Tag: charity

Venture Scotland calls out for votes to bag a share of Tesco’s community fund

Venture Scotland is bidding for a cash boost from the Tesco Community Grants initiative. Tesco works with community charity Groundwork to run its community funding scheme, which sees grants of up to £1,500, £1,000 and £500 awarded to local community projects.

Three groups in every community have been shortlisted to receive the cash award and shoppers are being invited to head along to Tesco stores to vote for who they think should take away the top grant.

Venture Scotland is one of the groups on the shortlist and is seeking funding to replace their water-based kit. Venture Scotland is a charity operating in Glasgow and Edinburgh which uses nature and the outdoors to spark discovery, development and deep thinking in young people who are struggling with their mental health.

They run a long-term, 4 stage programme, known as The Journey, which focuses on developing mental health awareness, resilience, confidence and practical life skills. Every week, the young people take part in group-based outdoor activity days, such as canoeing, hillwalking and rock climbing, interactive group sessions and 1-to-1 support sessions with staff. 

“Most of our young people have never been outside of their local community and have never experienced the adventure, tranquillity and transformative effect of regular outdoor activity. Our project will help improve the mental and physical health and wellbeing of young people in our communities and improve their chance of a living a happier, healthier and more fulfilled life.”

Voting is open in Edinburgh Tesco stores from early April and customers will cast their vote using a token given to them at the check-out each time they shop.

Tesco’s Community Grants scheme has already awarded over £100 million to more than 50,000 projects across Britain. Tesco customers get the chance to vote for three different groups every time they shop. Every three months, when votes are collected, three groups in each of Tesco’s regions will be awarded funding.

Tony McElroy, Tesco’s Head of Communications in Scotland, said: “Tesco Community Grants help support local good causes but especially those projects supporting young people, those providing food, and local causes close to our colleagues’ hearts.”

Emma Halliday, Community Enabler Coordinator at greenspace Scotland, which supports Tesco Community Grant applicants and successful projects in Scotland, said: “Tesco Community Grants continues to give local projects the boost they need to help their communities thrive.

“By funding services which support young people and reduce food poverty, we hope to facilitate positive change from the ground up across the UK. We are pleased to have been able to help so many local good causes over the years and look forward to seeing what community organisations can achieve in the future with the right resources.”

Funding is available to community groups and charities looking to fund local projects that bring benefits to communities, particularly those helping to provide food and giving children the support they need for a good start in life. Anyone can nominate a project and organisations can apply online.

To find out more visit www.tesco.com/communitygrants.

Top things we’d love to see one last time before losing sight

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  • Seeing a loved one’s face, watching the sunrise and watching a football game, all feature in Brit’s top 20 visual memory list
  • Nearly three in four (72%) Brits said they’d create a visual memory list of things they’d like to see if they found out that they were losing their sight
  • Every day 250 people in the UK start to lose their sight, equivalent to one person every six minutes
  • Over a third (37%) said that they’d want to travel and see as many countries as possible, however, the majority (87%) would miss seeing the little everyday things they enjoy such as reading a book
  • Charity Guide Dogs is raising awareness of the issue of sight loss and how the impact doesn’t prevent people from living a full, independent life

Seeing a loved one’s face is the number one thing people would most like to see if they were faced with losing their sight.

Viewing their favourite artwork, taking in wildlife during a nature walk and going to a festival, also feature in the top 20 things people would put on their ‘visual memory lists’, with almost three in four (72%) Brits revealing they would create a tick list of experiences to enjoy.  

It comes as statistics show every day 250 people in the UK start to lose their sight: equivalent to one person every six minutes.

The new research, by charity Guide Dogs, showed that for three-fifths (60%) of Brits adventure and adrenaline are key – with two-thirds (66%) saying they’d want to see as many countries as possible, and take part in activities such as skydiving, scuba diving and white-water rafting (19%).

