REACH for a cash boost

Lifeline charity nets £140k funding

A Cambuslang-based charity has received over £140,000 in funding to provide support and services to people affected by autism.

REACH Lanarkshire Autism will now be able to improve, increase and expand their current range of activities, which will be supplemented with new play therapy sessions for children with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder).

And thanks to the generous grant £143,280 from the Big Lottery Fund’s Our Place initiative, they will also be able to employ a full-time community development and activity coordinator to work specifically within Whitlawburn and Springhall.

Their role will involve identifying and engaging with families caring for a child with autism who are not accessing any services.

A spokeswoman for REACH said they will continue to support and encourage parents to become involved in volunteering opportunities within the charity and extend this opportunity to the community to further support the work they do.

She added: “This substantial award will make a huge difference to our charity, and will enable us to develop the level of support and services we currently provide to the autism community in Lanarkshire.

“We believe by raising awareness of the help available locally and nationally, and assisting to overcome any barriers wherever possible, we can begin to address the exclusion and isolation many carers experience.

“We are thrilled, therefore, to contribute to the Our Place vision for Whitlawburn and Springhall. We look forward to playing a full and active role within the community and providing a lasting legacy for the children and families in Whitlawburn and Springhall.

“Massive thanks to Big Lottery Fund’s Our Place Initiative for your support in this venture.”

As a direct result of this award REACH will be able to host weekly groups and occasional outings for families. They will also deliver a range of autism related training opportunities for parents to increase their understanding, confidence, skills and abilities.

Announcing the funding, Big Lottery Fund Scotland chair, Maureen McGinn, said: “I am delighted that the people of Whitlawburn and Springhall will benefit from Our Place funding.

“Our Place empowers local people to bring about a positive lasting difference to their neighbourhood by giving them a say on how National Lottery money is spent in their area.

“I would like to congratulate REACH Lanarkshire Autism on its successful funding award, and look forward to hearing more as the project progresses.”

We can begin to address exclusion and isolation