Plympton Stannator Andrew Hill who is nearing the end of his year in office has paid an official visit to the Plymouth Autism Hub along with his partner Charlotte Willis.
Plymouth Autism Hub is run as a free social club for people aged 16 or over with Autism. Their carers, enablers and friends are also welcome to go along. The project has been made possible by a grant from the People’s Health Trust which is an independent charity addressing health inequalities across Great Britain and uses money raised through the Health Lottery.
The Plymouth Autism Hub sessions take place at 69a New George Street in Plymouth City Centre on most Tuesday afternoons and on occasional Saturdays. More details are available at www.facebook.com/PlymouthAutismHub
Mr Hill went on to explain the role of Stannator to those attending the hub and then answered a number of questions after which he and his partner then mingled more informally with those attending. Trudie Binnie from the DWP was also present to offer advice to those who wanted it and to answer questions.
Steven Dodd who is a member of the Special Olympics in Plymouth and who was diagnosed with Aspergers’ Syndrome at the age of 24 also spoke at the meeting, giving details of a book called SuperOwl which he has produced in conjunction with local author Lester Jones.
The book is themed on ‘Being Different Makes You Super!’ The children’s book tells the story of a group of animals who became friends in the face of adversity. The characters are based on humans in Steven’s life.
A book signing was due to take place at the British Red Cross bookshop in Stephen’s Place as the Chronicle was going to press.
“It is clear people on the autistic spectrum are frequently quite talented individuals and can have a lot to offer employers…”
Stannator Hill said:
“It was inspirational to hear just a brief bit about Steven’s life story, his quest to overcome barriers he has come across in life and to learn about the book he has been involved in producing.
“Another young man spoke passionately to me about a product he has been designing and Charlotte equally had informative discussions with those she engaged with. It is clear people on the autistic spectrum are frequently quite talented individuals and can have a lot to offer employers if those employers are prepared to have the vision to see beyond the label of autism and to tailor the role to the individual rather than vice versa,” the Stannator added.
…and takes the controls at Plym Valley Railway
Stannator of Plympton Andrew Hill and his partner Charlotte Willis have paid an official visit to the Plym Valley Railway.
During their time there they got to have a go at driving Sentinel, one of the engines used on the railway’s Brake Van runs.
Stannator Hill said:
“Some years ago before the miniature railway at Dobwalls closed down, I did have a morning driving one of their miniature steam trains, but it was great to have a go at driving a full size engine at the Plym Valley Railway and also to hear about their plans to build a second platform at the Coypool end of their track.”
The Plym Valley Railway are also offering the public the chance to drive engines for £5 a go in their ‘driver for a fiver’ offer. More details available at www.plymrail.co.uk
(Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)
