Autistic Pride Day 2025 - celebrating autistic identity, inclusion and pride
We are celebrating Autistic Pride Day (18 June) - a global movement led by Autistic people celebrating identity, inclusion and pride.
No two Autistic individuals are alike as Autism affects everybody differently, NHFT aims to promote understanding of differences within our staff, patients and communities
The Northamptonshire Autism Champion Network, is made up of over 200 individuals from key services that support autistic people, the network includes the Autism Advisory Panel (AAP) and together aims to improve experiences for autistic people and their families in Northamptonshire and beyond.
The mask artwork, created by AAP member Cheryl Stafford, illustrates how being surrounded by like- minded and accepting people can give you the confidence to take your mask off and embrace your authentic Autistic self.
Our AAP, are experts by experience, giving Autistic adults across the county a voice, a platform and sense of community, as well as opportunities to collaborate with services, co-produce projects and co-facilitate training. We are sharing a wonderful poem, also created by Cheryl, celebrating the network and it's achievements:
In Northamptonshire, a light shines bright
A beacon of hope, burning through the night.
Two hundred hearts, united in care,
A champion group, standing proud and rare.
Together we rise, hand in hand.
For those who need a guiding stand.
Autism's voice, we lift and hear,
Supporting each other, year by year.
From all walks of life, we've come to be,
A family of strength, of unity.
Carers and advocates, standing tall,
Together we try to listen to all.
A community born, a future so bright,
In Northamptonshire, we champion the fight.
So let's celebrate, with hearts aglow,
The journey we've walked, the love we show.
For 200 strong, and many more still,
We stand together, with kindness and will.
- Ends -
A member of the AAP recently said:
"I have been part of the AAP for many years now and it has genuinely changed my life, as well as my CV! I have been given the chance to speak at conferences, run staff training, advise on projects, complete sensory audits, sit on C(E)TR panels and even visit a farm. Not only that, but it has also helped me to find 'my people' and given me the confidence to be my authentic, Autistic self."
If you would like to know more about our network please email:
AutismChampionNetwork@nhft.nhs.uk
For more information about Adult ADHD, Autism and Tourette's, visit our website where you can find a range of resources to support you, including websites, videos, books and apps.