MEMBERS of the Borders Additional Needs Group (BANG) had a special visitor at their session in the Focus Centre in Galashiels on Friday.
Braw Lad Cory Paterson turned up wearing the Gala colours and spent time chatting, playing games and gardening with the young people and staff before posing for selfies.
BANG was set up more than 20 years ago with the aim of supporting families of those with additional needs.
Since then the group has grown and the support provided enables parents to have peer support, access to useful and relevant information such as; respite, finances, education support, funding and the latest government changes.
Cory said: “I had an amazing time at Borders Additional Needs Group on Friday and I'm very grateful to have been invited along.
“I had so much fun meeting and getting to know some of the young people, hearing about their journeys and what the group means to them. I'd like to congratulate Pauline and her team on creating such a safe and inclusive space for the young people.
“I can clearly see how much benefit it brings. The Braw Lads' Gathering is about celebrating community and coming together.
“Someone who may struggle in big crowds or with loud noises might find it harder than others.
“However, I hope with the likes of Pauline and the wonderful young people she works with we can all learn about the importance of inclusion and what we can do to insure everyone has a good time.”
Autism community coordinator and founder and CEO of BANG Pauline Grigor said: “For me, a local representative like the Braw Lad visiting young people with diverse needs including autism means so much to Branching Out young people who are often social isolated and marginalised.
“And for many attending Braw Lads' celebrations can be so challenging due to sensory sensitivities. This visit really promotes equality and acceptance within their community.
“Cory spent over two hours with our young people, engaging in conversation, gardening with them and he embraced the unique, safe, inclusive environment we have here at Branching Out Youth Group.
“Our dedicated staff and I are committed to ensuring ASN/autistic youths feel part of their communities and today really demonstrated the importance of accepting our diverse unique young people here in Galashiels and other Border towns.
“Thank you so much to Braw Lad Cory Patterson for advocating and acknowledge our diverse young people he is a credit to the town."
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