For the people who use Autism Anglia’s Connect Centre in Colchester, the place is more than somewhere to go. It is somewhere familiar, somewhere predictable, and somewhere they are recognised and welcomed.
This December, that sense of belonging extended into the festive season, with the support of Fisher Jones Greenwood, who sponsored the Connect Centre Christmas Party in Colchester.
The party, organised by Autism Anglia, brought together people who attend the Connect Centre to celebrate Christmas in a setting they already know and feel comfortable in. It is a natural extension of the everyday support the centre provides throughout the year.
Autism Anglia’s Connect Centres form part of its wider Opportunities Centres, offering regular activities, including arts, tech, music and gardening, that help autistic people build confidence, independence and social connection over time. These are services people return to week after week, which is why moments like the Christmas Party carry real meaning.
Fisher Jones Greenwood chose to support the event because it reflects the kind of community work the firm believes in. Based across Essex and Suffolk, FJG supports organisations that are rooted locally, provide regular support, and make a clear difference to the people who rely on them. Supporting the Connect Centre is part of that ongoing commitment.
Paula Fowler, CEO of Fisher Jones Greenwood, said:
“Fisher Jones Greenwood is proud to sponsor the Connect Centre Christmas Party in Colchester this December. This event ensures the people supported by Autism Anglia can celebrate the festivities together in a supportive setting. As an Essex-based firm, we believe community matters as much as commerce, and we’re committed to supporting inclusive events that bring people joy and connection.”
Gary Boon, Manager of the Connect Centre in Colchester, said the party was an important occasion for the people they support:
“This event is something our members look forward to all year. It gave them the chance to celebrate Christmas in a way that felt comfortable and welcoming. For many, it was one of the few opportunities to enjoy the season without the stress that can come with busy, noisy environments. We’re so grateful to Fisher Jones Greenwood for helping us make this happen.”
For Fisher Jones Greenwood, community care is about standing alongside organisations whose work is built on trust, continuity and respect – values that reflect the firm’s own approach to supporting clients and communities alike.
More information about Autism Anglia’s Connect Centres can be found here.
Learn more about the FJG Foundation and how organisations within the Essex and Tendring areas can apply for funding.