A MONTHLY coffee morning for parents and carers of autistic children has been relaunched.

Cafe Eden takes place at Keighley College on the second Friday of every month, during term time.

Sessions provide mutual support for people who have family, or care for someone, on the autism spectrum.

The initiative is supported by the college, AWARE – Airedale and Wharfedale Autism Resource – and regeneration body Keighley Big Local.

It was founded by Fiona Thompson, whose son Eden was diagnosed with an autism spectrum condition when he was at primary school.

She said: “It’s so good to have Cafe Eden back.

“It’s an informal and friendly group, a place to meet and laugh and cry, share experiences and get support if needed – or have some quality time to yourself with a brew.

“You don’t have to have a family member or friend diagnosed to pop along, just an interest in supporting yourself alongside others.”

Shaun O’Hare, of Keighley Big Local, says: “The coffee mornings are simple and self-organised, responding to people’s needs.

“Those people turning-up shape what happens – and that can range from identifying training needs to deciding how much cake to eat!”

The cafe runs from 10am to 11.30am. For more about AWARE, visit aware-uk.org.