A colourful community ribbon display has been created at a Warminster home for adults with learning disabilities to mark Autism Acceptance Week and highlight a message of inclusion and support.
The Willows on Boreham Road, which is run by the Autonomy Care Group, encouraged local people who passed by the home to tie a ribbon on its railings and fill the space with colour.
“The theme of this year’s celebration is colour, so we have tried to make our home as bright as possible,” said Manager Kayleigh Harding. “It goes further than that for us. Our home has been here 20+ years, and we wanted to show the residents here that they are accepted by the community.
“We have asked anyone who wants to tie a ribbon on our fence to signal acceptance. The residents have been watching this happen and it’s been massive for them. Each ribbon tied is an individual showing that they accept them. I can’t emphasise how much some of them needed to see it and be a part of it.”
St John’s C of E Primary School in Warminster donated a display of hundreds of ribbons to the home. Pupils from Hayesdown First School in Frome and some of the home’s neighbours also made and donated ribbons.
“I hope that everyone that has supported us realises the difference they made to our residents’ lives,” said Kayleigh.
Deputy Mayor Jack Jones visited the home and tied a ribbon. He said, “Autism Acceptance Week is about more than recognition – it’s about understanding, inclusion, and importantly community.
“It was lovely to be invited to The Willows to meet the team and everyone living there. They all demonstrate that everyone belongs in Warminster, and together we stand in support of those living with autism and their families.”
Following the success of the display, The Willows is planning more events with the community, including a VE Day celebration on Friday 8th May.
Pictured above: Cllr Jack Jones with Autonomy Care Group staff and residents. Left: Cllr Jack Jones with Kayleigh. Below: Chairman Andrew Dykes with assistant manager Nikki Bannister
