Support centre to be best in Britain

MAKING a difference . . . an artist’s impression of how the autism awareness centre will look

A BESPOKE autism awareness centre which it is claimed will be the best in the UK is set to be built in Oldham.

The state-of-the-art community hub, catering for up to 20 people, is earmarked for Sheard House, the former Lyon Mill in Crompton Way, Shaw. It’s the brainchild of Mark Finch (44), of Uppermill, who envisions running his Go!Support service in the new building, which will incorporate autism-specific research into space, heating and lighting.

Features will include a sensory garden, holistic therapy rooms, short-stay facilities, a cafe providing learning and employment skills and computer rooms. The project, subject to planning consent, is a private investment outside of local authority provision which will not charge more than council rates.

Mr Finch made plans for Go!Support after running a company where he often encountered autistic people.

He said: “Sheard House will be a centre of knowledge, learning, development, and fun — designed by the people who are going to use it.

The main aim will be to make a difference to people’s lives. I know the rent of the building won’t be cheap but to make a difference you have to do things differently.

“My intention is that it will be a first-class facility that responds to people’s needs, while being affordable.”

It is hoped Sheard House will be up and running by the end of 2012. Until then, temporary premises will be used at Medtia Place in Union Street, Oldham, the home of Positive Steps and Connexions.

Mr Finch hopes to build and maintain a relationship with Positive Steps, who he praised for their “brilliant support” in getting the scheme off the ground. GO!Support’s new service is scheduled to start in February, 2012.

Autism is distinguished by difficulties with social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication.

Mr Finch says he knows the kind of service required because he runs a group for young people on Wednesday nights and has met many families affected by autism.

“I’ve met people who think there’s no such thing as autism — they think they’re just naughty children — but that’s not the case. It’s a complicated condition and that’s why we need a first-class service like this here in Oldham.”