Glasgow to host Autism Awareness events in April

Glasgow City Council will work with a wide range of partner organisations in the city centre and beyond during April to launch and showcase services which support people with autism.

On 3 April, an online map of the city centre will go online at both www.glasgow.gov.uk and https://www.glasgowcitycentrestrategy.com/, highlighting locations in the area offering autism awareness support.

On 11 April, a short film highlighting what is being done in the city centre to improve services for people with autism in Glasgow - featuring two young people with autism from the city - will be shown at the Glasgow Film Theatre.

The Autism Reality Bus, which provides an experience of what a visit to the city centre can be like for some people with autism, will come to George Square on 16 & 17 April. More detail on this is available at: http://www.training2care.co.uk/autism-reality-experience.htm. A marquee beside the bus, featuring many organisations who deal with autism awareness, will also be available to visit on those dates. 

These services are part of what the council is doing to make Glasgow the most Autism Aware city in the UK, working with partner organisations such as Autism Network Scotland, shopping centres, transport hubs, museums, cinemas and other businesses and venue as services are developed. Just over 1% of the UK's population is effected by autism.

Just some of the businesses and locations who offer autism aware services include the Buchanan Galleries, Celtic Park, Centre for Contemporary Arts, Gallery of Modern Art, Glasgow Airport, Glasgow City Chambers, Glasgow Film Theatre, Glasgow Science Centre, Hallmark Hotel - Washington Street, House of Fraser, Ibis Hotel - Sauchiehall Street, Ibrox Stadium, Malones Bar & Restaurant, The Lighthouse, Novotel - Pitt Street, the Riverside Museum, the St Enoch Centre and the St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art.

Councillor Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow Council and City Convener for Inclusive Economic Growth, said: "We are working to make Glasgow a city where everyone feels comfortable using the services and attractions that make it such a great place to be. Our partnership with a wide range or organisations in the city centre and beyond is already making a difference to people with autism and their experience in Glasgow, and we will continue to keep working to ensure these services are developed further."