Autism charity launches fundraising appeal for new play equipment

A Berkshire-based autism charity has launched a new fundraising appeal to provide a wider range of fun and engaging play apparatus for the autistic young people with complex needs it supports.

Prior’s Court, a registered charity provides education and residential care for autistic young people with complex needs, has launched its play equipment appeal which has three ambitions:

1. Play area equipment – Prior’s Court’s largest outdoor play area was installed in 2015 and is now beginning to show its age, with some parts not suitable for use. The charity wants to rejuvenate this space and provide the autistic young people it supports with a safe and fun area to explore, learn, relax and enjoy.
2. Quiet swing – bird nest swings are hugely popular pieces of equipment across the Prior’s Court site, but currently, all of its swings are in play areas or the gardens of its 16 residential homes. The charity’s aim is to put a swing in a quiet location to help its young people who need time away from noisy environments to help manage their sensory needs and relax.
3. Bike and scooter sheds – so many of the young people at Prior’s Court love getting around our site on a trike, bike or scooter. The charity wants to make sure these items last as long as possible so we are aiming to fundraise for smaller sheds, to complement the one large shed we currently have, to keep bikes, trikes and scooters safe and protected from the elements.

Natalie Norris, the charity’s Fundraising Manager, said:

“Accessing and enjoying play is an important part of life for all children, young people, and adults.

“For autistic young people with complex needs, play is not only important for fun but also for regulation, managing sensory needs and developing fine motor skills.

“We are fundraising to improve the play equipment at Prior’s Court meaning more young people can access and benefit from a range of fun and engaging apparatus. Any donation would make a huge difference to the lives of the autistic young people with complex needs at Prior’s Court.”

To find out more, please visit: www.priorscourt.org.uk/our-appeals.