Wokingham

Wokingham Children and young people aged between 10 and 18 will tread the boards in a bid to raise awareness of Autism this month. The performance forms part of a number of activities and events that are being organised by Wokingham Autism Partnership.

Children and young people from across the Wokingham borough will be taking part in a drama workshop starting on Monday May 18 and the sessions run until Thursday May 21. The week will culminate with a drama performance at Bulmershe School on Friday May 22 at 7.30pm.

Diversity Drama in Action is run by Ali Campbell, who has over 27 years experience in non-professional theatre. Drama can improve confidence, social skills and self-esteem amongst youngsters and it is also a tool to communicate with the wider community about thoughts, feelings and experiences.

The Wokingham performance is free to attend, but donations will be gratefully received for the Me2 Club. Seats at the performance can be booked by calling Pamela Breslin on (0118) 974 6882 or Lucy Skye on (0118) 974 3750.

Pamela Breslin, co-ordinator at Wokingham Autism Partnership at Wokingham Borough Council, said: “So many activities are planned during the week in our bid to raise awareness of autism within the Wokingham Borough. There is something for everyone, and I do hope that many people will join us to learn more about autism.

“The drama workshop is running all week and aims to get children and young people to think differently about autism and express themselves through the medium of drama. It is a great tool to communicate with the wider community about thoughts, feelings and experiences. And I very much hope through this drama performance, the audience will find themselves thinking about autism differently too.”

Autism is a lifelong disability affecting how someone sees the world, communicates and socialises. One percent of the UK population has a condition in the autistic spectrum. It can cause great difficulties every day in relationships and independent living and it affects people in many different ways.

Wokingham Borough Council