Donating to I AM can make a world of difference to the lives of people with Autistic Spectrum Conditions (ASC) and their families. We provide highly specialist support that changes lives and empowers individuals with ASC to live the lives they choose.
People donate to charities for a whole variety of reasons so we thought we would give you the top reasons why donating to I AM is a really great thing to do.
- We provide direct support to individuals and their families – Your donation will be used to directly support individuals with Autistic Spectrum Conditions. It really is as simple as that. Autism touches the lives of 2.8 million people in the UK. 70% of individuals with autism report that they do not get the help they need from social services. 1 in 3 individuals with autism experience severe mental health issues.
- £25 will fund an hour’s face to face support for an individual in crisis – There are times in everyone’s lives where they are facing a crisis. Most people have friends or family that they can turn to. Many individuals with autism experience very high levels of social isolation, they often have no one. We are here for such individuals during crisis. 66% of individuals with autism have thought about taking their own life.
What our members say,
“Sometimes as a parent, I feel I’m constantly battling a system that just doesn’t work for my daughter, the team at I AM are an oasis where I can offload and know they understand”
- Enable individuals to be part of a community – Feeling that you belong to a community is important for all of us. At I AM we are a community that supports our members and their families through good times and bad. We are a listening ear to provide support with the challenges that ASC individuals and their families experience, and we celebrate the successes of our members and their families with equal enthusiasm. From new jobs, exam passes and even marriages and engagements, we are by their side every step of the way.
- £20 will fund a place at a Youth Group for an autistic young person– many young people who are autistic experience bullying at school, statistics indicate this is as high as 1 in 3, they often find it hard to make and keep friends. Our youth groups enable young people to come together in an environment that is safe where they can be their true selves without fear of judgment. They can develop, with our support, the social skills that will last them a lifetime.
What our members say,
“When he comes home from the youth group we have something to talk about, something that they can tell me that is independent of me, otherwise it’s just them and me all the time and we run out of things to talk about”
- We Provide a break for parents/carers – At I AM we understand that parenting a child with autism can be hugely rewarding but it can also be challenging and exhausting. As a parent, there are many competing demands on your time, especially if there are siblings. If a child attends our Youth Groups it provides them with an enjoyable experience and parents with a break.
What our members say,
“The staff at I AM are always there to help if I feel a bit overwhelmed, I don’t have to tell them, they just know”
- £30 will fund a place for an adult at a drop-in session – These sessions enable adults to meet others, form friendships and seek support when they need it. These drop-in sessions are vital for crisis prevention.
- Grow Peer Support Networks – Peer support is when people use their own experiences to help each other. It brings together people with shared experiences to support each other and provides a space where they can feel accepted and understood. Our members have the power of “lived experience”. They support each other through sharing this experience with each other. Your donation helps us to grow these networks that foster long term independence.
What our members say,
“The friends I have made through I Am are different, they understand what I go through every day, I can be honest with them about things”.
- £35 will fund a place for an adult at a monthly social event – these events enable individuals to reduce their social isolation, improve their mental health, experience new things, build skills and gain confidence. Many of us take for granted our nights out and friendship networks. Many adults with Autistic Spectrum Conditions don’t have these networks and have experienced abuse or harassment in public situations. Our social activities empower individuals to live the life they choose and enjoy the things that other people take for granted.
What our members say,
“I just want to be like everyone else and have some fun, the Social Groups enable me to do the things that other people do without fear”.
- You are helping us to support Autism in Greater Manchester – Like many charities I AM has been hit hard financially by the pandemic. Yet despite this throughout we have continued to support our members through Zoom Groups and one to one support despite the risks to our team. The money from your donation helps to enable us to fund our Help and Advice Line and respond to emails from people and their families who are struggling with Autistic Spectrum Conditions. It also keeps the boring stuff going like paying the bills! Now more than ever we need your support to enable us to continue our important work. Please do donate to us so that we can continue with our work and make Manchester a great place for people with ASC and their families.
To find out about how I AM can offer support contact us at enquiries@i-am autism.org.uk or give us a cAll on 0161 866 8483
RELATED ARTICLES
