WELL-known landmarks are set to turn blue in a campaign to raise awareness of autism.

Wirral Autistic Society's "Get Your Blue On" encourages people to take part in World Autism Awareness Day today by dressing in blue, decorating their workplace or school with blue balloons, holding a cake sale, or making blueberry pancakes or blue cupcakes for friends and family.

And local landmarks are backing the campaign by illuminating their buildings in blue including Goodison Park (already deep blue), Chester Cathedral, New Brighton and Hoylake lighthouses, Wallasey and Birkenhead town halls, the Bromborough Village Hotel, the Light Cinema in New Brighton and the Gladstone Theatre in Port Sunlight.

Robin Bush, chief executive of Wirral Autistic Society, said: "The reality is that one in every 100 people is affected by autism. We want to increase understanding of the condition and how people with autism can lead full, productive lives, contributing to community life.

"World Autism Awareness Day is a day to be positive and have fun promoting a very worthwhile cause. We'd love as many people as possible to get involved by getting their blue on - and want to say a huge thank you to the organisations which have already promised their support.

"We're also working with partners to put on a range of special events across the region to mark the day including autism-friendly film screenings and an evening of music, dance and drama in Port Sunlight ."

Today also marks the opening of the Autistic Society's state-of-the-art home for people with severe autism.

The £1 million development, on Wirral Autistic Society's Raby Hall site in Bromborough, has been funded by a two-year long Lifetime Appeal.

It is the first phase of a 10 year project to modernise all the residential facilities on the Raby site so that safe, comfortable homes for life can be offered to those who need them.

The Willows will be a home for life for eight people with autism and incorporates many features designed to create a calm, nurturing environment. 

‘Mood’ lighting can be used to ‘paint’ rooms different colours and help calm or stimulate a resident. Pink and purple have been found to be positive colours and grey to be calming, although all people respond differently.   

Curved, wide corridors reduce claustrophobia and crowding. And to prevent echoing in the main corridor, the ceiling height has been reduced at one end.

Under-floor heating and integrated window blinds will help prevent damage by residents and also mean that light and temperature can be minutely adjusted. This is important as autistic people can be extremely sensitive to light and heat. 

Easy access is offered to open air and the grounds, which are in a rural setting. This will help residents control anxiety levels.

Carers will help residents learn to use the modern laundry and kitchen facilities, encouraging them to develop a sense of independence.