National Autism charity award for Active Tameside’s ‘Everybody Can’ inclusion service

Active Tameside’s groundbreaking ‘Everybody Can’ inclusion and disability service has received national recognition for its work supporting autistic people, winning a prestigious Autism Specialist Award from the National Autistic Society.

The accolade is part of the society’s Autism Accreditation Programme – the UK’s only autism-specific quality assurance scheme – and celebrates high standards of autism practice in sectors including education, social care and the justice system.

The award highlights the outstanding work delivered by the Everybody Can team across Tameside, supporting people of all ages and abilities through a wide range of social care, education, employment, and community programmes.

Cat Chenery, Social Care and Compliance Manager at Everybody Can said: "We're thrilled to be recognised, it's quite unique for an organisation of our kind to win an accreditation - it shows how skilled we are in supporting people with autism.

"An accreditation like this is hard won. We've been recognised after several observational visits and assessments by representatives from the National Autistic Society, as well as anonymous feedback from families of the people we support. It's all a testament to the hard work and dedication that everyone puts into everything we do."

The Autism Accreditation report praised Everybody Can’s personalised, inclusive approach, noting that: "Staff are highly attentive to changes in individuals' presentations and provide opportunities for sensory regulation to enhance comfort and engagement.

"Individualised strategies are employed to support community access, promote independence, and encourage active engagement. Staff guide each other to ensure consistent and supportive interactions, helping autistic individuals achieve a sense of accomplishment and personal growth."

Feedback from families echoed this praise, describing the staff and services as "amazing." One parent said: "This provision is a lifeline for our family. My child is always happy to go, and she enjoys her time when she is there."

Christine Flintoft-Smith, Head of Autism Accreditation at the National Autistic Society, added: "We are delighted that Everybody Can at Active Tameside has achieved the Autism Specialist Award. The team should be exceptionally proud of their achievement and their ongoing commitment to improving support for autistic people."

'Everybody Can' operates six days a week across Active Tameside venues, delivering a wide array of activities and support tailored to different age groups and abilities. These include:

• Social care for children and adults

• Community and youth intervention programmes

• Education and employment support

• Inclusive sessions such as cycling, swimming, bowling, yoga, life skills, and sensory play

• Adult day services and outreach support

• Short breaks and holiday care

• Supported internships and volunteering opportunities

Daniel Higgins, Active Tameside’s Head of Health and Social Outcomes, says the award reflects the values at the heart of the service: "Every day, our team goes above and beyond to create spaces where our clients of all abilities feel truly understood, valued and supported.

"This award showcases the team's passion and commitment to our clients and their families. It also gives us the motivation to keep raising the bar - building a world that embraces everybody, regardless of their need or ability."

To learn more about Everybody Can, including downloadable brochures and full timetables, visit: www.activetameside.com/services/everybody-can