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
Covid 19
Unfortunately as we all know this year has been very different for us in our homes, our roles as carers and our social commitments and how both ourselves and our children have been affected. We as a charity have missed seeing our members on our easter and summer trips. We have missed our pool parties and our opportunities as carers alone to come together and meet to just feel that bit less alone. All the fayre's and festivals all cancelled, social distancing put in place that for some of our children is helpful however other are more tactile and actually that closeness and touch is what they need. We recognise that their are a lot of changes and what ifs. For now we sadly cannot plan any events neither trips nor educational for parents but we really want you all to know that despite everything our group is still there for any support we may be able to give. If you aren't sure you want to post that's ok, try using the search function at the top of the group page and you may find your question has been asked previously. We are here for your family and we wish you all good health in these uncertain times.
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Helensburgh and Lomond Autism
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.
Email: