Coffee and cake will be on offer as a charity supporting people with autism opens the doors to its operations in Dorchester.

The Wessex Autistic Society is holding an open day at its office in Trinity Street on Wednesday, August 24 to celebrate 12 months of its information and advices service team.

The free-in house support service has helped hundreds of individuals and families affected by autism across the Wessex region since its launch in August last year.

The charity will be celebrating by welcoming the community into South Grove Cottage from 11am to 1.30pm to find out more about its work.

Advocacy services manager Karen Wilmshurst said: “During our first year we have supported over 700 people in the region with advice ranging from information about getting a diagnosis and benefit entitlements to housing, education and employment.

“We have also given community talks to over 400 people, launched a successful parent support group in Dorchester as well as two support groups for adults with Aspergers Syndrome and a free monthly workshop to assist parents with applications for Disability Living Allowance.”

She added: “Many of our enquiries are from people who have reached a crisis point and we are able to help them prioritise and, wherever possible, access support services whether that be statutory or other voluntary or community support. “Parents in particular find that just having someone to listen can help them at a particularly stressful time.

“Our partnership with The National Autistic Society allows us to provide the very best information and advice on all matters on autism.

“Anyone who would like to find out more about our information and advice service should come along for coffee and cake at our Open Day on August 24 to see how we can support you.” Anyone interesting in volunteering for The Wessex Autistic Society is also invited to attend on the day or call 01305 213135.

For more information about the charity visit the website twas.org.uk