Helensburgh & Lomond Autism
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!
The past year has been one that none of us could ever have expected. Despite this as a charity we are incredibly lucky to have received support from local business's. We would like to thank Eden Helensburgh, Buddies in Boats, The Toy Shop, Minuteman Press and Morrisons. As ever your support and kindness is very appreciated.
Events
Our Comittee
As per our recent AGM we now have our current committee as follows :
Chairperson : Tania Smith
Vice Chair : Aileen Goodfellow Chrichton
Secretary : Susanna Dickson
Treasurer : Fay Buchan
Comittee Members :
Kaileigh Smart
Hilary Sawyer
Kirsty Buchan
Jennifer McCarthy
Vicki Trigg
Lucy Sage
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our previous Trustees Aileen Goodfellow Chrichton, Fay Buchan, Susanna Dickson and Laura Hogg for all your hard work in a difficult time and also our previous committee members.
We look forward to what will hopefully be a brighter year.
Covid 19
We would like to wish all our members well as we still manage our way through a global pandemic. Hopefully we can get back to a more normal way of life.
Despite covid 19 our charity managed to support our families in a few ways as follows :
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Sensory Bags The Toy Shop and Minuteman Press
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Tote Bags and Mask Decorating through Helensburgh Art Hub
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Pottery painting with Bambiloo
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Virtual Panto with sweets donated by Morrisons and group funds
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Easter Quiz with prizes donated by Morrisons
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Body socks for our families that are the correct size for each child
A massive well done and thank you to everyone involved.
Easy Fundraising
If possible could people please sign up to easy fundraising and select Helensburgh and Lomond Autism as your chosen charity. This is completely free for you to do and allows us to gain funds simpy by shopping online through easy fundraising. Most online retailers do donate, how much varies between retailer however every penny counts.
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.
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.
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.
The Curly Hair Project
www.thegirlwiththecurlyhair.co.uk
www.facebook.com/thegirlwiththecurlyhair
www.twitter.com/curlyhairedalis
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.
Autism Argyll
Provides helpful resources you can download to use with children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can recieve regular newsletters also.
Autism in Argyll & Bute
www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/autism-argyll-and-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.
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.
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.
Carers Allowance
You can apply for carers allowance if you recieve disability living allowance at middle or high rate. To apply go to www.gov.uk and search carers allowance. This will tell you all the information you require before you apply.
Child Tax Credits
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.
Travel Support
If you recieve High rate mobility you may be able to recieve an exemption from vehicle tax, a blue badge and a motability vehicle.
CEA Cinema Card
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 www.ceacard.co.uk
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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