However, four in five Brits (81%) would prioritise creating memories with their family or friends to fondly remember. The majority (87%) would miss seeing the little everyday things the most if they were to experience sight loss.

Reflecting if they were to lose their sight, nearly half (46%) of Brits said they would feel isolated and 43% said they’d be worried about asking others for help and support, despite this a large 77% stated they’d be determined to live their life to the fullest.

In fact, four in five (80%) respondents* living with sight loss said they had continued to do and enjoy the things they love after experiencing sight loss. Laura Whitaker, 39-years-old from Manchester, has continued her passion for exercise, completing two marathons with her next goal being an ironman.

Brit’s top 20 visual memory list

  1. Seeing a loved one’s face (50%)
  2. Watching the sunset (45%)
  3. Watching the sunrise (40%)
  4. Seeing your partner or child’s smile (39%)
  5. Taking in wildlife and nature during a walk (38%)
  6. Travelling e.g., visiting other countries (37%)
  7. Looking at flowers (32%)
  8. Watching your favourite film (32%)
  9. Reading your favourite book (26%)
  10. Taking photographs (22%)
  11. Seeing a musical/theatre show (21%)
  12. Watching fireworks (20%)
  13. Seeing a seventh wonder of the world (19%)
  14. Playing with your dog (18%)
  15. Watching a football game (17%)
  16. Seeing a city skyline (17%)
  17. Taking your dog for a walk (17%)
  18. Climbing a mountain (14%)
  19. Viewing your favourite artwork (13%)
  20. Going to a festival (11%)

65-year-old guide dog owner Tiggi Trethowan from Somerset has limited eyesight left following a diagnosis of glaucoma. Charity Guide Dogs alongside SAS TV star Billy Billingham surprised Tiggi at Go Ape Bracknell, by giving her the chance to complete an experience from her visual memory list.

Billy supported Tiggi around the Treetop Challenge where she experienced canopy-high tree-to-tree crossings, free-fall Tarzan swings and epic zip-lining. 

Guide dog owner Tiggi Trethowan explains: “I am obsessed with adventure and prior to my sight loss I was used to travelling the world as part of a busy job as a television producer. However, a very rare form of glaucoma meant I lost sight in my right eye within two weeks of diagnosis, and I currently have about 6% of my sight in my left eye.

“After a tough period, I was paired with a wonderful black Labrador guide dog Jackie and I’m now trying to make visual memories of places that matter to me before I lose my sight completely.

“Alongside a close friend (and guide) who travels with me, I’ve ticked off swimming with turtles in the Galapagos, visiting Antarctica to study humpback whales and have been able to revisit a beach in Cornwall where I have many childhood memories.

“Next, I want to try flying in a helicopter, even though I don’t know what I’ll be able to see. I’ll continue my adventures because I don’t want my sight loss to define me.”

Regardless of sight loss, those with visual impairments can still enjoy activities and have rich experiences, and these may even be deeper than those of sighted people.

For example, those with visual impairments may experience art they cannot fully see, through descriptions by a sighted person and guided hand movements in front of the pieces, to allow understanding of shapes and forms used.

Alex Pepper, Head of Accessibility from Guide Dogs said, “Research shows that one in five (20%) Brits will live with significant sight loss in their lifetime. While losing your sight can be daunting, it doesn’t mean your life is over – guide dog owners like Tiggi show that you can still live a happy, fulfilled life – whatever that may mean for you.

“Those with sight loss are still able to achieve their memory list items, whether it be running a marathon or reading a book, they might just do things a bit differently. Thanks to generous public donations, we’re able to continue to support those impacted by visual impairments to enable people with sight loss live their life independently.”

Guide Dogs provide a sighted guide service to support people with sight loss live the life they choose.

Find out more on how to become a Guide Dogs ‘My Sighted Guide’ volunteer at www.guidedogs.org.uk

Money saving advice for pet owners

PDSA shares top five tips to cut pet care costs

New research reveals almost half (47%) of pet owners are worried about how they’d afford to pay for vet bills if their pet fell ill or became injured – increasing by 17% since 2022. The data comes from a report by leading vet charity PDSA, which is providing frontline support for desperate owners, as more struggle with the cost of living crisis.

