Charity boss aims to fulfil his dream of creating autism centre in Romford

Ivan Corea, from UK Autism Foundation, says that his life-long dream is to set up a drop-off centre in the borough.

He said: “It has always been a dream of mine and I am hoping that one day it will become a reality.

“There is a parents’ support group in Havering, but Romford – like many other places in the country – does not have a main centre.”

The centre, would provide information about autism and would also support people with the condition.

It would offer a space where the families and friends of people with autism can get together.

Ivan, who is a teacher at Francis Bardsley School in Romford, is appealing for help from individuals and businesses who would be able to sponsor the project.

Ivan said: “Romford Autistic Support Group does a lot of work to help families but there is still a need for something much bigger, because there are lots of people that are still not getting the help they need.”

His comments come in the light of a special Autism Sunday Service which is due to take place this weekend at 3pm at St Alban’s Church in King’s Road, Romford.

The service, which marks 10 years of the event, will be led by the Rev Fr Roderick Hingley.

Other speakers include the Bishop of Chelmsford the Rt Rev Stephen Cottrell, Andrew Rosindell MP for Romford and Anne Myatt, CEO of Romford Autistic Support Group.

Challenges

Ivan set up the event with his wife Charika to raise more awareness of autism after the pair had come up against a number of problems with their son Charin.

The couple now say that things have become a lot easier, but there are still some challenges.

Ivan said: “The biggest issue is what happens when a child with autism turns 18.

“There is no employment scheme for them and there is nothing for them to do.

“The Government’s welfare reform bill is going to affect families – especially those living in poverty already – so that is something that we oppose.”

n For more information visit www.autismsunday.co.uk