now, I want to use my own experience to help this fantastic charity to create this training hub that will help other autistic people gain new skills, secure jobs, and realise their full potential. The New Warlands Farm development is so visionary and it’s a privilege to be playing a part in it becoming a reality.”
Turner & Townsend director Steph Marshall said: “We have been working with NEAS for over 15 years, and we know how hard it is to deliver projects in today’s volatile market. Therefore, when the opportunity came up to support NEAS again, we wanted to make a difference.
“We know we can make an impact by delivering our services pro bono, freeing up critical funding for this facility that will benefit the community for years to come.
“Turner & Townsend is leading the delivery of this project with the clear focus of completing it to budget and on time—ensuring NEAS can begin delivering vocational training to its students.
“We will be using our digital tools to bring the project to life for NEAS and create visibility at all times on the forecasted cost, carbon and schedule of the project. This is an opportunity for us to apply our expertise to deliver long-lasting social impact.”
“There needs to be better local coordination between housing, social care, health and other agencies, and someone who oversees that.”
NEAS chief executive addresses House of Lords
NEAS chief executive John Phillipson was invited to the House of Lords to give evidence to its inquiry into how well the Autism Act 2009 is working.
John appeared as an expert witness at the House of Lords committee and emphasised the lack of community support for autistic adults and their families.
He told the Autism Act committee:
“I am really glad you have given me the opportunity to highlight one of the most significant inequalities in our society today.”
The Society is also putting together two powerful videos on stigma and on education to send to the committee.
The Autism Act was passed in 2009 to require the government and local authorities to have a strategy to improve services for autistic people. The House of Lords is examining how the act is working and what the government should do next.
John said the Act had raised awareness but failed to set out clear objectives or hold anyone to account.
“There needs to be better local coordination between housing, social care, health and other agencies, and someone who oversees that,” he told the Lords.
He gave the example of an autistic man who moved into his own home, supported by NEAS, after 43 years of detention in a mental health hospital. “As he described to me, he is living his best life,” John said.
“The quality of his life has improved immeasurably. It is £4,500 a week to support him in his own accommodation – versus £19,000 a week in the hospital he was in before. There are good financial arguments for doing the right thing.”
John also argued that lengthy waiting lists for diagnosis, the difficulty of seeing a GP, lack of autism training for professionals, and the stigma faced by autistic people were further barriers to accessing support.
“We are meeting a lot of people who are highly stressed and burned out because they are trying so hard to live by the rules of somebody else’s game, and the impact that has on mental health is tragic,” he added.
He called for an autism commissioner or minister to oversee a national autism strategy, and for more support with employment, mental health and diagnosis to prevent people reaching crisis point.
“I have had lots of conversations with autistic people who have said, ‘It is great that people are having these conversations, but wouldn’t it be nice if something happened?’,” he said.
Fleur Piacentini: “Every time you Google autism, it comes up with a list of deficits and things that need to be fixed in the person, which is then being interpreted as autistic people being broken. It’s not - it’s difference - and until we accept that difference, we’re never going to get anywhere.”
Katie: “Shortly after starting secondary school, my son became really withdrawn - he felt like nobody was listening to him, and he felt abandoned and like he had no control. It got worse and worse to the point where he couldn’t even face getting dressed for school, let alone attending it.”
Edward: “I feel lonely most of the time and don’t go out because I feel people are thinking bad things about me.”
This is what autistic people and their families told us for the videos we’re sending to the House of Lords as evidence.
The powerful statements describe the stigma and challenges that neurodivergent young people and adults still face in a society that is not built for them.
Tristan Kluibenschadl: “Children are dying daily because the support is not there, and sadly, we are one of those families. I just don’t want other parents to go through the horror we’ve been through and continue to go through daily.”
Laura Prince: “I’ve had to fight for both my daughters’ right to an education. I’m a secondary school teacher and I’ve been absolutely appalled and disgusted at the fight we’ve had to go through.”
Michelle: “We feel like we are sending our child into a harmful situation because she does not feel safe at school. She’s not going to achieve what she can achieve because of lack of understanding, lack of training, lack of support in the education system.”
Employment create lasting
Lisa Watson was supported by ProgressNE to find her first job in seven years, working at a Morrisons café in Morpeth, Northumberland.
Working with ProgressNE employment specialists, Lisa made improvements to her CV, and gained confidence expressing herself in interviews.
Although she hadn’t considered catering roles in the past, Lisa said:
“It was something different and I thought I would try it to see if I liked it. They are training me on the job, and I’ve completed the necessary online courses.”
Diverse Pathways participant Keiran said the programme, which helped him find work at a major retailer, meant he could take a “significant step forward in my career and cross barriers that I couldn’t cross before.”
Keiran added: “They don’t just see you as a client, they see you as a human being.
“The meetings I’ve had, and the topics discussed have motivated me to take more risks in many aspects of life and improve not only my career ambitions but also my mental and physical wellbeing.”
Josh Priest was 20 when he enrolled onto ProgressNE, and said his life had ‘opened up’ after he received travel training through the scheme.
