## Fighting For Autism (Europe) 

Registered Charity Number 1189562 

## - Trustees Annual Report for 01/04/2021 31/03/2022 

## End of Year. 

Challenges that arose from the pandemic are still ongoing with some clubs trying to rebuild as the restrictions were lifted, other clubs the financial and emotional impact resulted in them having to cease operating. 

Using platforms like Zoom, had limited benefit, and owing to the yearly cost being £143.88p a decision was made by the Trustees to opt to not renew the service, primarily as there are other platforms that offer the same service with less or no cost, allowing distribution of funds to areas that would be better suited. 

Our website is running and regularly reviewed costs of running for £139.08 and £215.88p, the website is a vital part of Fighting For Autism Europe as it also provides access to our social media streams and successful blog.  Services for Adobe, which enables the charity to create literature/posters was £196.30p (discounted rate) 



As a charity we faced the challenge of trying to source clubs that have re-opened with an open door/open heart ethos for potential students who may be autistic or have and additional need and work alongside them offering support for families of autistic students or those with an additional need as well as the club. 

The Fighting For Autism (Europe) ambassador program is steadily growing with a growing number of junior ambassadors becoming involved with the charity, raising awareness at their local club/dojo/gym. Each junior ambassador also receives a choice of either a baseball cap/sew on patch or a hoody, a high volume of whom are autistic themselves, sharing positive stories, guidance, advice has been a real success. The Trustees have agreed to expand the program to include Fitness activities to widen our vision of awareness, acceptance and inclusion. The trial has also be that autistic ambassadors will be heavily involved and supported by the trustees in a bid to build and seek opportunities in these fields of expertise and explore the possibility of an autistic person or someone with an additional need receiving vocational training and potential employment in that sector, and identify/rectify where challenges may be. (I.e. lack of training courses) 

Over the year the trustees agreed on Autism Awareness, Acceptance and inclusion at club level, the charity purchased and distributed copies of “Safeguarding Autistic Girls” written by Carly Jones MBE. This decision was submitted and approved by the trustees, 10 copies of the book have been purchased at a cost of £16.61 each and distributed to affiliated clubs and coaching staff to enhance their knowledge base. The feedback from those who received the literature has been very positive. 

Over Autism Awareness Month, as part of our awareness, acceptance and inclusion strategy we offered the chance for people to become involved in 1 minutes exercise for autism awareness, acceptance and inclusion. Uploading a video and inviting others to get involved with hashtags on social media to enhance engagement, the trustees approved purchase of T shirts for the best videos submitted. 

Provision of Sensory Bags was also agreed by the trustee’s that enable affiliated clubs to store items for autistic students that can be utilised as and when required, the items within the bags would be provided by the club/parent/individual owing to their level of need/requirement. Any associated information required to go with the bag will be created by Fighting For Autism (Europe) with the assistance of the club/parent/individual 

## Fundraising. 

Most funds submitted have been done so by the kindness of those involved in online forums or from affiliated ambassadors, cost for the provision of a company to fundraise (professional fundraisers) have proven to be too expensive currently, and the charity is not in a position that is considered financially strong enough to engage with them. 

## Next Steps 

The charity aims to engage with more people going forward, enhancing awareness, acceptance and inclusion strategies, and also enhance the opportunities currently available.