Sibling writes book to teach School children about Autism, support by Phones4U billionaire John Caudwell

12 year old Sienna Manuel has written a book launched, on 30 April 2018. in collaboration with author Charlotte Olson. The aim of the book is to teach Primary School children about fellow peers with Autism.

Phones4U billionaire and philanthropist, John Caudwell, has agreed to fund the distribution of the book to every Primary School in the UK. Sienna wrote to John in February 2018 to secure his support, and 25,000 Schools are set to receive the book thanks to his motivation to raise awareness of Autism.

After her own brother was diagnosed with Autism, Sienna became increasingly aware that her brother was often misunderstood. Quirky sounds and behaviours on the playground or in assembly made him different and often stand out.

70% of children with autism are educated in mainstreams Schools with a continued increase every year. It is also estimated that 60% of children with autism are bullied at mainstreams Schools.

Sienna who is a Diana Anti Bullying Ambassador wants to help create a change through her book. She says:- "I want little children growing up in a world which teaches them to embrace difference. My brother has taught me so much and is a wonderful friend. Children like my brother just need to be given a chance".

Last year charities, Schools and parents campaigned for autism teacher training with a successful outcome. It was announced that autism will be now part of the core learning for teachers as part of their initial training from 2018.

Autism can present serious learning difficulties and there have been worries that children aren't understood and supported properly by teachers who receive:- 'patchy training.' A NASUWT survey revealed 6 in 10 teachers said they hadn't been given the training required to teach autistic children.

Mark Lever, chief executive of the National Autistic Society, said:- "More than 1 in 100 children are on the autism spectrum, and over 70% go to mainstream Schools, so every teacher will teach autistic students during their careers. Yet, autism training has historically not been mandatory for teachers, and some start School with no special educational needs training at all."

The book hopes to support both Primary School teachers and children to understand the disorder better and reduce bullying whilst promoting inclusiveness.

The launch also hopes to celebrate siblings often living in stressful family environments and who are sometimes forced to take a step back. Shining a spotlight on the wonderful work they do and contribution they make to their families and siblings.

'Learning about Autism with Suzie and Cruzie' features Sienna's brother and was officially launched, on 30 April 2018, hosted by sponsors Gatwick Hilton Hotel. Sienna, who dances for Pineapple Performing Arts, in Covent Garden, performing along with local Primary School children and fellow dance students, to remind everyone that Autism Awareness isn't just for 1 month. Hosted on the last day of April and sending out over 100 books to Schools across the UK, the powerful message of kindness and friendship will continue in Schools for years to come.

The author and team members are supported by River Island and will be wearing River Island's Labels are for Clothes t-shirts from their recent campaign that champions diversity. ₤3 from each t-shirt sale is donated to Ditch the Label, a leading international anti bullying charity. River Island has a long history of empowering people through fashion and self expression and are proud to unite in the conversation surrounding disabilities, offering their support to empowering children everywhere.

Southport Football Club And Kevin Davies Part Company

IT is with regret that the Board of Directors announce the departure of 1st Team Manager, Kevin Davies. Phil Hodgkinson said:- "On behalf of the Board I would like to thank Kevin for his effort and hard work over the last 31 games since he took charge. Kevin has put his heart and soul into the job and an unbelievable amount of time effort and commitment day in, day out, his work rate and desire is to be admired, and nobody can question his endeavour. Kevin joined the club at a very difficult time, inheriting a disjointed squad on a run of heavy defeats, and a dressing room which was far from together. Undertaking a mid season overhaul of that squad was a difficult task, however, following a long run of games without a win, and with the addition of First Team Coach Jon McCarthy, results started to improve at the turn of the year, with the club briefly flirting with the play offs. The Board has made no secret of our ambitions for the Football Club, and those include a quick return to the National League. To do that we need to compete with the teams at the top end of the table.  As custodians of the Football Club, we sometimes have to make tough decisions. We feel that to achieve our ambitions for the Club, we require somebody with extensive experience of both the level and also winning leagues. We wish Kevin all the very best for the future and have no doubt that he will be a tremendous success as a Manager. However at this time, it has become clear to the Board that this Football Club requires an experienced head to take us up the leagues. The Board are not inviting applications for the post, and it will not be advertised, we have identified a shortlist of targets with the requisite credentials we believe are required to take the Football Club forward, and we will be contacting those individuals (and their current clubs where appropriate) directly regarding the position."

The Club hopes to be able to make an announcement within 14 days.