Author: Maxwell Dean

The Autism Directory charity has today launched a new charity name and logo to better reflect their increased range of services. The charity has grown its online directory to over 32,000 worldwide listings of companies, services and products supporting the autism community. It delivers an employment programme via local Job Centres to equip autistic adults with the skills to gain employment and annual Live shows which are free to attend. A new community hub in Caerphilly as well as a long term helpline coordinated by their autistic staff have all seen an increase in use in recent months. Headquartered in…

There are plenty of amazing walks, runs and challenges to look forward to getting involved in the next year. Although it looks like a difficult start to the year, here is a useful list of running events and marathons re-scheduled (currently) for 2021. The Cardiff 5k and 10k Winter Warmer Run: 7th February Join this famous 10K run around Bute Park on the 7th February for your chance to once again support the charity Shelter. This is a fantastic challenge to take part in and support a good cause. For more information and to enter click here. ABP Newport Wales Marathon:…

The Autism Directory have launched a new hub in Market Street, Caerphilly, for local autism families, and to engage the wider community. The hub will offer a unique and diverse range of services including employment support, adult support groups, one-to-one advice, parent groups, social and creative activities. The community hub shop will also feature merchandise designed by the talented team of autistic designers employed by the charity.   Commenting, Charity Operations Manager Gareth Tarrant explained the importance of this new hub; “There is currently a lack of autism specific facilities in the area for autistic adults and their families. There…

To celebrate World Autism Awareness Day and Autism Awareness Week, the Welsh based autism charity, The Autism Directory, have launched their #FACEIT campaign and is encouraging the public to take part. The campaign aims to help those in the autism community who are feeling isolated and alone during the ongoing coronavirus lockdown. With so much information and confusion, lockdown is proving hard for us all and heightening isolation and anxiety. The Autism Directory supports people with autism who will be feeling alone, anxious, stressed and confused like everyone else, but with a very particular set of support needs.…

The Royle Family star Ricky Tomlinson will be joining a line-up of entertainers on a brand new Welsh TV channel launched to help beat the coronavirus blues. Tomlinson was one of the first guests on Clarach Bay TV – The Isolation Station. Set up by Aberystwyth businessman Thomas Scarrott, the station will be available to view across the UK for two hours every night and features professional entertainers performing from the safety of their own homes while they sit out the crisis. Commenting on his new station Thomas said; “We’ve had brilliant support from our guests so far, and I am…

The last couple of weeks have been a strange and worrying time for everyone. For businesses across Wales it has been no different, with advice changing on a daily basis and now resulting in many taking the difficult decision to close their doors.  This hasn’t stopped them from finding a way to reach their loyal costumers. Many have stepped up to the challenge and found creative ways to do just that, from setting up takeaway services for the first time, offering online classes or offering virtual services. Take a look at our list of creative ways businesses are turning to…

In My Skin, the Bafta Cymru award winning drama, is set to return for a five part series based in South Wales. The dark comedy series is inspired the personal experiences of writer Kayleigh Llewellyn and centres on the coming-of-age story of a teenage girl leading a double life. Bethan’s (Gabrielle Creevy) mother has been sectioned in a mental health facility near her school while her father is a Hell’s Angel who drives a rag-and-bone truck. In an effort to hide her home situation, she digs herself deeper and deeper into a hole of her own lies.  Describing her role Gabrielle says; “Bethan has…

A £500,000 fund has been made available to innovators who can provide much needed solutions to help those in isolation suffering from loneliness and mental health issues. Specifically, the government is looking for digital solutions that can be launched in the next few weeks, and can; Provide remote social care – for example, by locating and matching qualified carers to those in need. Optimise the volunteer sector – for example, by developing tools to recruit, train and coordinate local volunteers into clinical and non-clinical workers. Improve mental health support – for example, by making it easier to discover and deliver mental health services and…

The new iPhone is here and you might be wondering what to do with your iPhone 10 or older model if you want to upgrade.  [aoa id=”1″] Britons are estimated to have 40 million unused gadgets in their home, from mobile phones to tablets. Many of these contain rare earth elements which are not only valuable but increasingly rare, such as indium. This is vital for touch screens because it conducts electricity and is transparent. Natural resources of six of the elements found in mobile phones are set to run out within the next 100 years. Here are 7 ways you…

Are you are looking to expand your taste buds? Then take a look at our selection below of upcoming festivals in Wales. Every taste is covered from the finest local produce to delicious international cuisine. Welsh Cheese and Cider Festival The Welsh Cheese and Cider Festival returns for its seventh year for the 4th of May to Monday 6th at Gower Heritage Center, offering a wide range of locally produced cheeses and ciders. This local selection represents the best Wales has to offer. Look out for Gower’s own Mill House cider, as well as a traditional 1890s travelling cider press.…