HELENSBURGH & LOMOND AUTISM
Bringing Families Together
Registered Charity Number SC045096
As a parent led, volunteer run charity, we put family at the core of everything we do. We provide family activities, information and support.
About Our Charity
What we do
Helensburgh & Lomond Autism was formed in 2014 initially through Facebook, when parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders [ASD] recognised that there was no dedicated organisation in the area for ASD children or adults and their families.
This volunteer group, already with over 70 members and growing as knowledge of the organisation spreads, is making a major positive impact on the lives of people with Autism in the Helensburgh and Lomond area.
Currently, 1.1 children in every hundred in the UK are affected by ASD. Improving analysis and diagnosis means that more and more children and their families need assistance.
The aim of our charity
We Make It Easy to Help Others
The aim of our charity is to raise awareness of autistic spectrum disorders and to support those in our area affected. We aim to tackle issues relating to the provision of appropriate support, respite and education in the Helensburgh and Lomond area. We work closely with group members to find areas lacking support and approach this with the appropriate bodies, including meeting with counsellors.
As a support to members we have a private facebook group, coffee mornings and regular activities. Some of the activities include:
Cinema Trips at the tower cinema
Information days for parents and carers
Cooking classes
Trips during the school holidays
Family short breaks
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
In the past year we have had several local businesses support our charity and we would like to say a massive thank you! Eden on helensburgh seafront is a fantastic children's shop that has supported us in several ways throughout the year including a donation to help our families access the local christmas panto. Buddies and boats raised a fantastic donation for our charity which was extremely welcomed and also supported our families attending the panto. Beachcomber in Helensburgh have been extremely welcoming and accomodating during our Autism walk, Thank you. The Gingerbread Man/ bakehouse has catered events and also helped us run somecooking classes to allow our children to develop essential life skills while also developing a love and interest in food. Grasshopper toys helped us run fun science classes which kept our children engaged and smiles for miles! We also had a trip to see santa. Above this we also have several local shops who store a blue tin on the counter for donations. Thank you everyone so much for all your support. It is extremely valued and truely appreciated by all here at Helensburgh and Lomond Autism.
Events
Cinema Trip
Our next cinema trip is
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To be confirmed.
If group members wish to come along please contact the group to arrange payment. We look forward to seeing you.
Blair Drummond Safari Park
Monday 6th April our group will be visiting Blair Drummond Safari Park. Please contact the group for any further details.
Pool Party
Sunday 5th April we will be having a pool party at Helensburgh swimming pool. This is for all family members. If you are interested in attending this please contact the group for more information.
Bonus Ball
We currently have 3 numbers spare numbers available 34, 52 and 59. If anyone would like to take part it costs £1 a week per number. Half the winnings go to the charity and the other half to the weekly winner. If you wish to take part please contact our treasurer Laura Hogg.
Committee Meeting
Our next committee meeting will be on 9th March. If any members wish any matters to be added to our agenda please contact the group.
Quiz Night
As always we are excited to say that we will be holding an annual quiz night! Unfortunately our usual venue is no longer open so we are currently looking at suitable new venues. Our provisional date will be 7th May however this is TBC. If you have any connections we are on the lookout for some amazing prizes :)
Autism Walk
To Celebrate Autism awareness month we are doing our annual Autism Walk from the swimming pool in Helensburgh to Kidston Park Helensburgh. Please come and join us on Sunday 2nd April at 12 noon. If you are coming along and know in advance please let us know. We look forward to seeing use.
What Next?
Some useful information and where to find it
Useful Websites
National Autistic Society
The national autistic society campaigns for autism. You can read up on what autism is and how they help families.
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Scottish Autism
Scottish Autism provides support to families in Scotland. They can arrange visits to your home and advise on a variety of issues including education, respite and such.
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Autism Toolbox
The Autism toolbox is made in conjunction with Scottish Autism. The main purpose is to provide parents with a resource to support inclusion in mainstream education.
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The Curly Hair Project
The curly hair project aims to improve understanding and communication between those on the autistic spectrum and their nuerotypical loved ones. The services and products they supply are books, podcasts, counselling with ASD experienced counsellors, training, workshops and more. It is all based on real life and experinces, founded by Alis Rowe who herself has ASD.
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Autism Argyll
Provides helpful resources you can download to use with children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can recieve regular newsletters also.
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Autism in Argyll & Bute
Here you can find information on the autism strategy group, working together to make best use of resources and provide support to people with autism.
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What help can we recieve?
Having a child diagnosed with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder can be daunting. It often impacts the family home and requires more specialist equipment. Their are some benefits which you may be entitled to. Here are a few and how you can find out if your an entitled to them.
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Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
DLA can be applied for by filling out a form with the purpose of helping with extra costs for children under 16 who needs looked after more than a child of the same age. There is eligibility criteria and 3 rates of care as well as mobility component. To apply for a form you can phone 0345 712 3456. This is not a free number unless included in your call package.
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Carers Allowance
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You can apply for carers allowance if you recieve disability living allowance at middle or high rate. To apply go to and search carers allowance. This will tell you all the information you require before you apply.
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Child Tax Credits
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If you are in reciept of disability living allowance it is important to update child tax credits as you may be entitled to more help.
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Travel Support
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If you recieve High rate mobility you may be able to recieve an exemption from vehicle tax, a blue badge and a motability vehicle.
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CEA Cinema Card
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A CEA card allows a carer to attend the cinema with them for free. It is only available to children over the age of 8 and you must be in reciept of disability living allowance or PIP. The card costs £6 and you can apply by going to
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Contact Us
Get in touch with Helensburgh and Lomond Autism to discover more about our work and how to donate. We thank you for your support.
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