Josh said: “It has given me independence and opened up so many doors for me.”
Josh’s advisor through the programme also introduced him to a boxing class in Blyth, and he now trains three times weekly.
“I love the boxing – it builds your personality and resilience, and I have got friends there as well,” Josh added.
Employment programmes lasting impact
When ProgressNE teamed up with a range of local employers to offer paid work placements, Josh took the opportunity, and started a multiple week placement at Newbiggin community hub’s Learning Café.
The Learning Café, alongside other employers that took part in the placements, was the recipient of a ‘Supportive Employer Award,’ as the ProgressNE programme came to an end.
Placements were designed to reflect real working conditions, and included an induction, with reasonable adjustments made to support participants.
Jen Hillyard, Library and Archives Manager at The Common Room, which took four placements, said:
“As an employer we were keen to try out this partnership with NEAS to widen our opportunities for people, and we were delighted to be recognised with an unexpected trophy.”
As a result of the placements, three of which took place remotely, The Common Room is examining the possibility of offering more remote placement and volunteering opportunities in the future.
John Facchini added:
“I am so proud of our Employment Futures team, together with Azure and Changing Lives, all of which have been integral in supporting our participants. Currently we have two programmes still running until March 2026, Empower Works north of the Tyne, and NES in South Tyneside, both of which had fantastic success over the last 12 months.
“I am excited to see us continue to deliver a high level of service to people across the North East.”
For more information on Employment Futures, including current support programmes, visit: www.ne-as.org.uk/employment-futures
Hundreds join us for Autism Acceptance Month
What a World Autism Acceptance Month we had!
Thanks to everyone who supported us or shared our messages of acceptance and inclusion throughout April. The focus of our campaign this year was Acceptance in Action and making a positive difference to autistic people and their families in the North East.
Here are some of the highlights: Walk for Acceptance
Hundreds of people turned out for our much-loved Walk for Acceptance at Herrington Country Park.
TV personality Pam Royle – a NEAS patron - launched the walk, which she described as an “uplifting, family occasion”.
“It was a joy to be there and see so many people out in the fresh air, supporting a wonderful message,” Pam added.
Toolkits success
We offered free toolkits to help teachers and employers create more inclusive environments for autistic and neurodivergent people.
More than 300 toolkits were downloaded to give practical support in the classroom and workplace.
The toolkits – for primary school teachers, secondary teachers, and employers – are still available to download from the NEAS website. See here for teachers and here for employers.
Landmarks go gold
North East landmarks from Tyneside to Darlington were lit up gold in the first week of April to show support for Autism Acceptance.
The iconic landmarks included Gateshead’s Millennium Bridge, Penshaw Monument, Hylton Castle, and Darlington clock tower.
Our services
The children, young people and adults NEAS supports did a fantastic job celebrating Autism Acceptance Week –with poems, parties and colour runs.
The fantastic Singing Hands duo visited Aycliffe School where pupils had a great time dancing, singing and playing games while enhancing their Makaton signing skills.
And learners at Thornbeck College wrote personal statements which were compiled into a poem, which you can read here
Meanwhile our Braemar children’s residential home celebrated with a gold-themed party.
Acceptance in Action
Throughout the month we paid tribute to venues and organisations in the North East that are leading the way in accessibility and inclusion.
They included Teesside Airport, the Sea Change Cafés and Café Beam, The Glasshouse, Sunderland Empire, the Sunderland Fans Museum, Life, and Dalton Park.
And, of course, we highlighted our New Warlands Farm which we are transforming into a visitor attraction and training hub for hundreds of autistic and neurodivergent job-seekers.
All the money we raised during Autism Acceptance Month went to our Growing Futures appeal to fund the farm’s development. You can find out more about Growing Futures here.
Spotlight on...
Our Trustees
Our trustees bring a wealth of professional experience, personal insight, and help shape the future of our work. Here, we shine a light on four members of our Board of Trustees who each bring unique perspectives and unwavering commitment to supporting autistic individuals and their families.
Bob Nicholson
Bob is a retired University Technical Manager with 43 years’ experience planning and managing medical research laboratories. He is married with two children, one of whom is autistic and has received lifelong support from NEAS—from school and college to a current residential placement and attendance at New Warland Farm’s Adult Day Services.
Bob says, “I am delighted to be a trustee of the Society as I believe that neurodiverse children and adults need the support and opportunity necessary to lead fulfilling lives.”
Stephen Eyres
Stephen is a serving Police Officer in North Yorkshire, having spent over a decade in the Metropolitan Police. His career has included safeguarding, CID, and domestic violence roles. His brother, who is autistic, lives in supported accommodation provided by NEAS in Sunderland.
Stephen is a passionate NEAS fundraiser—most recently completing the Great North Run in our colours—and is keen to apply both professional skills and personal insight to his role as Trustee.
Jim Beall
Jim brings 50 years of public service, including 33 years in local authority social care and nearly two decades as a councillor in Stockton-on-Tees. He has held senior roles in adult social care and health, served as deputy leader, and is a past civic mayor.
