Free autism-friendly craft workshop with Nidderdale artist at care home

A care home in Knaresborough will welcome children through its doors for a special event this summer.

The Manor House will run an autism-friendly community craft session with a special guest host – Nidderdale artist James Owen Thomas.

Activities coordinator Katie Pickering, who has organised the session with colleague Joanne Doherty, said she was inspired by her daughter being diagnosed with autism.

She told the Stray Ferret:

“We’ve known for years there’s been different things about her but because she’s masked it so well, it was quite a shock when we started talking about autism.

“I think socially, she’s struggled the most, and finding something which she can join in is hard. I’m struggling to find any groups that are for her age, but she’s very artistic and loves arts and crafts, so that’s where the idea came from.

“It was great that James Owen Thomas wanted to join in.

“My colleague and I were talking and saying we must have residents here who have had autism all their lives, and they don’t know and their family have no idea.

“I think it’s nice to start raising awareness of autism in seniors.”

The Manor House, on Hambleton Grove, has been running a parent and baby group every month for more than a year.

It has also introduced family sessions during the holidays, and will run two themed events this summer.

A Harry Potter craft morning for children aged five and over takes place on Monday, August 7, from 11am to noon. Children aged up to give can attend a story and activity session at the same time on Monday, August 14, themed around classic children’s book The Tiger Who Came to Tea.

A craft session at The Manor HouseA craft session at The Manor House

The autism-friendly event, which takes place on Tuesday, August 22 at 2.30pm, is the only one to require booking, as places are limited to keep the atmosphere calm and welcoming.

A chill-out room will also be available for anyone who needs a break.

Katie said she hoped the free events would be an affordable option for families looking for things to do over the summer – and would bring benefits to the residents too.

She added:

“They just get so much joy from spending time with the younger generation. Jo and I have done so much research into inter-generational care and it brings so much joy.

“Even just talking to them, not doing anything, just observing the babies makes them so happy. Through the craft and being creative too, it’s a really nice atmosphere.”

To book a place for the autism-friendly session, call Manor House on 01423 797555.

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