Stroud to turn blue for autism awareness night (From Stroud News and Journal)
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Stroud to turn blue for autism awareness night
11:35am Tuesday 13th March 2012 in News By Nick Wakefield, Reporter
Nikki Ramsden outside the Sub Rooms in Stroud, which will be lit up blue next month as part of an event she is organising to raise awareness of autism
HOMES, businesses and venues across Stroud will be lit up blue for an evening next month in aid of autism awareness.
Nikki Ramsden, whose five-year-old nephew has autism, is the driving force behind the Light It Up Blue event, which will be staged on World Autism Awareness Day on Monday, April 2.
A host of information about Autistic Spectrum Disorders will be showcased in the Sub Rooms, Stroud, from 7pm – 9pm, including a talk by Geoff Evans from autism care organisation Options Group.
Ruskin Mill Trust, near Horsley, which provides learning opportunities for people with behavioural difficulties, including autism, is supporting the event alongside more than 100 followers on Facebook.
Now in its third year, the global initiative by Autism Speaks has already seen some of the world’s most iconic landmarks lit up blue, including the Empire State Building and Sydney Opera House.
"I thought this year would be a great opportunity to bring it to Stroud," said Nikki.
"You do not change your appearance when you have autism and this is about trying to get people to realise that and have a bit more understanding of the condition."
Entrance to the Sub Rooms is free on the night but invitations must be obtained from Nikki by emailing nikkiramsden@yahoo.co.uk
