Let's hear it for the girls!
There was a very special visitor to the Autism Hub on Thursday evening as the Mayor of Havering called in to meet members of the craft and sewing group that meets twice a month in the Hub at the Liberty Centre.
The Mayor of Havering, Cllr Dilip Patel, chatted to the young women for over an hour on the Thursday before Christmas before presenting them all with certificates in recognition of their achievements throughout the latter months of 2018. The Mayor also met Sycamore CEO Chris Gilbanks, Hub manager Debbie Gadbury and both Harsharan Howell and Suzanne Kirk, who have been teaching the young women some of their craft skills. The group has also enabled the young women to grow in confidence and increase social skills and self esteem. In fact many of the meetings are also notable for enthusiastic conversation and debate, something which would have been unheard of when the group began.
The Trust's Communications Manager Steve Dixon explained the importance of the project. He said "Girls and young women often avoid diagnosis of ASD because they are so good at copying their peers, so we felt it was important to create an environment where they felt comfortable and this group has been a huge success. The girls were very excited to meet the Mayor and we're delighted that he has shown such an interest in the project."
The young women showed Cllr Patel some of the clothes and accessories that they have made from scratch at their regular classes. It must have made an impression because the Mayor invited them for tea at ther Town Hall early in the new year!
For more information on the Sew Crafty group, email Debbie Gadbury on
familyservices@sycamoretrust.org.uk