The charity’s 2022 PAW Report also highlighted that a worrying 61% of cats and 39% of dogs were uninsured, meaning thousands of owners could find themselves in financial trouble with an unexpected vet bill should the worst happen.

With the cost of living not set to ease any time soon, PDSA Vet, Claire Roberts, shares her expert tips to save money when caring for your pet.

Claire said: “The cost of living continues to rise, with daily essentials out of budget for millions of people. Our latest PAW report found many people are already reducing their energy consumption to ensure they can care for their pets. 

“We know there are certain expenses associated with pet ownership that can’t be avoided, including food and treatment costs if they should fall ill or become injured. However, there are still ways to reduce your pet-related outgoings while maintaining your furry family member’s health and happiness.

Prevention is better than cure

“One of the best ways to safeguard your beloved pet and avoid unplanned costs for medical care is to keep on top of their preventive healthcare.

“Cutting back on pets’ annual booster vaccinations or regular flea and worming treatments may appear to save money in the short-term, but avoiding these measures puts their overall health at risk. Not only this, but if they do become ill as a result, the subsequent treatment is likely to cost substantially more than the preventive options. 

“Likewise, neutering your pet prevents unwanted pregnancies, reduces the likelihood of them developing some serious illnesses and can lessen certain behaviours like spraying, aggression and roaming.  

Don’t ignore insurance

“If your pet does become ill or injured, insurance can ensure any treatment they need will have less of an impact on your finances. The monthly cost of insurance will depend on a range of factors, including the level of cover as well as your pet’s breed and age.

“Cheaper policies are often ‘accident only’ and may not cover anything illness-related, while more expensive lifetime policies tend to provide cover for any accidents or illnesses (though they don’t usually cover vaccinations or other preventive treatments) as long as the policy is continued, without a break. So make sure you read the small print carefully.

“When considering insurance, we always recommend researching any breed-related illnesses your pet may be prone to, that way you can review which policies cover those, for extra security.

Watch the pounds

“It’s important to monitor your pet’s weight and take action if they are gaining extra pounds – this will help avoid weight-related health problems which can require costly lifelong medication. The best way to help furry friends maintain a healthy weight is by incorporating daily exercise into their routine and ensuring they eat a complete, well-balanced, nutritious diet. Treats should also only make up 10% of your pet’s daily food allowance, which is also a great way to cut back and save, if you are over-indulging your pet with snacks!

Buy in bulk

“Pet food is typically more cost-effective when bought in larger quantities, with bargains to be had by shopping around.

“If your financial situation means that you are considering switching to a cheaper food, make sure you choose one labelled ‘complete’ – a nutritionally balanced diet is vital in supporting pets’ overall health and helps to avoid potentially costly medical treatment in the long term.

Learn to groom your pet at home

“Grooming costs soon add up, especially for long-haired pets or those with tightly-curled coat types, such as Poodles and their crosses. Brushing regularly can also help you spot any skin problems before they develop into anything more serious.

“There are lots of free resources that offer cost-saving tips and advice on maintaining your pet’s health available on the PDSA website. Personal circumstances can change at any time and if you do find yourself struggling to afford your pet’s veterinary care, see if you are eligible for free or low-cost support by using the charity’s eligibility checker.”

PDSA relies on donations to deliver life-saving treatment to hundreds of thousands of pets across its 48 Pet Hospitals in the UK.

To help keep families together, the charity is urgently calling on the public’s support more than ever to prevent vulnerable people having to make a truly heartbreaking decision.

To find out more about PDSA’s vital work during the cost-of-living crisis, or to donate, visit www.pdsa.org.uk/costoflovingcrisis

Having A Laugh: Championing gender equality on Red Nose Day

Scottish Government funding for Comic Relief projects across Africa

Ensuring women and girls in Africa are safe, equal and respected is a key focus on Red Nose Day.

