MPs vote ‘yes’ for landmark Autism Bill

IN a landmark debate, MPs voted to take the Autism Bill through to its next stage in a move which the National Autistic Society (NAS) hailed as a crucial victory for the over half a million children and adults in the UK with autism.

Responding to overwhelming political pressure in the House, the Government also pledged to fully support people with autism with a raft of new measures. The Bill, which was drafted by the NAS and taken forward by Cheryl Gillan MP, will now move to committee stage where these commitments to transform the lives of people affected by autism can scrutinised by MPs.

Mark Lever, Chief Executive of the NAS said:- “This is landmark victory for the thousands of people with autism who say they feel isolated and ignored – we are delighted that MPs have listened to their constituents and voted for the Bill. Furthermore, the Government’s public commitment today to hold local authorities legally accountable if they do not provide appropriate support for children and adults with autism has the potential to end the devastating postcode lottery of autism services and support across the UK. There is still has a long way to go, but we look forward to working with the Government during the Bill’s committee stage to secure a brighter future for people with autism”.

Mark Lever added;- “The NAS would like to thank Cheryl Gillan MP, the 6000 people who emailed their MP and all the MPs who supported the bill.”

The autism bill makes the following key demands:-

1. Improve information on the number of children and adults with autism

► 2/3rds of local authorities do not know how many children with autism there are in their area.

► Just 2 local authorities know how many adults with autism there are in their area.

Without a clear idea of the numbers of people with autism in their area, local authorities will continue to exclude the needs of children and adults with autism from the planning and commissioning of services.

2. Ensure effective transition from child to adult services

► 40% of adults with autism live at home with their parents and are heavily reliant upon them for support

Local authorities simply aren’t providing adequate support or passing on the kind of information from children’s to adult services that would ensure the needs of children with autism are catered for in adulthood, thus preventing them from reaching their full potential.

3. Tackle the chronic lack of support for adults with autism

► Over 75% of local authorities do not have an autism training strategy.

Autism is a complex and much misunderstood condition, yet very little policy or guidance specifically refers adults with the disability. There continues to be a lack of understanding and training in autism within local authorities, often meaning adults with the condition receive inadequate support or fail to qualify for any support at all. This exclusion from support increases isolation and can escalate to mental health problems and other serious difficulties.

SARAH LEWINGTON FOUND SAFE AND WELL

MERSEYSIDE Police has confirm that Sarah Lewington, who has been missing from her home since 19 February 2009, was found safe and well on Friday, 27 February 2009, in Bootle. Merseyside Police would like to thank the local community and the media for their assistance in this matter.

Not One But Two WLLR Holiday Events!

FRIENDLY ENGINES DAY

THE West Lancashire Light Railway, Hesketh Bank are holding a fun event on Sunday, 5 April 2009. The event marks the  beginning of our 2009 season. We will then open on every Sunday and Bank Holiday until the end of October 2009.  The Friendly Engines day will include a ride on a train hauled by one of our friendly engines. We will also try to have at least two engines in steam as well. The events run from 12.00 Noon to 5.00pm.

TEDDY BEARS' OUTING

The WLLR will be holding a Teddy Bears' Outing on Sunday, 10 May 2009 from 12.00 to 5.00pm. So bring a bear and get your travel half fare!  The day will have two engines in steam and a big surprise in the woods!

Please see our website for more information our our advert page on the Mersey Reporter business listings section.

West Lancashire Light Railway, Station Road, Hesketh Bank

Liverpool Fashion Week @ Liverpool ONE

LIVERPOOL ONE is celebrating Liverpool Fashion Week by hosting three days of events showcasing some of the best boutique and high street fashion around! Take your inspiration from some of our exciting, up to the second fashion shows which will take place on South John Street three times daily from Wednesday, 11 March 2009 to Friday, 13 March 2009. Hair and beauty demonstrations will also take place throughout the three days. The events will turn Liverpool ONE into a fabulous parade of fashion set to thrill the discerning fashionista about town. Look out for more details in your inbox of the line up for the week or visit:- www.liverpool-one.com.

CRIMEWATCH APPEAL - FRANCESCA BIMPSON MURDER

MERSEYSIDE Police Detectives investigating the murder of Francesca Bimpson have appealed for information on Crimewatch Thursday, 26 February 2009 in a bid to trace those responsible for her death.  Francesca Bimpson, the three year old who suffered extensive burns as a result of an arson attack on her home on Norwood Grove, Everton, on 2 December 2008, died in hospital on 23 December 2008.  Detectives are treating Francesca's death as a murder investigation. 

The programme featured a reconstruction of the incident, interviews with Francesca's father, Keiron Bimpson Snr., and her 14 year old brother, Keiron Bimpson Jnr. and the Senior Investigating Officer in the case, Det. Supt. Steve Naylor. 

Det Supt Steve Naylor "Francesca's family are devastated by their loss and cannot rest until those responsible for her death are brought to justice. 

I would urge people to watch the programme as it may remind them of something they saw on the night which could prove vital to our inquiry."

Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact the Major Incident Team on 0151 777 8766, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 

Alternatively you can text the word Crime to 61051 followed by the information, or email detectives.