Notes from our CEO
It’s full steam ahead with our plans to create a ground-breaking training hub for autistic and neurodivergent people at New Warlands Farm in County Durham.
John Phillipson Chief Executive Officer
We’ve hired Mulberry Construction as contractors to build a farm shop, restaurant and cider press at the 78-acre site, which we’re developing into a visitor attraction and working farm, and we’ve launched a capital appeal to get us over the line.
We have Direct Business Group looking at our energy needs on the farm, and we’re working with a team from Northumbria University looking at cutting-edge technologies to reduce our carbon footprint.
We’re also developing partnerships with companies to bring the farm shop to life and create work placements. So I’m delighted to say we’ll be working with Ringtons who will be training our baristas, and Northumbrian Pantry with whom we’ll be producing biscuits.
So it’s all really busy and exciting.
The reason we’re doing all this at the farm is the placements we can create for autistic and neurodivergent people in animal husbandry, horticulture, retail, food production and hospitality. That’s already started, with people coming on site
to plant shelter belts, dig ponds and put paths and fences in place. We’re hoping we can quickly provide up to 70 or so placements a year.
We’re also gearing up for Autism Acceptance Month in April (see page 12) and the farm is central to our message of acceptance in action.
It will give employers the chance to see how people work if they are enabled and supported, without any major adjustment needed. And let’s face it, if you support your staff in a personalised way, every employee will benefit.
You can read all about it in this issue of The Loop, and if you want to get involved in any way – through fundraising, donations, events or giving some of your time – that would be fantastic. See pages 6 onwards for how to get in touch.
John Phillipson
Save the Date…
From Autism Acceptance Week to a new Facebook challenge, we’ve put together a list of dates you won’t want to miss.
Final push to transform farm into innovative training hub
In February we launched our capital appeal for the final push to transform our New Warlands Farm into a training hub for autistic and neurodivergent people.
New Warlands Farm Case Studies
How Connor and Joseph have benefitted from the initiative.
Sir Peter Vardy pledges £500,000 to our farm appeal
A leading business figure has pledged £500,000 to get our Growing Futures appeal off to a flying start.
Get involved this Autism Acceptance Month
Autism Acceptance Month is just around the corner, and there are more ways than ever for you to get involved and support positive change this April.
Spotlight on… Training for Practitioners
Creating a society where autism is widely understood, and families and professionals feel confident working together are just two motivators behind our online training sessions for autism practitioners.
Highlights of the Quarter
It’s been an exciting quarter, with highlights including filming a documentary at Teesside Airport, launching a new website, and learners from Aycliffe School building high hopes for a national championship after their win at the British Schools Gymnastics Association (BSGA) Northern Zone trampolining championships!
Save the Dates
We’re on the countdown to Autism Acceptance Month and we’ve put together a list of events you don’t want to miss
Great North Swim
13th – 15th
June
April
2025
Schools, businesses and homes across the North East!
Help make this our best Acceptance Month yet by pledging to join us. All schools and businesses that register will have instant access to our FREE Acceptance toolkits – packed with resources about autism and neurodiversity, lesson plans and assembly slides for teachers and tips for employers to make your workplace more inclusive.
Click here to register.
World Autism Acceptance Day
Wednesday 2 April Everywhere!
Get ready for the gold rush! Landmarks across the North East are set to be bathed in gold once again to celebrate World Autism Acceptance Day. You can join in by heading out and snapping a picture of your nearest landmark and tag us @NEAutismSociety on socials.
High Cup Nick Hike
Saturday 17 May
We’ll be hiking a 10-mile loop around the North Pennines that will give us unmissable vistas across the countryside and towards the Lake District.
We’re working alongside Take a Hike - who we have collaborated on events previously - to create this event. The challenge will require a good level of fitness to tackle the required ascents, but one that is achievable for most people with a bit of training.
Adult ticket (aged 18+) £20
Youth ticket (14 – 17) £5
Click here to register.
Join us for the Great North Swim, taking place from Friday 13th – Sunday 15th June on Lake Windermere. We have a strictly limited number of guaranteed entries into the 1-mile event, with multiple waves available across the weekend.
This is an ideal event to get involved with whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or looking to try your hand at open-water swimming for the first time. Equivalent to 64 lengths of a standard 25m swimming pool, you’ll be supported on the day by a team of trained lifeguards, medical staff, and a huge team of water safety experts.
Adult Ticket (aged 18+) £20.00
Click here for more information.
Great North Run
Sunday 10 September
The world’s greatest half marathon is back! People of all abilities are welcome to take on the challenge and experience the famous atmosphere on this iconic City to Sea route.
We are currently running a waiting list for places for this event. You can sign up to join the waiting list via our website.
