Hidden in the heart of Camberley, opposite the old BHS Store, you will find a warm and autistic friendly work environment and shop and artists gallery selling unique products and gifts. People are always amazed when they go through the doors and climb the stairs to find an oasis of talent.
What is the story behind The Autism Trust and how it came to be?
The Autism Trust was established in 2007 by Polly Tommey after her son was diagnosed with autism at the age of two to support families who couldn’t go out to work, as they had someone on the autistic spectrum. In 2012, after wondering what opportunities there would be for her son as he got older, and with input from Trustees came the idea of the ‘Real World Training Centre’. This was established in Sunninghill incorporating Polly’s Place shop selling handcrafted gifts and artwork made by people with autism, their families, and supporters. In 2015, having outgrown the premises, the trust moved to Camberley town centre, where it continues to operate and grow.
What services does The Autism Trust offer to the local community?
Our bespoke training environment provides ASDAN Employability and Independent Living training. Work experience is gained managing ‘Polly’s Place’ shop. In this environment young adults with autism have the opportunity to learn retail, office, manufacturing, photography, social media, hospitality, housekeeping, and gardening skills. Everyone with autism is unique and the training and support provided is bespoke and tailored to an individual’s needs.
We also offer parent to parent support for autism families and coffee mornings where parents, carers and supporters can meet for advice, support and to share their experiences.
During the school holidays we hold Lego and Craft clubs for younger children on the autistic spectrum and their families, to come and relax in a supportive environment.
How many people use these services?
For us, it is not about the number of service users but about providing a bespoke service catering for individual needs. We currently have several people training with us on a weekly basis. The number of families requiring parent to parent support has significantly increased over the past couple of years. The support ranges from enquiries about what help is available following a diagnosis, to needing help with behavioural issues of someone with autism.
What difference have you made to people’s lives?
We have helped change many lives. Jo came to us from school with limited life and social skills; she irritated people, lost friends and tried to dominate environments. She had low listening skills and couldn’t travel alone. Through bespoke training and support, Jo grew in confidence, learnt to interact with people, negotiate a difficult journey and passed her ASDAN Employability certification. Jo has been successfully employed in an M&S café for four years. Her family say the routine and stability in Jo’s life has a really positive impact on them all. Other trainees secured employment at Next, Royal Mail, a boutique, two have their own garden businesses and another has achieved an MA Animation Degree. They now live a life with purpose, feel valued and part of their community.
What are your future plans with the Autism Trust and Polly’s Place?
We are currently looking to expand our training facilities into the Camberley station where we will occupy the drinks kiosk enabling training in a customer facing environment and an area which will be converted to a mock flat to teach independent living skills. We also hope to use this space as an occasional social area where young adults with autism can meet in a safe, secure, and supported environment and conduct parent training sessions to newly diagnosed families.
Want to support someone with autism or obtain more information?
Then contact us to find out about volunteering, training and work experience, events or to donate.
Website: www.theautismtrust.org.uk
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 01276 63578
Registered charity: 1117657