Thank you Autism Able

Resourceful young learners at Autism Able develop their own brand of hand sanitiser

Skills South Tyneside learners Lexie O’Connor, 24, Dee Sisterson, 17, and Adam Wilde, 17 are studying with local training provider Autism Able and have been contributing to the borough’s response to Covid-19 by creating their own hand sanitiser.

Autism Able is an education, wellbeing and employment centre for individuals with Autism Spectrum Condition and learning differences.

Following social distancing measures at all times, Lexie, Dee and Adam have worked together to create bottles of hand sanitiser which they have donated to local food bank, Hospitality and Hope, near Chichester, South Shields. The hand sanitiser has also been included within food parcels they have created for vulnerable residents.

Cllr John Anglin, said “The skills that Lexie, Dee and Adam have developed at Autism Able have been brought to light during this crisis, they have not only turned their sanitisers in to a mini brand but they have looked beyond the classroom and shown real engagement with the wider community and a desire to help those most in need.”

Sarah Farrell operations manager at Autism Able, said: “We are delighted that the spotlight has been shone on Autism Able and the great work that our Skills South Tyneside learners are doing for the borough. Dee, Lexi and Adam are doing a fantastic job and observe social distancing recommendations at all times. We are exceptionally proud of all our learners and how they have coped with the temporary suspension of all classroom activities.”

Lexie O’Connor said: “Being able to come to Autism Able is really important for my routine and mental health, so it’s great to be able to contribute back to the community in a time like this. The hand sanitiser project was fun and educational and we will be creating more batches for the families who use Hospitality and Hope and others within South Tyneside.”

The Mayor of South Tyneside Councillor Norman Dick, said: “On behalf of the people of South Tyneside, The Mayoress and I would like to convey our gratitude to Lexie, Dee and Adam for contributing to the borough’s response to Covid-19 by creating their own hand sanitiser and helping to look after vulnerable residents in the community.

“We are thrilled to see the way young people in South Tyneside are playing a part. As the Borough’s First Citizen, I would like to say a huge personal thank you for being part of our community and for helping us address this challenge in an extremely positive way. We are extremely #proud.”

Read a press release about Autism Able