Sodexo Colchester staff take part in Autism Reality Experience

By Anne Suslak Editor

31st May

COLCHESTER staff took part in an immersive experience to help them understand the challenges faced by autistic people.

The Autism Reality Experience (ARE), hosted by Sodexo Colchester with support from Essex’s Supported Employment Service, was held for staff from Merville Barracks and Colchester Hospital.

The aim of the day was to build empathy and knowledge among employees so they can better support autistic and neurodivergent colleagues.

Staff visited the ARE bus, which uses a multi-sensory approach to simulate the sensory processing and cognitive challenges experienced by autistic people.

Emma Young, employer engagement lead at ECL, said: "Sodexo Colchester PFI is a great example of an inclusive employer, and it has been fantastic to be able to provide their staff with this deeper understanding of autism and neurodiversity.

"I’d like to say a huge thank you to the NHS Suffolk and north east Essex Integrated Care Board for making it possible for us to deliver this experience."

The ARE bus experience was followed by inclusivity workshops led by ECL’s Inclusive Employment Service, which focused on reasonable workplace adjustments and open discussion about supporting neurodiverse team members.

Sodexo Colchester delivers facilities management services at Merville Barracks for the British Army, as well as at Colchester Hospital.

The company partners with ECL to employ staff through its Inclusive Employment Service and runs a Supported Internship Programme at the barracks.

Laura Moorcroft, regional support manager at Sodexo Colchester PFI, organised the event.

She said: "When I was approached to host the autism reality experience, I jumped at the chance.

"It was really important to me to give our colleagues at Merville Barracks and Colchester Hospital the experience of what it feels like to have autism, to enable them to better support colleagues in the workplace with autism and neurodivergent conditions.