On Monday 21st September 2021 Autism Hampshire hosted our annual Lawrie McMenemy Celebrity Golf Day that was held at Bramshaw Golf club, New Forest. After having to cancel last year’s event due to covid, the team were determined to make this year’s golf day the best one yet. Local businesses from across Hampshire entered teams and were each allocated a special celeb guest to play alongside, including ex Southampton and England footballer Matt Le Tissier. The day consisted of an 18-hole shotgun start golf tournament followed by a gala evening of entertainment hosted by Comedian and Impressionist, Mike Osman.

The event raised over £15,398, including £2,000 raised from a guitar signed by Brian May and donated to Autism Hampshire for the event by local business M&M Music The Guitar Store, Southampton. Other highlights included Matt Le Tissier winning a nearest to the pin competition and our CEO Debra Harrison-Sales presenting Lawrie McMenemy MBE with an award in recognition of his support with fundraising over the past 16 years.

There were two sponsors of the event – Meachers and JP Morgan – who also entered teams on the day. We give special thanks to the sponsors, as well as Lawrie McMenemy, Mike Osman, Matt Le Tissier and Bramshaw Golf Club for their help in organising and running this year’s event.

The funds raised from the golf event will be allocated to the development of our Spectra5 App.

This app has been designed to support autistic adults access community facilities and situations they find challenging. The app supports the user to communicate effectively and reduce anxiety. This is achieved by features that are personalised to the user.

We are also exploring how the app could be adapted for the Emergency Service staff, enabling them to access guidance on how to effectively support and provide care for autistic adults whom they have contact with.

Funds raised at the Lawrie McMenemy celebrity Golf Day today will enable us to work with developers to update the current app and start work on the development of the app for the Emergency Services.