Autism Jersey has received crucial funding from JT’s Community Giving Scheme to support its Adult and Family Support Services.
Autism Jersey’s services are free of charge, and the funding provided by JT will enable the organisation to continue its work in addressing the rising pressures faced by individuals and families in need.
From May 2023 to April 2024 alone, the charity supported 280 families, hosted events for 420 children, and engaged 92 adults in its services for the first time.
Lesley Harrison, spokesperson for Autism Jersey, said: “Support from the JT Community Giving scheme offers a lifeline as the need and demand for our services is growing rapidly, and as a small team we manage our limited resources and capability accordingly. A donation of this nature will go a long way to help us to continue delivering this service provision for some of the most vulnerable people in our community.”
The charity relies on fundraising events, charitable donations, and sponsorship to keep its services free but due to the increased cost-of-living these individual donations have been reduced. Similarly, for businesses who are also affected by rising costs many now focus on volunteering as part of their CSR rather than cash donations, but due to the nature of its work, this is not a viable option for Autism Jersey.
Autism Jersey’s Adult and Family Support Services provide personalised family support, a range of family events, a befriending programme led by trained volunteers, and activities specifically designed to foster connections and provide respite. These include a siblings support group, mindfulness sessions for carers, and community events like weekly coffee mornings for mums and newly introduced curry nights for dads.
Pip Carpenter, Head of Consumer Markets and Community Partnerships at JT, added: “This funding will hopefully help Autism Jersey respond to the growing demand for their services and ensure that individuals and families navigating the challenges of autism continue to receive the guidance and support they need. At JT, we understand the immense value charities like Autism Jersey bring to our community and we are proud to support them in delivering these critical services.”
Pictured: JT’s support enables a child to have an exciting experience on a Wetwheels boat.
