A GROUP of hardworking local people who are passionate about helping others have completed training to help make Wrexham a safer place for vulnerable people.

The group, called the SWS group, works across Wrexham to assess businesses and services, to become a safe place for vulnerable individuals who might need it.

They assess businesses in Wrexham to become ‘Safe Places’ and have all be awarded their autism awareness certificates.

The autism awareness training, which the group has completed, demonstrates how making small changes can reduce the anxiety for individuals who live with autism and help them feel more inclusive in their community. Developed by the Integrated Autism Service, the training supports the new Autism Code of Practice.

Members of the group are now be able to give help and advice to local businesses about being autism friendly as well as encouraging the businesses to complete the training themselves.

The training has helped the team to become more aware of people who live with autism. It also means that they are now equipped with the knowledge to support local businesses to make changes to enable people with autism to feel included in their own communities. Small changes can make a huge difference and can help to reduce the anxiety for individuals with autism and help them to have a positive experience when visiting businesses and services.

Cllr Joan Lowe, Wrexham Council's Lead Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said, “The autism awareness training is a fantastic free resource that is available to any business or organisation in Wrexham. It’s fantastic that the Safe Places team have already completed the training and can now put their knowledge into action when they visit premises.

"Well done to each member of the group on receiving their certificates. Hopefully, you will inspire many more people to complete the training too.”

Find out more about autism awareness training by getting in touch with Wrexham’s Social Services Comminissioning Team at commissioning@wrexham.gov.uk