DASH

Laura Smith (at the back) at DASH’s “It’s OK to be Different” photography exhibition

DASH, or ‘Discovering Autistic Spectrum Happiness’ is a small Swindon-based charity. Their mission is to improve the quality of life of adults of working age with Aspergers and other high functioning Autistic Spectrum Conditions living in the area.

Rowan House have adopted DASH as their local charity and have been helping out in several ways.

In 2008, DASH set up the Swindon Wildflower Nursery* as an enterprise to grow and sell native wildflowers from seed to help raise funds to support its work. But the adverse weather conditions in early 2013 meant the plots in the nursery became overgrown. DASH contacted us to see if they could help.

So the newspaper and magazine wholesaler Executives and PAs donned their wellies and waterproofs to spend a day gardening for the charity as part of Community Link-Up.

Laura Morris and Mark Silver are helping DASH with various projects, including business planning, marketing and securing fundraising events. How about joining them to help DASH achieve their goals? It could be a great way of using your Volunteer Time.

Contact Laura Smith for more information.

* = For those adults who have Aspergers, the Wildflower Nursery offers a peaceful environment in which to work, which helps reduce anxiety and build their confidence. As well as selling wildflower plants, seeds from the stock of wildflowers are collected to create wedding favours. Adults who attend DASH’s social groups are involved in producing the favours. It’s an appealing option for couples who are getting married or for any other celebration – enriching the environment and supporting a good cause at the same time.

The Swindon Wildflower Nursery has several open days in conjunction with Twigs Community Gardens (behind Manor Garden Centre) this year. Many wildflowers which have been grown by volunteers will be on sale to the public.