Support for autistic charity
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HALTON Housing Trust (HHT) has announced its nominated charity for 2017. Halton Autistic Family Support Group (HAFS) has been chosen by trust staff and will receive help through the year.
The organisation holds regular fundraising events and support in business areas such as PR, finance and corporate governance.
HHT also enters high profile events in aid of raising funds for the nominated charity.
HAFS is a voluntary support group run by families which provides those affected by autism with a key support system.
The charity provides a wide range of support for families including trips, outings, sports sessions whilst providing a safe environment for relaxation and play.
Formed in 2001 supporting just six families, HAFS now helps 100 and is continually receiving referrals.
The charity also offer an advocacy service to help families deal with local and national statutory bodies, particularly vulnerable families.
The organisation represents them at all levels typically in meetings with education, social and education services, or benefits departments.
A HHT spokeswoman said: “As part of the partnership with Halton Housing, HAFS will be providing awareness training to Halton Housing staff around autism, which will enable staff to provide effective support for customers effected by autism.
“HAFS currently do not receive any long-term funding, and rely on funding and donations to continue to operate; making the support Halton Housing are going to provide key in raising awareness for the charity, and enabling them to continue supporting Halton families in to the future.”
Previous nominated charities include Norton Priory, Halton Haven, Mind and many more.
HHT aims to continue supporting previous nominated charities where possible by working in close partnership with them to continue to create awareness and help promote the good work they do where possible.