Funding of £200,000 this year brings the overall Scottish Government match funding for Comic Relief to £2.7 million since 2017. This funding has supported a number of projects aimed at tackling lack of education, poverty and violence against women and children in Malawi, Rwanda and Zambia.

To build on this work, a Women and Girls’ Fund will be established later this year as part of a new international development Equalities Programme announced in the 2021/22 Programme for Government. This fund will be created for community organisations in the three African partner countries, with women’s rights groups invited to design the fund. 

International Development Minister Neil Gray said: “We are proud of our collaboration with Comic Relief. Our partnership has helped ensure women and girls are safe, equal and respected, and our investment continues to support them to reach their full potential.

“Our funding for Comic Relief’s Levelling the Field Programme uses sport to tackle some of the key issues faced by women and girls in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities. As a powerful tool for driving long-term positive social change, sport is able to challenge stereotypes and increase opportunities for education, employment, training, and leadership.

“The success of our partnership with Comic Relief is enabling us to establish a fund for Women and Girls in Africa where women’s-led organisations will have an opportunity to determine funding priorities.”

Chief Executive Officer of Comic Relief Samir Patel said: “We are incredibly proud of our longstanding partnership with the Scottish Government.

“Through our Levelling the Field programme, local organisations in Malawi, Rwanda and Zambia are using innovative Sport for Change approaches to challenge gender injustices and inspire women and girls to reach their full potential.”

The Scottish Government has supported Comic Relief over five years with a total of £2.7 million:

  • £1.2 million for Levelling the Field I (2017 – 2020)
  • £1.5 million for Levelling the Field II (2020 – 2023)

Edinburgh, join Mary’s Meals on a 7,000-mile journey

School feeding charity is asking people to clock up miles this April to feed hungry children  

Mary’s Meals is calling on people in Edinburgh to help feed hungry children in some of the world’s poorest countries by signing up to its new fundraising challenge, From Dalmally to Malawi. 

The charity feeds more than 2.4 million children every school day in 18 countries including Malawi, Kenya and Syria. The promise of a nutritious meal encourages children into the classroom where they can gain an education and hope for a brighter future.  

This April, people can join its virtual challenge from Dalmally, the village in the Highlands of Scotland where Mary’s Meals was founded, to Malawi, where the charity served its first life-changing school meals in 2002. 

Participants can take part in From Dalmally To Malawi in any way they choose from walking, running to swimming. The money raised by sponsorship from friends and family will help to feed desperately hungry children in school.     

Those signing up to the challenge will receive a free Mary’s Meals T-shirt and will be invited to join an exclusive From Dalmally To Malawi online community where they’ll receive inspirational video messages and stories from Mary’s Meals.  

Dan McNally, head of grassroots engagement at Mary’s Meals, says: “With Spring around the corner, April is the perfect time for setting a personal active challenge.  

“Whatever miles you pledge, taking part in From Dalmally to Malawi allows you to follow the Mary’s Meals journey while helping us to reach the next hungry child. I hope as many people as possible join our challenge this April to show the true generosity of people in Edinburgh!” 

By signing up to the challenge, people in Edinburgh will be helping children like Prisca from Malawi. Thanks to Mary’s Meals, she eats a mug of vitamin-enriched porridge every day that fills her empty stomach and gives her energy to learn.  

Prisca says: “Mary’s Meals porridge helps me to excel in my studies and realise my dream of becoming a teacher. I do not feel hungry when in class and I listen attentively during lessons.” 

To sign up to the From Dalmally to Malawi challenge, please visit: 

https://www.marysmeals.org.uk/campaigns/from-dalmally-to-malawi 

Izzy Judd is swept off her feet by charity Mary’s Meals

The celebrity mum is supporting the international aid charity this Mother’s Day 

Musician and celebrity mum Izzy Judd says she has been swept off her feet by international aid charity Mary’s Meals.

