Earlier this month the High Sheriff of Cheshire, Lynn Pegler, joined Cheshire Community Foundation to visit two Northwich charities: Autism Practical Support and Down Syndrome Cheshire.
Autism Practical Support
Since 2012 Autism Practical Support (APS) has supported autistic people and their families, with mental health and wellbeing at the heart of its work. The charity works with more than 700 members across Cheshire West and Warrington. Its services include counselling, school support, sensory play, parent training, peer support and post-diagnosis programmes. Physical activity is a big part of its approach, helping members with emotional regulation, motor skills, confidence and physical health.
"APS is doing a fantastic job of supporting children, families and adults affected by autism across Cheshire," said Lynn. "It has recently expanded its premises, and everyone is looking forward to an exciting future."
Cheshire Community Foundation is funding APS's Autism Sensory Support project with a small grant. The grant gives every member of staff who runs activities a sensory pack and a branded t-shirt. Each pack holds a first aid kit, sensory toys, ear defenders, visual resources and a weighted blanket for children. Staff take the packs to every venue so they can respond calmly and quickly when someone is becoming overwhelmed.
Demand for APS's support keeps growing, in line with the picture across the country. NHS England figures show that in June 2026 almost 295,000 people had an open referral for suspected autism, and 87% of them had been waiting at least 13 weeks.
"Having the right resources with us at every session means our team can help autistic and neurodiverse members feel safe, understood and settled, wherever we are. Consistency and access to appropriate equipment can make a significant difference in reducing anxiety, supporting communication and creating positive experiences. We're very grateful to Cheshire Community Foundation for making that possible."
Down Syndrome Cheshire
For more than 15 years Down Syndrome Cheshire has supported children, young people and adults with Down Syndrome, along with their families, carers and the wider community. Its services cover family support, early years development, education advocacy, training for professionals and parents or carers, employability and life skills programmes, holiday clubs and a wide range of social, creative and physical activities, from dance and drama to football.
"Cooking skills, dance, football, employability, holiday clubs and family support are just a few of the options helping a large number of children and adults," said Lynn.
Cheshire Community Foundation has funded several of the charity's projects in recent years. The latest was Cooking for Confidence, a four-week cookery course for 16 young people and adults at the charity's fully accessible community hub in Northwich. One participant joined because food is something his whole family loves, and he had recently been diagnosed with coeliac disease. The team built the menus around his needs and shared advice on suitable foods. While he cooked, his mum enjoyed some well-earned time for herself at a local gym class.
"Cooking for Confidence was about far more than recipes. It gave people new skills, new friendships and real independence. We're grateful to Cheshire Community Foundation and their donors for the funding which enabled this project."
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