Mum fights to save play centre

A BIRCHWOOD mum is fighting to save the Warrington Sensory and Play Centre from closing with a number of fundraising events.
Mother-of-two Laura Bringau is producing a calendar called “Making Autism Matter” featuring all real mums with children who suffer from autism.
The centre, based at the Woolston Neighbourhood Hub, is in need of financial support due to a lack of funding.
Laura’s two sons, James aged six and two-year-old Louie both have autism, and are regular visitors to the centre.
They are both included in the calendar, along with other members of the sensory centre, and members of the Warrington Wolves squad, who got involved with the calendar photo-shoot through the club’s community foundation.
Laura said: “The calendar is about changing the perception of autism. It’s quite powerful. I wanted to get the other mums and children involved so that it shows real life.
“I’ve been really enthusiastic about it, it’s so personal and close to my heart. People don’t realise how difficult it is having autistic children. You hear about it, but having them is a different story.
“Naturally you compare your kids to other children, but it makes you stronger, and it’s very challenging and rewarding being able to look after them.
“I’ve wanted to raise money for the centre for a while, and we’ve got a load of ideas, but it’s only since my youngest started nursery that I’ve had chance to do it.”
Autism affects one in 100 people in the UK, and places like the sensory centre provide an invaluable environment for affected children and their families to visit.
Laura added: “To be honest, I wouldn’t be able to take my kids anywhere else.
“It has to be a prepared and safe environment, because they just won’t respond to commands, and they get upset and anxious in other places.
“You get judged by the way your children act, and you get remarks said to the kids.
“Claire Perrins, Moe Smith and the staff at the centre are all trained to work with children with disabilities, and they’re brilliant.”
Rugby stars Ben Westwood, Stefan Ratchford and Ben Harrison all feature in the calendar after Laura approached the club, who said they were more than happy to support the cause.
The project has been funded by Laura’s husband Chris, who owns the business Springview Services, and the calendar was shot by Orford-based Carrie Ann Photography.
The calendar will be on sale through the Warrington Disability Partnership, at the Warrington Sensory and Play Centre, Birchwood Centre and through a website, which will launch soon.