First Response Training (FRT) have raised over £1,400 and clocked up over 1 million steps to raise awareness of autism and fund vital research and support.
The leading national training provider, which delivers a range of training on autism, neurodiversity and learning disabilities, supported the annual Walk for Autism fundraising challenge which encourages participants to walk 80,000 steps over 8 days.
FRT put forward a team of 22 staff members, who volunteered to walk 10,000 steps per day for 8 days from 26th March until 2nd April, coming to a triumphant finish on World Autism Acceptance Day.
As well as raising much-needed funds to help the Autism Initiatives Group provide support and opportunities for autistic people and their families and carers, the Walk for Autism challenge is also designed to help increase autism acceptance and understanding. The benefits for the autism community from the funds and awareness raised include:
- Help to create inclusive, autism-friendly communities
- Improved access to early diagnosis so that autistic people grow up with support and understanding
- Funding for vital projects that provide support and create opportunities for autistic people.
As a provider delivering tailored training to improve awareness, understanding and support for autistic people and individuals with neurodiversities – and an organisation that employs over 100 autistic people and adults with learning disabilities – FRT were passionate about supporting the annual fundraising initiative.
The team of walkers from FRT, led by Neurodiversity Training Lead Becky Cropper, aimed to raise a minimum of £500 during the Walk for Autism challenge.
They began the walk on Thursday 26th March, with all team members recording their steps on their smart devices or pedometers and sending their daily totals through to Becky each evening for her to count up and submit on their dedicated Walk for Autism sponsorship page.
The team began providing daily updates on their step totals on their social media channels, sharing photos of different members out and about getting their steps in for the challenge to maintain motivation and keep the team spirit going strong. From long riverside dog walks to running for the tube, it all counted and the FRT team got their steps in any way they could!
As World Autism Day approached, the steps really started to tot up, and the team decided to make 1 million steps – and a bigger fundraising total of £1,000 – their new goal.
By the time the challenge concluded with World Autism Day on Thursday 2nd April, the team had clocked up an impressive 1,066,377 steps and raised £1,414 for autism research and support – almost triple their initial target!
Becky praised the commitment of everyone involved, highlighting the enthusiasm and consistency shown by participants each day:
“I am so proud of our team and the way everyone really gave it their all to smash our targets and raise such a brilliant amount for such a wonderful cause.
“I am fortunate to work closely with our Autistic Experts with Lived Experience Co-Trainers to support them as they deliver valuable training for us across the UK and I know how important it is that we improve awareness and understanding of autism and other neurodiversities, and ensure the right support is in place to help everyone in society thrive.
“Statistics show that 8 in 10 autistic people experience mental health problems, and that only 3 in 10 are in any form of employment, highlighting how important it is that we work hard to make the world more inclusive.
“I’m pleased to work with a team of people that are prepared to go out of their way to support a good cause.”
In recognition of their achievement, the group has been acknowledged by the charity as legend fundraisers, receiving a gold award and a certificate of thanks.
The Walk for Autism team even shouted out the organisation on their social media channels, positing on X:
“Big shoutout to First Response Training! You absolutely smashed WFA and are a top fundraising legend! Congratulations – you are amazing!”
With such a successful outcome, the team is already looking ahead. Becky added that they are “eager to take part again next year and hope to raise even more for the cause.”
FRT was one of the first training providers in the country to be approved to offer essential training in line with the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism.
They have since become quality assured to deliver Oliver’s Training through the Quality Assured Care Learning Service (QACLS) from the Department of Health and Social Care and Skills for Care and have trained over 40,000 learners through the delivery of over 1000 Tier 1 and 1000 Tier 2 training sessions.
They now employ over 100 Experts with Lived Experience Co-Trainers, many of whom are autistic.
FRT’s aim is to empower and educate learners across the country and transform their practice by embracing the lived experience of autistic individuals and those with learning disabilities. Through the collaborative strength of their Trainer Trios – Oliver McGowan Facilitating Trainers and Expert Co-Trainers – they aim to inspire lasting change in how individuals are understood, supported and valued.
Laura Amy Williams, Autistic Expert with Lived Experience at FRT, says:
“It gives me a lot of reassurance to know there are so many people who want to understand autism and autistic people. As an expert with lived experience, I feel I can simply be myself and share my story.”
FRT deliver over 7,000 courses each year in the fields of health and safety, first aid, fire safety, food safety, mental health, health and social care and other special focus topics.
You can contact FRT via freephone 0800 310 2300, send an e-mail to info@firstresponsetraining.com or submit an online enquiry.