North East charity boss welcomes the relaxing of lockdown measures for people with autism and learning disabilities

The Government has relaxed lockdown restrictions for those who have autism and other learning disabilities.

The new rules say that people with specific health conditions who need to maintain their health will be allowed to leave their house “two or three times each day”.

They also state that travelling beyond their local area is allowed, however it will ideally be in line with a care plan agreed by a medical professional.

The Chief Executive for the Sunderland based Education and Services for People with Autism (ESPA), Lesley Lane welcomed the new rules.

She said: “Being able to take people out more than once a day is great. Here at ESPA, it allows us to maintain the routines that people have.”

Lesley added that the charity have been coming up with new ways to try and continue normality for those who in their care.

“Our staff have been getting creative with it. One man we care for loves having a walk and a drive before getting a sausage roll from Greggs.

“Staff managed to source bags from Greggs before they closed and are now making the sausage rolls at home.”

She also highlighted how important having a routine is for people with autism: “It gives them a sense of security.

“If their routines are disrupted in any sort of way, it can cause unnecessary anxiety and stress.”

The updated Government rules for people with certain disabilities can be seen here.

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