The mother-of-three – who is married to McFly star Harry – is encouraging families across the UK to support the charity by giving a Mother’s Day gift that will help to feed children living in the world’s poorest countries.

She says: “As a mother to Lola, Kit and Lockie, I know how important it is for children to be happy, healthy, and well-educated. And that’s what Mary’s Meals is all about. Its life-changing school meals attract little ones into the classroom, where they can learn their way to a better future.

“I have been swept off my feet by this incredible charity – and you should be too!”

Mary’s Meals serves nutritious school meals to children living in some of the world’s poorest countries. The promise of a good meal attracts hungry children into the classroom, where they can gain an education that that can be their ladder out of poverty.

The charity feeds more than 2.4 million children every school day – and it says this simply wouldn’t be possible without the love and dedication of mothers all around the world.

Dan McNally, head of grassroots engagement at Mary’s Meals, explains: “Here in the UK, we are lucky to be supported by amazing women, like Izzy, who fundraise and volunteer so that we can feed desperately hungry children.

“And in the countries where we work, it is most often mothers who volunteer to prepare, cook, and serve the food. They do this so that their children, and the children in their communities, can have the chance of a better life.”

To mark Mother’s Day [Sunday, 19 March], Mary’s Meals is offering a range of beautiful gift cards. Priced from just £19.15, each of these special cards will feed a hungry child with Mary’s Meals every day for a school year.

Izzy continues: “I will be dropping some hints to my children for a Mary’s Meals gift, and I will also be giving one of these lovely cards to my own mum, Gill.

“I think she will be thrilled to know that, together, we are ensuring that a child is in school, with a full belly, ready to learn.”

It costs just £19.15 to feed a child with Mary’s Meals for a full school year.

To find out more and to purchase a Mother’s Day gift card, please visit:

marysmeals.org.uk/shop

Christian Atsu: A statement from Arms Around The Child

“He will live in our memories as one of the kindest, most talented, humble people to enter this world…”

Following the news that the body of Christian Atsu’s body has been recovered in Turkey, Arms Around The Child (AATC) , have today issued a statement: 

Christian was an ambassador for the AATC helping to build schools in Senya, Ghana and visited the children and projects several times.

Paying tribute to Christian a spokesman for the charity said yeaterday (SUNDAY FEB 19): “It is with immense pain and disbelief that we have to write these words. We have held onto the hope that Christian would survive and be found in the rubble of the tragic earthquake to hit Turkey and Syria.

Like the many friends, families and people impacted by this disaster, we are still struggling to accept what has happened and feel tremendous sadness at the devastating loss of life. We empathise with all those grieving for their lost ones. Our deepest condolences are with Christian’s family, wife, children and many friends and lives that he touched.

“Christian Atsu was a truly unique and wonderful man, and his legacy will live on through the many hundreds if not thousands of lives he has helped. He will live in our memories as one of the kindest, most talented, humble people to enter this world. A young boy from poverty in Ghana who followed his dreams had an incredibly successful footballing career and used his talent and platform to help others.

“Arms Around The Child were fortunate to have known Christian and will treasure his support for the children we look after, especially the children in Senya Beraku where Christian was building a school in the local community. Christian believed in giving children a brighter future and the opportunity to succeed.

“He never forgot his own roots and didn’t want to see any more children abused, imprisoned, affected by HIV, trafficked or sold. He was determined to use his prominence as a footballer to prevent this. He had also been supporting The Crime Check Foundation in Ghana with their work paying fines for petty crimes which had resulted in incarceration, and helping people reintegrate into society and get back on their feet.

“Christian has been the global ambassador for Arms Around The Child since 2016. During that time, he visited the children at our home in Senya Beraku, Ghana on many occasions. He regularly organised for gifts and football equipment to be sent to the home and developed a very close relationship with the kids. 

