PEOPLE across Blaenau Gwent dug deep at the weekend to raise funds for the National Autistic Society (NAS).

The Blaenau Gwent branch held a series of events to help raise awareness of autism, to coincide with World Autism Awareness Day which was on April 2.

On Friday, members of the branch along with charity patron Alun Davies AM went to Abertillery Comprehensive to be interviewed for an autism film and judge an awareness onesie competition before heading to Ebbw Fawr Learning Community for an information assembly.

Mr Davies also held a coffee morning at Ebbw Vale Institute to highlight the work of the charity in the area, as well as a raffle to raise money.

On Saturday, branch members and Mr Davies held a bucket collection at Ebbw Vale RFC where players and supporters alike gave generously.

Lots of other organisations have also been getting in on the act, with Festival Park Shopping turning their shopping canopies pink, the colour of NAS awareness and Miss Blaenau Gwent Tasmin O’Connell backing the campaign.

Market Hall Cinema, Brynmawr, is holding an autism-friendly screening of the new Spider-Man film on Thursday, April 24 at 2pm.

Branch officer Nicola Williams said: “What an amazing weekend of raising awareness.

“So many people came got involved which was absolutely fantastic.

“I hope the events will make people stop and think about autism and how it affects people in our communities.”

Patron Alun Davies AM added: “The Blaenau Gwent branch of NAS is a dedicated group of people with the sole aim of helping people and their families with autism.

“It is my privilege to support their hard work and do anything I can to strengthen their efforts as patron.”

To find out more about the work of the charity, visit

autism.org.uk or email

blaenaugwent@nas.org.uk