YOUNG adults with autism have got creative – crafting fidget toys and other hand made items.

Beechwood College in Sully helps educate young adults on the autistic spectrum, tailoring their learning to match their individual needs.

Students at the college recently launched an Etsy shop, BeechwoodBitsandBobs which has proven popular – particularly over Christmas – generating more than 100 sales, with their crafted items getting five-star reviews.

The students carried out market research before making products which have included:

  • Sensory fidget toys;
  • Festive placemats;
  • Christmas glasses;
  • Personalised Christmas baubles;
  • T-shirts;
  • Travel mugs;
  • Drinks bottles.

Penarth Times: A sensory fidget toy created by Beechwood College studentsA sensory fidget toy created by Beechwood College students

Following their Christmas success, they are already planning further themed items for Easter. 

Rachel Newman, the principal at South Wales' Beechwood College, said: “Everyone is absolutely thrilled with the success of the Etsy shop to date.

“The students have put such careful consideration into the items that they sell and they make sure that every order is completed to the highest possible standard.

“As a team we are constantly developing our education provision to give our students valuable new challenges to give them the best possible learner experience they could have while being at the college.”

Penarth Times: A water bottle created by Beechwood College studentsA water bottle created by Beechwood College students

One of the students involved in the Etsy shop added: “It is great to see the orders coming in for items that we are making ourselves and when we receive five-star reviews it is even better.

“After a successful first Christmas, we’re excited to start work on our next range of products.”

All the items created by students can be found at www.etsy.com/uk/shop/BeechwoodBitsandBobs

Penarth Times: Beechwood College students handcrafted a variety of itemsBeechwood College students handcrafted a variety of items

Beechwood College is owned and run by healthcare specialists, Ludlow Street Healthcare. Established in 2005, Ludlow Street Healthcare has supported and cared for more than 800 people.

More information about Beechwood College and Ludlow Street Healthcare is available on their website www.lshealthcare.co.uk/beechwood-college/overview