“In 2018 Christian and Arms Around The Child launched a campaign to build a new school in Senya to benefit orphaned children and the local community. Together Arms Around The Child and Christian organized the Black Star Gala, a special fundraising event at the Hilton Hotel in Gateshead, Newcastle, to kickstart the fundraising effort for a new school.

“Whenever Christian visited Senya, the children and the community were always so happy to see him. They would welcome him like a hero, but also like a father, uncle or brother as everyone felt such a close affection for him. He greeted everyone with smiles and hugs, making each individual, child and adult, feel important and that they could dream and succeed in life. Christian loved the children and would always throw his shoes off to play barefoot football with them, something he loved to do whenever he visited. 

“The children looked up to him, he showed them that they can have dreams for a better future and that through education, dreams can be achieved. This is why Christian was so passionate about building a school, he believed in education for all, especially as a way to solve problems and give kids a brighter future.

“Christian was the main benefactor of the new school buildings in Senya. He always wanted to know how the children were doing and we would regularly update him on the progress of the school, which after years of building is finally nearing completion. 

“On Saturday 4th Feb 2023, just one day before his final game in which he scored a last-minute winning goal, he responded ‘Thank you for the update. I will arrange some money so that we will be able to complete it fast, I am very happy with the progress. Later in the day, he emailed again to say that he would come to open the school in June and bring his Black Star friends. 

This was our last correspondence with Christian; as always, he was thinking about the children and what he could do to help others.

Director of one of the homes Christian supported, in Senya, Beraku, Seth Asiedu said: “Our hearts are broken by the news regarding our beloved bro, Christian Atsu. We always felt the impact of his presence and were soaked with joy any time he visited us.

“The happiness he brought to so many will leave a painful void, but we will always remember his kind heart and his beaming, infectious and joyful smile. Thank you Christian, we love you.”

Earthquake survivors in Turkey and Syria will receive emergency aid of £60,000 from Freemasons

Survivors of the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria will be receiving vital emergency supplies thanks to a £60,000 grant from the Freemasons to the British Red Cross, UK for UNHCR and UNICEF who are leading the relief effort on the ground.

More than 16,000 people are reported to have died in the two quakes which have devastated large areas of south west Turkey and across the border in Syria. The death toll is certain to rise significantly as more bodies are found.

Tens of thousands of survivors are sleeping in the open in temperatures which have fallen well below zero. Snow is falling in some parts as the region experiences colder than average winter weather that is also hampering rescue efforts.

Damage from the quake has affected at least seven provinces in Turkey as well as areas across northwest Syria. Thousands of homes have been destroyed, displacing families, and schools, hospitals, and other medical and educational facilities will have been damaged or destroyed by the quakes. Potential damage to roads and critical infrastructure will also complicate search and rescue efforts and the wider humanitarian response.

The grant comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded by Freemasons, their families and friends, from across England and Wales.

Luke Tredget, Head of Emergencies from the British Red Cross, said: “We’re very grateful for this generous grant which will allow us to provide immediate emergency relief to people who are in desperate need.

“This disaster has devastated vast areas of both countries and left millions of people in urgent need of help.”

Les Hutchinson, Chief Executive of the Masonic Charitable Foundation, said: “I’m very pleased we’ve been able to help the Red Cross, UNICEF and the UNHCR with their relief effort following this terrible earthquake.

“Many thousands of people are in very urgent need of assistance and I’m proud that Freemasons are providing essential support to charities on the ground working with survivors.”

Mary’s Meals launches emergency appeal to help vulnerable children in Syria

Mary’s Meals is helping communities affected by this week’s devastating earthquakes

MARY’S Meals have launched an emergency appeal to deliver much-needed food aid to children in Syria, following two earthquakes on Monday, 6 February. 

We have been  working in the city of Aleppo since 2017. With our local partner Dorcas, we usually serve nutritious meals to children at school – many of whom are experiencing trauma caused by more than a decade of civil war.  

