‘Walkies for Autism’ returns with two-mile route through Cwmcarn Forest
A COMMUNITY dog walk is being held later this month to raise awareness and funds for the Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) Centre at Risca Comprehensive School.
The event, titled “Walkies for Autism”, will take place at 10.00am on Sunday, April 26, starting from the Cwmcarn Forest car park. Organisers say the two-mile walk is expected to take around 45 minutes, with participants invited to stay afterwards for a hot drink and snack at the Raven Café.
The walk aims to bring together local people to support young people with autism and raise money for the school’s ASC Centre, which supports pupils aged 11 to 16 within a mainstream school setting.
The centre provides a base where students can develop key academic, social and life skills, supported by key workers who help them access lessons while also benefiting from structured support in the unit.
Funds raised from previous events have helped improve facilities at the centre, including the creation of a garden space where students work alongside the school’s Additional Learning Needs department. The activities are designed to build independence, confidence and organisational skills through practical, hands-on learning.
Donations have also supported the centre’s allotment and sensory garden, giving pupils opportunities to develop real-life skills and teamwork.
Teacher Deb Howells, who leads the ASC Centre, said last year’s fundraising helped expand the allotment project.
She said: “Last year, our project used the funding to further develop the allotment, allowing us to grow more vegetables. We even made chutneys and jams from what we harvested.
“Funds raised this year will help us to focus on improving our wellbeing area for Emotional Literacy Support Area (ELSA).”
Headteacher Martin Hulland welcomed the return of the event to the school calendar.
He said: “I’m delighted to see this event return to the school calendar for 2026. It is always very well attended, and I’m sure this year will be no exception. My thanks go to the organisers and everyone who takes part.”
Anyone wishing to register for the walk is asked to email [email protected].
Donations can be made online via GoFundMe at:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/walkies-for-autism-2026
More information about Cwmcarn Forest can be found at www.cwmcarnforest.co.uk.
