Charity nets support aid

Grant funding worth £20k

Local charity Perth Autism Support has been given a funding boost to the tune of £20,000.

The grant from the Scottish Power Foundation will specifically be used to support the Fair Citybased good cause’s work with young adults in the area on the autism spectrum between the ages of 16 and 18.

Angie Ferguson, the good cause’s chief executive, said: “We are delighted to have the continued support of the Scottish Power Foundation for the second year.

“They have been very supportive in recognising the need for our services and the challenges facing young people on the autism spectrum.

“The donation from the foundation is critical to ensuring our services can continue.”

The group’s fundraising and events assistant, Kathleen MacLeod, explained how vital these

Kathleen MacLeod

kinds of donations are to the charity’s work.

She told the PA: “We need the fundraising to run the service, and we need it for taking the young people out and for activities and summer projects.

“It is all about getting them their independence and finding them a job or work experience, so it does all cost a fair amount of money.

“We support 600 families in Perth and Kinross, and it just keeps adding up every day because autism is a lot more common than people think.

“This donation will make a huge difference, and without the money we would not have the staff time or the volunteers. It is much needed.”

The Scottish Power Foundation has set aside £1.8m to help 26 charitable causes across the UK in 2017, including Perth Autism Support.

Ann McKechin, the foundation’s head of corporate social responsibility, said: “It’s been heartening to hear all about the work of these 26 projects and the invaluable services they provide.

“The Scottish Power Foundation is committed to improving the lives of people living in our local communities and by delivering this funding we want to ensure the good work continues.

“This year will be the biggest funding year to date for the foundation and I’m looking forward to seeing how all of the projects come to fruition.”