Have your own place? You can still join Team NEAS. You’ll get a running vest, participant pack and support through your journey. There’s also no sponsorship target for you to reach, please just raise as much as you can!
Click here for more information.
Final push to transform farm into innovative training hub
In February we launched our capital appeal for the final push to transform our New Warlands Farm into a training hub for autistic and neurodivergent people.
Our appeal – called Growing Futures – is aimed at raising £500,000 towards the work at the 78-acre farm in County Durham.
We will create a visitor attraction and wildlife haven on the site, with a farm shop, restaurant, cider-making plant, sustainable farm and nature walks.
It will be an accessible and inclusive day out for families –but crucially will also provide neurodivergent young people and adults with the chance to develop vocational skills in a live working environment.
John Phillipson, chief executive of NEAS, said:
“Growing Futures is about tackling the disappointingly low employment rates among autistic and neurodivergent people in the UK.”
Just three in 10 autistic adults are in paid employment in the UK, even though three-quarters say they want to work.
At New Warlands Farm there will be 60-70 placements and training opportunities yearly in horticulture, animal husbandry, food production, hospitality and retail.
At a total cost of £4.4 million, it is our most ambitious project yet, and we are grateful to have received fantastic support so far.
Sir Peter Vardy, the Sunderland-born business leader, has pledged £500,000 to match any donation companies or individuals make (see page 10), and we’ve received almost £1 million in grants from trusts, agencies and foundations towards the development.
The project
We bought New Warlands Farm in 2010 and built a training centre for around 50 neurodivergent adults on the site, along with six short-break lodges and a supported living home.
A café and bar, serving food and drink produced by the farm. There will be seating for 60 indoors and 30 outdoors.
An apple press where the farm will produce its own juice and cider, with glazed walls so visitors can watch.
An exhibition space for local producers, craftspeople, artists and performers.
A barn housing a farmers’ market.
A flexible-use workshop that can be used as a training or educational space, a repair shop, a play barn or a soft-play area.
A regenerative working farm with animals, wildflower hay meadows, an extended orchard, two ponds and accessible nature walks.
Work is expected to start by summer and take around nine months to complete.
See our plans for the site
Farm gets Sycamore Gap “Tree of Hope”
The icing on the cake for our farm plans was the news that we will receive one of the “Trees of Hope” Sycamore Gap saplings.
Forty-nine saplings from the tree that was tragically felled at Sycamore Gap are being gifted to individuals, groups and organisations across the UK – and we are one of them.
The saplings are currently cared for by the National Trust and will be strong enough for planting later this year.
Ours will be planted at the farm. Chief executive John Phillipson said:
“This sapling, from a beloved North East landmark, will represent a symbol of hope and a positive future to our visitors.”
Read more about this story
How you can help
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 neurodivergent people – and the North East community – for years to come.
You can:
Make a donation here and have it matched by Sir Peter Vardy
Join us on one of our fundraising events, such as our Walk for Acceptance or the Great North Swim –sign up here
Come up with your own fundraising idea or event, from a bake sale to a skydive. We can give help and guidance – contact us here
Businesses can make company gifts or donations, match-fund staff fundraising, offer payroll giving, provide gifts in kind or join us as a corporate partner. Find out more or get in touch here
Changing Lives
As part of the New Warlands Farm development, a training hub will be established to help autistic and neurodivergent people find employment. The farm offers a wealth of work opportunities, with two individuals, Connor Cook and Joseph Going, already benefiting from the initiative.
Connor and Joseph are being supported by the charity’s Employment Futures team, which is dedicated to helping autistic and neurodivergent people overcome barriers into work.
The work placement at New Warlands – funded through a programme called Empower Works – is already proving its worth, and many more opportunities will be created when the training hub project is completed.
Connor and Joseph are on a six-week placement at the farm and working alongside other trainees, they are planting thousands of mixed native trees –oak, birch, Scots Pine, hazel and hawthorn.
The trees will form a shelter belt, providing protection from the elements, and creating a micro-climate that will enable wildlife to flourish.
“We’re making good progress now, and having the likes of Connor and Joseph to help is making the difference,”
says Dave Wilde, a farmer who has been employed by NEAS to manage the farm and pass on traditional skills.
Connor’s Story
BORN and raised in Newcastle, Connor Cook was diagnosed autisitc six years ago and has struggled with the jobs he’s had so far.
They have included working in call centres, a fast-food restaurant, and a commission-only sales role.
The working conditions weren’t suitable, but he has thrived since starting his placement at New Warlands.
“I love being in the natural world and find it really therapeutic to be outdoors,” says Connor, who works two days a week at the farm.
“I struggled in my other jobs but being on the farm, and learning new skills, really suits me. There’s a lot of freedom and I’m getting invaluable experience that I hope leads to other work out in the open.
