Autism protest after council turn down offer of help

Parents campaigning against the closure of Lanarkshire’s Autism one stop shop have staged another protest outside south Lanarkshire Council’s headquarters.

Parents, children with autism and young adults with autism spectrum disorder waved banners calling for improved support services as councillors and staff entered the building last Wednesday, July 6.

The banners - many created by children- asked “where is the like for like service”families were promised when the pan Lanarkshire Autism one stop shop closed on June 3.

The protest came days after south Lanarkshire Council refused an offer from the scottish government of a scottish Autism advisor while they made the transition to the new south Lanarkshire one stop shop (sLoss).

users say they have been holding meetings with council officials to discuss how the new sLoss will work in practice.

However, they say they are still“disappointed” by the council’s reaction to their recent suggestions.

Jennifer gough, who has helped to lead a campaign to reinstate the original Autism one stop shop in Motherwell, said:“The purpose of our protest was to raise awareness of our need for an Autism advisor within the new sLoss which they have failed to provide.

“This is a vital part of the service and knowing the scottish government offered the council an Autism advisor from scottish Autism free of charge which they refused is extremely infuriating.

“Parents have clearly and consistently expressed their wishes on this matter since the consultation meeting in May.

“south Lanarkshire Council are not willing to engage with parents and are certainly not listening to our views.”

A spokesman for south Lanarkshire Council said that the council would welcome financial support from the scottish government, but argued sLoss is fit for purpose.

He said thrice-weekly support groups, facilitated by Lanarkshire Carers Centre staff, have been set up and a drop in base has now been established at Hamilton Academical FC Community outreach.

The opening hours - between midday and 3pm on Tuesdays and 10am till 1pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays - were chosen to replicate those which are also available at the Motherwell-based oss. A permanent base for sLoss is being sought, with the Jean Brownlee day care centre in Hamilton currently being assessed as a potential venue.