Local leisure centres support people with autism

Local leisure centres in Stratford-upon-Avon, Shipston, Southam and Alcester are encouraging more people with autism to stay active by introducing 'quiet hours' in their gyms.

Stratford Leisure Centre, Shipston Leisure Centre, Southam Leisure Centre and The Greig Leisure Centre (Alcester), which are all managed by leisure operator Everyone Active in partnership with Stratford-on-Avon District Council, will introduce dedicated hours of no music or loud noise in their gyms in an effort to create calmer environments for people with autism.

Autism is a lifelong, developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with and relates to other people, and how they experience the world around them.

Alex Fuoco-Lang, Contract Manager at Everyone Active, said: "We want to ensure everyone in the local community has the opportunity to get active. We felt this new initiative is a great way of encouraging anyone with autism and their families to visit us and enjoy our facilities."

'Quiet hour' sessions will be held between 1pm and 3pm from Monday to Friday at all of the listed leisure centres.