During each festive season, Express speaks to local charities about what their Christmas wishes are for the year ahead.
Today, we speak to Autism Jersey – an organisation dedicated to the assistance and support of people on the autism spectrum…
What have been the highlights of 2024?
We had such a wonderful year with so many highlights to choose from.
Pictured: The annual Autism Jersey duck race.
Success for us is seeing happy smiling faces from those who joined in our family activities, from outings with WetWheels to the annual duck race to the Autism Jersey families Christmas party and the Adult Social Club Halloween Party with His Excellency Jerry Kyd (who is Patron of Autism Jersey) and his wife Dr Karen Kyd.
Pictured: Autism Jersey celebrated Halloween with patron, His Excellency Vice Admiral Jerry Kyd, Lieutenant Governor of Jersey
Along with the engagement between clients supported by our hard-working operations team, counselling and family support team, who on a daily basis provide amazing support.
What has been the greatest challenge?
The biggest challenge is one many charities are presently facing, which is a reduction of income from fundraising and donations, and we are continually striving to explore innovative ways to continue to deliver the charitable services we provide free at the point of delivery to families and individuals.
Pictured: The Autism Jersey team took part in events around the island.
Any reduction from that income stream then ultimately impacts on our ability to deliver some of these services that are free to families and individuals.
And what is on your charity’s ‘wish list’ for 2025?
Our wish list for 2025, would be to see a continuation of collaboration and partnership approaches in relation to some of the great work already being undertaken in our small community – by the public, private and third sector.
Pictured: Autism Jersey works with Wetwheels to give islanders “life-affirming experiences”.
Between us, we can really deliver some outstanding positive outcomes for the individuals and animals so many local charities support, and genuinely make a difference.