Exciting times ahead for revamped Wessex Autistic Society (From Dorset Echo)
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Exciting times ahead for revamped Wessex Autistic Society
1:30pm Thursday 14th February 2013 in News
By Rachel Stretton
GREAT HELP: Angela Carr with children Elliott Carr, left. and Luke Mooney and Simon Kelly-McGhee of Community Wessex
A DORSET charity is unveiling a whole new look to expand its reach to more people.
The Wessex Autistic Society is to be re-launched as Autism Wessex and the charity is taking the opportunity to become as inclusive as possible.
Chief executive of the charity Bob Lowndes said: “These are very exciting times for us.
“We have launched a new sub-brand called Community Wessex.
“It is through that that we will provide our existing social care services, such as residential care homes for adults, and community support for children, adults and families.
“The reason we have changed is that we want these services to be available to those who do not have a diagnosis.
“There are many people who would benefit from social care services who are currently unable to access them.
“And of course, we will continue to develop other forms of social care and community support.”
The charity has been providing support and information for people with autism and their families across Dorset and the wider region for 45 years.
Littlemoor resident Angela Carr said the help she has received for son Elliott, four, has been ‘incredible’.
Angela, who lives with Elliott and his brother Luke, aged eight, said: “It can be very difficult to take the two of them out together, as Luke has special needs, so it’s lovely that the charity are able to take Elliott out.
“They take him to do things like swimming, climbing and walking on the beach, which he really enjoys.”
Angela, 49, said it is not just day-to-day support such as trips out and residential care that the charity provides, but ongoing, practical and emotional support.
She said: “It is things like the support groups, and the help you get with writing letters and accessing help from other groups that really make a difference.
“And the staff are wonderful, they just can’t do enough for you.”
The charity is keen to stress that the changes do not mean that their values and priorities will change.
Mr Lowndes added: “We want to make sure that what we do and the way we present ourselves remain relevant as times change.
“We have always stood for the highest standards and this remains the case.”
