AutismAble learners been recognised with the Proud To Support award for creating a fantastic hand sanitiser project to help contribute to South Tyneside’s response to COVID-19.

Lexi O’Connor, 24, Dee Sisterson, 17 and Adam Wilde, 17 have been working together at AutismAble to create bottles of hand sanitiser which they have donated to local food bank, Hospitality and Hope and also included in food parcels for vulnerable residents.

The Mayor of South Tyneside, Councillor Norman Dick, said: “On behalf of the people of South Tyneside, The Mayoress and I would like to convey our gratitude to Lexie, Dee, Adam and AutismAble for creating their own hand sanitiser and helping to provide food parcels for vulnerable residents in the community.

“We are thrilled to see the way young people in South Tyneside are playing a part in helping us address this challenge in an extremely positive way. We are extremely #proud and would like to say a huge thank you.”

Councillor John Anglin, Lead Member for Regeneration and Economy at South Tyneside Council, said: “The skills that Lexie, Dee and Adam have developed at AutismAble have been brought to light during this crisis, they have not only turned their sanitisers in to a mini brand but they have looked beyond the classroom and shown real engagement with the wider community and a desire to help those most in need.”

Learner, Lexi O’Connor, said: “Being able to come to AutismAble is really important for my routine and mental health, so it’s great to be able to contribute back to the community in a time like this. The hand sanitiser project was fun and educational and we will be creating more batches for the families who use Hospitality and Hope and others within South Tyneside.”