Shropshire children at specialist autism service get active to help others in need with Sport Relief fundraiser

Staff and students at Shropshire-based Options Higford, a specialist service providing education and residential care for children aged 8 to 19 with autism and associated complex needs, enjoyed a fun day of sporting activities on Friday to raise money in aid of Sport Relief.

Options Higford – which is part of Outcomes First Group and has been awarded ‘Autism Accreditation’ status by The National Autistic Society – encourages children to think of others’ needs despite the significant challenges they face themselves. Activities in which children took part included a cycle challenge, a running machine event, obstacle course and basketball shootout, with the highlight of the day being a penalty shootout against Deputy Head Richard Winzor!

Together, staff and pupils raised a total of £131.15 for Sport Relief, the biennial charity event from Comic Relief, in association with BBC Sport, which brings together the worlds of sport and entertainment to raise money to help vulnerable people in both the UK and the world’s poorest countries.

Commenting on the event, Anne Tyrer, Learning Support Assistant and Residential Care Worker who works across both the school and home at Options Higford said, “I love playing a role in the lives of the children we support, making a difference every day and watching them blossom. Encouraging them to participate in events like Sport Relief helps our children see beyond their own difficulties – it’s wonderful to see how helping others raises their own personal self esteem”.

Student Shaun added, “Sport Relief was great fun – can we have football every Friday from now on please?” Staff have taken Shaun up on this suggestion and have introduced a new football club on Fridays!

To learn more about Options Autism or apply to become a support worker, please visit http://www.optionsautism.co.uk/careers/ or call 01789 767800.