“I’ve always liked walking, and I did some volunteering on park maintenance and gardening with Newcastle City Council, so I think this type of work feels right.”
Connor is fully behind the Growing Futures appeal, saying:
“Not many people get the experience of working on a farm, and so many different opportunities are going to be created here, so I hope businesses get behind the campaign.”
Katy Jones, who supports Connor through Employment Futures at NEAS, believes working at the farm is making a “huge difference”.
“Each week, I’ve seen an increase in confidence and so many positives,” she says. “We need to get more businesses to support this because it’s transforming so many people’s lives – a stepping stone to them fulfilling their potential.”
Joseph’s Story
BEFORE starting on his placement at New Warlands Farm, Joseph Going’s work experience had been restricted to volunteering.
It has included helping to supervise a youth club at Gosforth Civic Theatre, and carrying out a variety of tasks at a charity cafe.
But, like Connor, he’s relishing working at the farm:
“The stuff I’ve been doing has been fantastic,” he says. “I’ve loved all the outdoor tasks, and it’s been nice working with other people. It’s really helped my confidence and made me enthusiastic about doing more work like this.”
Micah Pond, another employment specialist with Employment Futures, has no doubt about the benefits of working on the farm.
“It’s giving autistic people a chance in life, and it’s really good for mental wellbeing to not be stuck indoors,” he says.
“This plan is so innovative, and I have no doubt it will become an outstanding facility”
Sir Peter Vardy
Sir Peter Vardy pledges £500,000 to our farm appeal
A leading business figure has pledged £500,000 to get our Growing Futures appeal off to a flying start.
Sir Peter Vardy described our plans for New Warlands Farm as “inspirational and life-changing” and has urged other businesses to match his contribution.
“The North East Autism Society is a wonderful charity, run by a wonderful team, and this is going to transform thousands of vulnerable lives, so please join me and get on board,” said the chairman of The Vardy Foundation.
Sir Peter has pledged to match fund each donation NEAS receives. So if a company donates £1,000, his foundation will match it – meaning we get £2,000 towards the appeal total. Our aim is to raise £500,000, making a total of £1 million with Sir Peter’s match funding.
The New Warlands farm development will cost around £4.4 million, and will see the creation of a farm shop, restaurant, cider press, and retail outlets, as well as an ethical farm and nature walks.
It will provide training and job opportunities for autistic and neurodivergent people, both at the farm and visitor attraction as well as in partnership with North East businesses.
Sir Peter said:
“This plan is so innovative, and I have no doubt it will become an outstanding facility, enabling autistic people to develop their skills, and that is so important.
“I’m happy to donate £500,000 from The Vardy Foundation if matched because I believe passionately in what NEAS is doing, and I’m appealing to other businesses to support the project because it is so special.
“Autistic people bring fantastic skills and qualities that can be an asset to companies, and this will help them realise their potential, so let’s make it happen here in the North East, and raise enough money to ensure it’s free of debt.”
Sir Peter, who was born in Houghton-le-Spring, took control of the family’s Ford car dealership in 1976 and expanded it to a group of more than 100 dealerships. He is now chairman of The Vardy Group of Companies.
The Vardy Foundation was established as a charity in 1989 and has supported a wide range of educational, rehabilitation and community causes in the UK and abroad.
See what Sir Peter says about the Growing Futures appeal and why he’s backing it in this video.
Get involved this Autism Acceptance Month
Autism Acceptance Month is just around the corner, and there are more ways than ever for you to get involved and support positive change this April.
Our popular Walk for Acceptance is back, we’re introducing a new virtual challenge, and you can fundraise your way to support our biggest ever appeal.
This year, we’re fundraising to back our Growing Futures Appeal, which will transform New Warlands Farm in County Durham into an innovative training centre and visitor destination.
Kicking things off from World Autism Acceptance Day on 2nd April, a number of regional landmarks will be well wor th a visit as they light up gold in support of our message. Among the landmarks that will be lit up are Gateshead Millennium Bridge, Northern Spire Bridge, Penshaw Monument, Hylton Castle, Keel Square, and more.
Herrington Park will play host to the Walk for Acceptance again this year on Friday 25th April. We had a wonderful turn-out last year, with around 300 people soaking up the atmosphere, enjoying food and activities, and completing the 1-mile circular walk around the park’s scenic boating lake.
As well as the walk, keep an eye out for our ‘1k a day’ Facebook challenge, where we will ask participants to cover a kilometre for every day of Autism Acceptance Month, however, whenever, and wherever they can. You can also fundraise your own way, by creating events, challenges, or goals based around your hobbies and interests.
Jon Appleton, Community Fundraising Officer at NEAS says:
“Whether you’re into baking or knitting, art or streaming, or anything else, we’re always happy to give tips and support to help make your fundraiser a success.”