A long-time advocate for children’s charities, Jim supported the establishment of Kiora Hall School and was inspired by NEAS’s positive approach to join as a Trustee.
Steve Connor
Steve has worked in the criminal justice system for 20 years. Diagnosed autistic as an adult, he is now completing a PhD focused on autistic individuals in the justice system.
His research and lived experience fuel his commitment to helping NEAS deliver neuro-affirmative, personalised support.
‘He’s getting to live his best life’
Mum-of-two Amy Hossack says people are often shocked when she tells them that residential care is the best thing she has ever done for her son.
Aaron, 11, has been at Braemar Gardens residential home in Sunderland for three months now, but apprentice nurse Amy said the changes she has seen have been ‘amazing.’ At home, Aaron went for days without sleeping and refused to eat. Amy felt she could no longer keep Aaron safe while also taking care of his younger sister, Poppy, who is also autistic.
“Every day was just a challenge, Amy said. I felt like I was just somebody looking after him, because I couldn’t get too close to him.”
However, health professionals were often dismissive of Amy’s concerns and told her to accept that this was how Aaron was.
But since Aaron moved to Braemar, Amy has seen a world of difference in her son.
Amy said: “He came to Braemar, and I’ve got my old Aaron back. He’s happy. He enjoys himself, he sleeps, he’s more relaxed.”
Now Aaron attends weekly trampolining sessions, visits local parks, and especially loves trips to the beach at South Shields.
“There’s talk of him going on holiday in the summer holidays. He’s getting to live his best life here,” Amy added.
The change has brought the family closer too. While Poppy says she misses her older brother, she’s always excited to visit and spend time with him.
Although Aaron is thriving at Braemar, Amy said some people around her haven’t understood the decision to move him into residential care, with one family member initially thinking she would need to take steps to allow Aaron to come home.
Amy said: “I think they’ve just got the wrong idea of it. I say to people: ‘It’s the best thing I’ve done for him.’” “He’s happy and that’s all I ever wanted for him.”
For more information on Children’s Residential services, visit: www.ne-as.org.uk/childrensresidential-care/
Highlights of the Quarter
We’ve had a jam-packed Spring – take a look at our highlights… Here’s a spotlight on some of the other stories which made the headlines over the last quarter:
Autism Activists film takes home BRONZE award
Our Autism Activists were the BRONZE winners for the ‘People’s Choice Award’ at this year’s Smiley Charity Film Awards.
Your votes meant our Activists film, Autism from the Inside, was awarded bronze in their category.
Autism Activist, Theo, 12, was at the awards in London with his Mum, Katie.
Katie said, “I’m so incredibly proud of how well he’s coped with everything. He did get overwhelmed and there were some tears, but he was determined to stay till the very end. We just had plenty of time out and the complimentary goody bag helped!”
You can watch the film, and read more about Theo and Katie’s trip here.
Darlington Building Society gets Autism Acceptance Award
Darlington Building Society has officially become a ‘Gold Standard’ organisation for its “outstanding” commitment to autistic members and employees.
The Society invested in expert training from NEAS to build on its understanding of the needs of autistic and neurodivergent staff and customers.
The Society has now been presented with our Autism Acceptance Gold Standard – the highest accolade awarded by NEAS.
Kerrie Highcock, who oversees the Autism Acceptance training, handed over the award, saying: “It has been a pleasure working with Darlington Building Society over the past year.
“The Society was already achieving high standards in its care of autistic and neurodivergent members and employees, so it was a question of helping them embed those practices and establishing a more strategic approach.”
80th Anniversary of VE Day celebrations
Our services celebrated the 80th anniversary of VE Day, commemorating the end of fighting in Europe during the Second World War.
Thornbeck College and Thornhill Park School held fantastic 1940s street parties! Thornbeck learners also recreated recipes from ration books.
Megan, staying at our Children’s Short Breaks service helped put up VE Day decorations too!
As well as marking the day with decorations and parties, learners have reflected on the importance of VE Day in our history.
Well done everyone!
High Cup Nick success
On Saturday 17th May, a team of hikers completed our High Cup Nick challenge! Starting out from Murton, Cumbria, the team powered through the 11-mile journey around the stunning glacial valley, conquering the steep climbs to finish in record time.
As it stands, the fundraising total for this event has reached £2,212.50 and counting – thank you so much to everyone who has donated and raised sponsorship towards this amazing amount.
This is Autism the podcast - new episode
James Henderson, 33, from Sunderland, opens up on our ‘This is Autism’ podcast about life before and after receiving his autism and ADHD diagnosis at 32.
Struggling with anxiety, frustration, and mental health challenges, it was a single Instagram post that sparked James’s journey to understanding himself.
“It described this rage that starts in your stomach and spreads through your whole body. I wasn’t violent — just so irritated all the time. That’s when I realised I needed to do something.”
James shares how therapy and support led him to his diagnosis, and helped him finally make sense of his experiences and who he is.
Listen / watch the full episode here.
Since 2010, the North East Autism Society has been developing New Warlands Farm 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 are launching 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.
Our £4.4 million vision for New Warlands Farm 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