Daniel Adams, executive director of Mary’s Meals, says: “The updates we are receiving from our partner on the ground are simply heart-breaking. After more than a decade of civil war, Syria has been plunged into this new crisis. Many people have lost their loved ones and their homes, and they have very little access to food and shelter. They now face yet another a fight for survival. 

“Conditions in and around Aleppo are very difficult – roads have been destroyed, and our partner organisation has seen heavy damage to its buildings. Despite these challenges, we are already reaching many children with essential food supplies.” 

Mary’s Meals serve school meals in some of the world’s poorest countries. The promise of food attracts hungry children into the classroom, giving them the energy to learn and hope for a better future.  

In addition to this important work, the charity provide effective, expert support through emergencies – including delivering food aid to thousands of people affected by Ebola in Liberia and supporting communities impacted by the earthquake in Haiti in 2021.  

Daniel continues: “With our partner, we are working around the clock to feed hungry children in Aleppo. But there’s so much more we can do to help the communities that have been devastated by these earthquakes – and we stand ready to expand our emergency response as funds allow. 

“Time and time again, we have seen people across the UK give generously to help those facing desperate and frightening situations. I urge you to give what you can today – no donation is too small – so that we can bring hope to the people of Aleppo.”

Please donate today if you can.

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The Sixth ‘Walk for Autism’ campaign returns this spring

Walk for Autism is returning in 2023 with a spring in its step

Walk for Autism 2023 will be one of the most successful campaigns in its history. The annual fundraising campaign invites participants from up and down the country to walk 10,000 steps per day for eight days wherever they choose. 

The walking week begins on March 26 and ends on World Autism Awareness Day, April 2.

In 2022, the campaign saw over 3,800 walkers step up to the Walk for Autism challenge. Together, they raised £407,448.48 and totalled 211.6 million steps. The money raised from Walk for Autism helps to fund autism projects across the UK and Ireland, along with funding for specialist staff.

Last year’s campaign provided funding for a Health and Wellbeing Lead, who runs wellbeing groups ranging from football sessions, to cycling and hiking. Thanks to these projects, autistic people attending the groups have developed stronger social connections, built self-confidence, and felt the benefits to their mental and physical health. 

Walk for Autism Fundraising Manager, Liz Oakley said: “This campaign is so close to our hearts, as we see how much of an impact it makes every year. It really helps to improve the quality of life of the people we work with, and allows us to create communities for people who need them.

“Taking part is also a brilliant opportunity to spend time outdoors and improve your health and wellbeing. It’s important to us that the challenge is inclusive to all abilities, so whether you opt for short walks each day, walking the dog, or take on longer hikes, the challenge can work around you.

“Walk for Autism also includes steps from everyday activities, such as pottering in the garden or walking upstairs. Every step counts and makes a difference.”

The 2023 campaign has been further boosted by the support of Bridgerton and Emmerdale star Simon Lennon, who will once again be stepping out in support of the Walk for Autism campaign.

Simon said: “I’m delighted to take part in Walk for Autism again this year because it’s really important to get everyone in the UK walking and talking about autism and it’s fun too.

“Many people taking part have a special connection to autism and they are doing their bit to help raise funds for autism projects around the UK and Ireland.”

The team are encouraging walkers to complete their steps by walking and talking with family and friends, at their own pace. Those who sign up and raise their first £20 will be sent a free ‘Walk for Autism’ t-shirt to assist in their fundraising.

Liz added: “Autism affects more than 700,000 people in the UK and Ireland. It’s amazing to see the difference that our walkers make each year, and essential that we continue to help as many people as possible through our fundraising efforts.”

Walk for Autism is a campaign led by Autism Initiatives Group, a national charity committed to improving the lives of autistic adults and children and their families across the UK and Ireland. Founded in the 1970s, the charity recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.

You can now sign up for Walk for Autism at www.walkforautism.co.uk