Amazing response to mum’s campaign

A Paisley mum has gathered more than 1,000 signatures after setting up a petition against the closure of a vital project for young people with autism.

Sandra Webster whose sons Callum, 13, and Lucas, 16, both have rare genetic disorders and autism, was upset to hear Scottish Autism is closing the Clannalba Centre in Biggar.

Her eldest son Lucas has used the centre for the last year for respite breaks and she said he’s benefitted from the time he’s spent there.

Sandra said:“It’s a wonderful place and Scottish Autism is a wonderful charity. We got a letter through saying they would no longer fund it from April because it’s not being used.

“My son uses Clannalba and I know he will not go elsewhere. He was referred there by our social worker as services inside Renfrewshire cannot meet his needs.

“The fact my petition got more than 1,000 signatures in just a few days shows how many people need this.

“I understand that times are tough and financial decisions need to be made but this decision will have a big impact on families all over Scotland.”

Jackie Latto, Director of Autism Services at Scottish Autism said:““After seeing a significant fall in demand for respite care, over the last two years we have carried out a review of our existing service provision at Clannalba Respite and Transitional Assessment Service in Biggar. As a charity operating in a very challenging financial climate, we have now made the difficult decision to end respite services at Clannalba from April 1, 2018, and are no longer able to accept any new referrals.

“While we understand this decision will be disappointing for families which have benefitted from respite care at Clannalba, we must respond to this decline in demand.”

To view Sandra’s petition, go to Change. org and search for Sandra Webster.