THE Rotary Club of Ilkley has presented £2,000 to AWARE ( Airedale & Wharfedale Autism Resource ) towards their wonderful work with children aged and young people aged from two to 25.

Rachel Miller and Nikki Pickles from AWARE gave a very passionate talk to the rotary club about the group’s work from its base in Addingham.

AWARE is a parent run group supporting families affected by autism (no formal diagnose is required).

They support families through the maze of local services and can help them access specialised education which can make a huge difference helping young people maximise their skills and achieve full potential as an adult.

They run; a play scheme for four to nine years old and a cooking club for 12 to 18 year olds to help develop independence life skills, They educate employers to understand Autism, there is Trip Club for teenagers to help them visit places, improve social skills and make friends. The two to 11 junior youth club has sensory activities and an activity club. Keys areas are communication, behaviour, understanding and parents gaining friendships with other parents.

One in 66 people are affected by Autism and about 300 families in the Airedale and Wharf dale area are connected to AWARE.

They also attend the Nell Bank Centre which Rotary supports though its annual Holly Ball which takes place on Saturday, December 15. Kelvin Newberry gave a vote of thanks and all members agreed what wonderful and valuable work this group are doing locally.

For more information visit www.awareuk.org