Schools can get involved by downloading our Autism Acceptance packs, which are full of information and ideas, including an assembly plan, and activities for classes.
If you’re looking for gifts, t-shirts, or just something for yourself, all the money raised from our online shop will also go to support our appeal.
Jon adds:
“It’s always fantastic to see people come together during Autism Acceptance Month to support us.
“This year, our goal is bigger than ever, and your support will help drive a project that will benefit autistic people in our region for years to come.”
For more information, visit ne-as.org.uk/world-autism-acceptance-month
Creating a society where autism is widely understood, and families and professionals feel confident working together are just two of the motivators behind our online training sessions for autism practitioners.
Delivered by our Family Development team, the sessions cover a range of topics, such as sensory processing differences, emotional wellbeing, communications differences, strategies and ideas, and the barriers faced by families.
“I want practitioners to understand the challenges families face when working with professionals, increase their confidence when working with families, and increase their knowledge in understanding what it means to be autistic,” says Family Development Manager Kerrie Highcock.
Kerrie adds: “Some people said that the training has been instrumental in changing their practice when working with families.”
Content in the session has been shaped by feedback from families that benefit from NEAS’ support, helping to share their perspectives and experiences with professionals. Kerrie says: “We spoke to a lot of families about what they would like to see in a training programme like this, and we use a lot of experience from working directly with families in the training.”
Previous training sessions have brought together professionals from across different sectors, such as social work, education, early help, and charity workers, and
Spotlight on... Training for Practitioners
practitioners are encouraged to learn from each other’s experiences as well.
“There’s beauty in that it’s a networking event as well, and people can share best practice and meet each other,” says Kerrie.
The next Supporting Families with Autistic Children training session takes place on Friday 21st March, from 1pm to 3pm over Zoom.
Places cost £15 per person, and are open to anyone working with autistic people and their families in a professional capacity.
Attendance is limited to 40, and you do not have to be based in the North East to take part.
“We have had some people who have come from Liverpool and Manchester way for the training, it’s usually really well attended,” Kerrie says.
Kerrie adds:
“Come and join us, take part in the session, it’s a really friendly space where you can have loads of discussions and gain practical insights, strategies and ideas, and share your own experiences.”
Highlights of the Quarter
This edition of The Loop has been packed with some our recent achievements.
We launched our new website
Have you visited our new website? Created by local marketing agency Jak HQ, we’re over the moon with the new upgraded design and improvements to user experience.
Make sure you have a look at www.ne-as.org.uk, and let us know what you think.
Little Stars Appeal success
Our Little Stars appeal for our toddler groups raised almost £10,000 - twice as much money as the original target.
The Christmas appeal set out to raise £5,000 to continue funding the free groups run by our Family Development team, but the final total was an amazing £9,823.
Thanks to everyone who raised money for us over Christmas, as well as our families - including Anne Wilkinson and her granddaughter Cora who dressed as elves for the whole of December - who did a fantastic job.
Family dress as elves throughout December for our Little Stars appeal
A fun-loving family dressed as elves every day throughout December to raise funds for our Christmas appeal. Grandmother Anne Wilkinson dyed her hair red and green to match her elf outfit, and her daughter’s partner Richard Carter, a tree surgeon, has got special permission from his employer to dress up at work – as long as it’s in compliance with “elf and safety”.
Together they raised £1,796. Well done Anne and Richard!
Looking to fundraise for NEAS?
Contact the friendly team to discuss your ideas –email fundraising@ne-as.org.uk or call on –0191 4924383
Trampoline success for Aycliffe
Aycliffe School pupils were jumping for joy after a win at the British Schools Gymnastics Association (BSGA) Trampoline Finals made them national champions.
Pupils Kai, Rustam, and Frankie secured first place in the Year 1-6 Mixed Cat 1 Novice competition.
Coached by AAAsports in Sunderland, the team has been trampolining as part of P.E. lessons at the school, run by the North East Autism Society (NEAS), for just a year and a half.
Despite this, they saw off the competition to secure victory for their team at the competition held on 15th March at the Derby Arena.
Anna Wilcock, TA at Aycliffe School, said: “The last one we attended, the competition was very stiff, and it was fantastic to see how well Aycliffe school did.”
P.E. lead Kirri Timmiss added: “Their parents are obviously very proud and excited for it
Well done Aycliffe School!
NEAS films documentary at Teesside Airport
A big thank you to Teesside Airport, who allowed us to spend a day filming there as part of a documentary we’re makingaboutautismandairports.
Teesside has been rated “very good” for accessibility by regulators, and recognises the Hidden Disabilities Sunflowerscheme.
Our documentary Hidden Barriers: Autism and Airports looks at the challenges that neurodivergent passengers can face when flying and the help available at airports. It will be out in a couple of months – we’ll keepyouposted!
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