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A local charity will next year be launching its largest ever fundraising project to turn plans to convert a dilapidated home into a purpose-built autism hub into a reality.
Autism Jersey is the leading organisation in the Channel Islands dedicated to the assistance and support of people on the autism spectrum. The aim of the charity is to enable people with autism to lead a full and inclusive life and enjoy a reasonable degree of independence.
The charity offers a wide range of services, including counselling, a befriending scheme, holiday clubs, social groups and autism-specific training for families, friends, professionals and employers.
Express spoke to Autism Jersey about their hopes and wishes for the coming year...
"At Autism Jersey, we pride ourselves on the personalised services we provide to autistic people, their families, and carers. As 2021 approaches we plan to continue to provide this much-needed support whilst making progress towards our long-term goals.
"In July, this year we signed a contract with Andium Homes to develop our new home and purpose-built centre for Autism at Sans Souci, a lovely, but rather dilapidated old building in St. Helier.
Our Chairman, Nick Winsor said at the time: 'It is a tremendous achievement to get to this point and we are absolutely thrilled to be working in partnership with Andium Homes. The stability that this will bring is very important to the people that we work with and everyone connected with the charity.'
2021 will see the launch of our biggest fundraising project as we turn these plans into reality.
Pictured: 2021 will see the launch of AJ's "biggest fundraising project."
The Autism Jersey Advisory Council represents the views of people on the autism spectrum in Jersey. The council works closely with the main board of Autism Jersey with the aim of supporting the decision-making process. Chair, Jackie Marsh, has kindly volunteered to lead the Council through the next phase of its development and would be interested to hear from anyone that would like to contribute.
As our charity grows and demand for services increases, we continue to look to fulfil a number of roles within our organisation. Our Support Workers get immense satisfaction from their work, feel supported in their roles, and enjoy making a difference to the lives of autistic people. If you have the skills required to support individuals on the autism spectrum in a challenging and rewarding role, please get in touch.
One of our key objectives, as a charity, is to raise awareness and increase understanding of autism in Jersey. In September, this year we were thrilled to receive a grant for autism awareness courses. We are delighted to have the support of Channel Islands Lottery and the Association of Jersey Charities and look forward to working together to jointly promote the courses in 2021. If you are interested in raising awareness and increasing understanding of autism in your workplace, please contact us.
This December our Boutique celebrated a year in its new home at the Parade and is firmly on the charity shopper’s map! It continues to be known as the charity shop with quality stock. We always need your donations, so please consider us in your post-Christmas clear out.
Karen Gallichan and Catherine Tubb, Boutique Managers explained: 'We can’t place a financial value on the support we can now offer to parents and people on the spectrum. We have sat, drank tea, listened, chatted, and shared our experiences with a number of family members. As the Boutique’s opening hours extend next year, we want to let people know that we are available if they need to talk.'
Pictured: Autism Jersey's charity shop volunteers are calling for donations from people's post-Christmas clear outs!
"Whilst we have all faced a number of challenges in 2020, for individuals and families living with autism the festive season can be the most challenging time of year. The kind and continued generosity of dearest supporters enables us to provide information, advice and support throughout the year."
Call 01534 871888 or email ajadmin@autismjersey.org to get in touch with Autism Jersey.
Pictured top: Andium Homes has now signed an agreement with Autism Jersey to refurbish St. Saviour’s Road-based ‘Sans Souci’ into a flexible hub that will meet the needs of people diagnosed with autism and their families.
