A WORCESTER charity which helps support city residents living with Asperger’s Syndrome has been handed a grant worth nearly £10,000 from the Big Lottery Fund.
ASPIE Extra Social Network and Information Service will now use the vital cash to provide more support and services for adults living with Asperger’s who may otherwise become isolated from the community.
“The grant has enabled us to hire an Asperger’s specific adviser Chloe Stokes for her autism experience as well as her warmth, understanding and appreciation of Asperger’s,” said Julia Micklewright, from ASPIE.
“The grant will also make a contribution to our overheads.”
The support group is now able to open an extra half-day a week thanks to the £9,477 grant and it is hoped the additional services will help users to learn and achieve the greater independence and self-reliance they want.
“People with Asperger’s need routine and predictability so it is essential that we have a safe and permanent centre suitable for our expanding activities,” Julia added.
“The waiting list for adults in Worcestershire in need of an Asperger diagnosis is about 25 months.
“We support adults on that waiting list and their families. We also help members come to terms with their diagnosis and learn coping mechanisms.”
Visit www.aspie.org.uk for more information on the support group.
