QUIET please — the 1610 leisure centre in Holsworthy has taken part in the ‘Autism Hour’.

The event took place on Wednesday, October 4, between noon and 1pm.

1610 leisure centres across the South West became a little quieter and more peaceful for one hour as part of a nationwide campaign organised by the National Autistic Society.

Lights were dimmed and the music turned off at 19 leisure centres managed by 1610, including Holsworthy’s, as part of the National Autistic Society’s Autism Hour initiative.

The autism hour aims to highlight the difficulties that many autistic people experience in public places. More than half of autistic people and their families avoid going out because public places such as shops and leisure centres can be too noisy and bright for them to cope with. Many also feel socially isolated as they feel overwhelmed by bright lights, crowds and loud background music.

This week, shops and businesses are being encouraged to take simple steps for 60 minutes that lead to a more autism-friendly world.

1610 health development manager Amanda Godsell said that modern day life is often bombarded with music and noise so it is important to support this national campaign. She said: “It is estimated that around 700,000 people are on the autism spectrum in the UK, which is more than one in 100 people.

“If you include their families, autism is a part of daily life for 2.8-million people. So it is likely that we all know someone or a family who is coping with this condition, so it is imperative to show some sensitivity to their needs.

“By taking part in the Autism Hour we hope to highlight this issue to a wider audience and encourage other businesses to take steps to meet the needs of autistic people so that they feel less isolated from the communities in which they live.”