Express CIC, Kingston Upon Thames UK – Annette and Tracey are two mums who have set up Express CIC to help support young people on the autistic spectrum as well as raising awareness about autism within their local community. Autism Daily Newscast reported on the story in October last year, which can be read here.
Express is a not for profit community organisation set up by parents of children on the autism spectrum.
Express are now delighted to share that they have gained the support of Kingston Council and are now looking forward to realising their vision for a hub in the heart of the community, supporting young people with autism and their families.
They share:
“express will be a place for everyone. We really want to gather support from our community and local businesses.”
Express has a clear vision to create a hub in the heart of the community, supporting young people with autism and their families, it will be a place for everyone.
As a result of the work that Express has been engaged in over the last 2 years, it has gained the support of both the community and key organisations. With a petition of over 1000 signatures and letters of support from families and young people on the autism spectrum Express has demonstrated the real need and desire for the hub’s vision.
At the Policy & Resources Committee meeting on April 3 the confidence of the council was gained and shown by the unanimous decision to support the proposal for a Community Asset Transfer of the former Fairmead Nursery. This means that Express can take the project forward.
The fear was always that the community asset would be lost and the commitment shown by the Council now means that Express can confidently secure professional involvement and apply for further grants.
Fundraising will also be key to making the Express hub a reality and ensuring existing projects continue. You can support Express by offering your time, expertise or simply by attending one of the many fundraisers.
One such event is the Express CIC Comedy Gala which will take place on Friday 20th June at the Rose Theatre Kingston. Tickets can be purchased here for what promises to be a jam packed evening of fun and laughter. John Williams who is patron of CIC will be premiering his one man show, He’s STILL Not Rainman an exclusive show created just for the evening, featuring previously unheard stories of the life and adventures with his son, ‘the boy’.
You can find more information about Express on Facebook and Twitter and on their website.expresscic.org.uk