The Metrocentre Community Hub played host to an autism awareness event organised by Awesometistic, a group run by Richie Smith that aims to raise the profile of autistic people and help people to learn more about how it manifests in their specific circumstances.
The project that Awesometistic are wanting to show people has taken place over the last year, with work being done primarily in the Community Hub. This was once again the place where the project was based, as Richie invited autistic people and their families to come and see the display.
Another high profile visitor for the closing celebration of the project, titled 'looking back to move forward', was Gateshead Mayor Dot Burnett, who spoke of her delight at being able to support such a worthwhile cause.
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"I'm absolutely thrilled to be here today, to support the hub and the work being done to help people with autism. It has been a real battle for people with autism and I'm glad that they're finally being recognised.
"It's great that we are able to support all the families and children through a very difficult journey. We need places like this to help this community and I'm absolutely thrilled to be here and to see the work that they are doing", she said.
Mayor Burnett officially opened the display alongside Richie and a group of patrons of Awesometistic, who all came down to the event in order to see the work that they had helped put together be displayed in such a public way.
The boards will be displayed for the next few months and Richie believes that it is so important to show off the work that is being done at the Hub. He gave his thoughts on the event and the project as a whole, and why Awesometistic's work is so vital.
"So today, here at the Community Hub in the Metrocentre, we're doing a closing project celebration of the yearlong project that we've been doing, 'looking back to move forward.'
"The aim of the project has been to encapsulate people's autism, and show their experiences, from a 6 year old up to a 60 year old. We've talked about what it felt like growing up, and putting their real voices onto a board, so that we can get a history of what autism is like.
"I would really like to say thank you to the Heritage Lottery for the funding we have ben given, as well as Tracey at the Metro Centre for allowing us to use the hub. Thanks to the Mayor for coming down and showing her support.
"Most importantly, thank you to everyone who came down to the event, both families and the children, who were so excited to meet the mayor and be a part of such a great day."
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