We are a compassionate nation.

A mighty 21 million Britons – around two thirds of the working population – care enough about the problems and challenges faced by our communities, our country and our planet to volunteer on a regular basis.

But that means 10 million people do not currently volunteer on a regular basis.

Autism Wessex was founded some 45 years ago and hosts events throughout the year to raise vital funds for, and awareness of, our services to support those affected by autism and other related difficulties within our community.

We provide services across the region, and in an effort to raise awareness of our extensive services we will be organising our inaugural bike ride challenge starting in Dorchester, where we have an office and provide a number of services, and finishing at Portfield School near Bournemouth, where our educational service is based. As the course is 33 miles long we will be needing more volunteers for this event than we’ve needed for any event in our 45-year history.

We are therefore looking for local volunteers who would be willing to marshall the course during the race as well as people to help set up the course and urge our cyclists over the finish line.

Every new volunteer will receive an induction with Autism Wessex to ensure they feel comfortable and confident in their work.

The bike ride challenge will take place on Sunday, September 8 from 10am and will start in Dorchester.

To have an informal chat or register your interest please contact Paul Reade on 01202 703597. Alternatively please call Sylvia carpenter on 01305 213138.

Alternatively you can email us at paul.reade@autismwessex.org.uk or sylvia.carpenter@autismwessex.org.uk.

Paul Reade, Events and Community Fundraiser, Autism Wessex