What do Chillies and their families think?

Thanks to all at Code Blue for Autism. Tayla has loved doing two courses with you and has grown as a person through the experience in so many ways. To me, the most important is learning about friendships. For the first time she is developing her own group of friends whom she has met through the program. Due to the struggle with two way communication she has never really bothered and has relied on her carers to be her friends. Now she has completed her course, the next exciting chapter which will be Chill Out, which starts tomorrow. Socialising with her peers and supported in a way that she is treated with respect for her abilities and given guidance. A practical way of implementing what she has learnt and practiced. Practice makes perfect. Thanks to Helen and Michael for making the difference and for finding such an incredible team who only see ability in our young adults not a disability.

Kellie
Chill parent

Our family has found the Chill program delivers a warm nurturing safe space where participants learn and practice social skills and also acknowledge their own strengths and limitations as well as respecting those of others. The scaffolded support and extensive knowledge of the Chill directors means that my son feels valued, empowered and has a sense of pride in his own skills. My son also feels part of a social community separate from his own interests, his school and family. As an educator, I recognise this research based pioneering program is a powerful intervention tool in my son’s journey as well as the lives of others. We are delighted he has been able to participate and will participate with the group in other activities in the future.

Julie
Chill parent

Sometimes you have hopes and dreams for your children, you want to believe that they can happen but realistically you are aware of the challenges they face. For Lachie I wanted him to be able to travel, see parts of the world, and through the process become more self sufficient but knew this was not possible as a family and also not possible for Lachie to achieve independently. You have given him this opportunity to not only experience travel but also to do it in a social group where he is understood and accepted. Thank you does not seem enough to say, to see Lachie in those photos looking happy and confident, it was nice for a change to have tears of joy. I’m very sure this all happened due to many hours of preparation and planning and I am very grateful for your efforts. This social event will no doubt have lasting impact on Lachie and how he moves out into the real world of everyday, he has gained new skills, new friends and confidence to take away from this journey and to build on in the future. Unfortunately due to our circumstances we could not take these journeys as a family and I sometimes feel Lachie misses out because of this, so when I say thank you, I mean it from the heart. I hope Lachie has the opportunity again in the future to join a Chill vacation, this has been an adventure he will not forget and will always treasure as will I. Thank you for all your support and friendship to Lachie on the maiden Chill Ahoy 2019 cruise.

Lachlan
Chill parent

The Chill range of programs has been fantastic for Ryan. He commenced with Chill after finishing Year 12, and then progressed to Chill Plus, and most recently, Chill on Stage. Since he has been going to Chill, we have noticed such a development in Ryan’s independence, self-confidence and maturity. He loves going every week and it has provided a safe and supportive environment for him to learn and practise social skills, make friendships and socialise with others. He particularly loves the Chill Out program, which has enabled him to go out and have fun with other people his age without family, but still in a supportive context. Helen and Michael are inspirational in their leadership of the programs, and the facilitators and peer mentors are not only passionate and professional about what they do, but encourage each participant to try new things without judgment. Ryan has done things through Chill that we would previously never have thought he would do, and we are so thankful that he has had the opportunity to be part of such fantastic programs.

Jill
Chill parent

George is really enjoying Chill; he absolutely loves coming to sessions. We always discuss what he’s been doing at Chill Plus, and the feedback is always that it was ‘brilliant’. I am thrilled that George will be doing Chill Plus again in Term 2. Chill Out is also a winner in this household. George looks forward to the sessions and is always happy afterwards. In terms of Chill on the Grill, once again George is really enjoying it. He has even trialled one of the recipes at home, which was fabulous. On a personal note, thank you. You have created a suite of activities that truly benefit young people on the spectrum. From my viewpoint, I was disillusioned that so many available activities weren’t really suitable for young people. The Chill suite is a credit to you and your husband (and your whole family), and your efforts are very much appreciated.

Marianna
Chill parent

We can see the changes in the way Marcus is chatting to extended family and friends. Also great to hear he is chatting more to his fellow Chillies… You and all the team do a fantastic job!​

Keisha
Chill parent

He was really happy and positive when he got in the car after his session on Wednesday. He is thoroughly enjoying Chill and we hope that he will be able to take part in more programs in the future. Liam is in a really good place at the moment, feeling more confident at his workplace and so much happier within himself. I really believe that the Chill Program has had a big part in this. Thank you so much for all your wonderful work.

Helen
Chill parent

Becoming a ‘Chillie’ has been incredibly beneficial for my son; attending the program has equipped him with an essential set of tools when approaching social situations that previously have felt intimidating for him. The inclusiveness and warmth of the group could be felt from the first minute, and it’s obvious the Chill staff are really invested in supporting the young people they work with. The Chill Out social group has also provided opportunities for Brodie to practice his developing social skills in a safe and supported environment. Most importantly, Brodie arrives home after every Chill event with a big smile!

Lisa
Chill parent

Chill has been a life saver for Shivum who has made amazing progress and was on the brink of a complete mental breakdown just before he started CHILL. Many many thanks and we really love the CHILL family 🙂

Kalpana
Chill parent

Just wanted to say thanks so much for the weekly emails recapping on the Chill Plus lessons. There is so much amazing content and learning each week. It’s wonderful to hear the Chillies recognising within themselves how incredible they are. It brought a smile to my face. I just wanted to say thank you to you and the team for preparing lessons of such a high calibre and for the learning that takes place. We are so happy that Robbie is a part of the class and has the opportunity to learn and develop his social skills each week.

Maria
Chill parent

Oscar had a big smile on his face after class yesterday. He also had a positive connection with a young female participant whose name he couldn’t remember (we workshopped how to deal with this next week). It was wonderful to see. Thanks for the great feedback.

Yaron
Chill parent

Another good news story resulting from Chill. This week Timothy’s AFL umpire training recommenced on Monday and Wednesday nights. Timothy was somewhat disappointed to miss Chill with Paroz, not once but two nights! His dad took Tim to training and reported seeing Timothy confidently greeting and mixing with the other team members. Previously, he has stood back quietly and only joined in when invited. Afterwards he said, yeah, I missed Chill but got to use my chill skills for real. His sense of confidence and connection was evident. Just wanted to share this little anecdote that gladdens this mum’s heart. Thanks for all you do!

Bronwyn
Chill parent

Matthew’s year is ending much better than it started and I am certain the Chill courses are having a really positive influence on his life.

Jim
Chill parent

I just can’t begin to tell you the joy Ken (and the rest of us ) gets out of Chill on the Grill each week. Every thing about the program is brilliant… he’s just always so excited that he can’t help himself! They leave the kitchen better than any other family member when finished… But, the whole family has rejoiced and celebrated Kenneths hard work in the kitchen, and you can feel Kens pride in what he is sharing. It is truely a joyous program. I don’t want the term to end! I can’t speak highly enough about the fabulous Lucy (mentor) too! I just love and so appreciate everything you do!

Mary-Jeanne
Chill parent

They have awesome workshops for people who have autism.

Paul
Chillie

I hope you understand what a change you and your team has made to our lives (apart from Christmas when we were dying for Chill to start again 😂).

Anna
Chill parent

Hayden is really loving Chill Art, he always has a spring in his step on a Tuesday morning! You guys at Chill are absolutely amazing and I thank you for your dedication, passion and heart.

Kirsty
Chill parent