A daredevil Prior’s Court staff member is preparing for a sponsored bungee jump in aid of our Performing Arts Centre appeal.

Thrill-seeking Joey Healy, an Autism Practitioner in Fleming House, will be completing a 160ft bungee jump over the water at the Lloyds Amphitheatre located in Bristol’s Harbourside on Sunday, 22 October.

Joey only joined the Prior’s Court team in August to work directly with young people with complex autism, supporting them to lead happier, healthier, more independent lives.

The 23-year-old said:

I was inspired by the work of Dame Stephanie Shirley, Prior’s Court’s Founding Patron, and all she has done for the autism space and accomplished in making Prior’s Court what it is today, giving our young people a safe space to thrive. I was looking for other ways I could personally make a difference to the young people I support and so wanted to do a fundraiser – I’ve never done a fundraiser before or been in a job like this but I’m open to trying new things.

Joey has hit his £300 fundraising target but more donations can be made by clicking here

Joey is fundraising for Prior’s Court’s Performing Arts Centre appeal, which will feature adapted facilities to support young people with complex autism to access opportunities in music, dance and drama and the life-enriching benefits this provides.

Individuals with autism face many barriers to accessing the arts – from light and noise sensitivities to understanding of social rules – and one aim of the centre is to mimic theatre environments to prepare young people to access arts venues in the community successfully. This is in addition to having the opportunity day-to-day to express themselves creatively in a dedicated, bespoke space.

Joey added:

Having done things within performing arts myself when I was at school I can recognise and understand the benefits it can bring. Thank you to everyone who has made a donation so far and supported the Performing Arts Centre appeal.

Find out more about taking on a challenge event for Prior’s Court