The efforts of a dedicated mother have helped transform autism support in Perth.
After struggling to find any mainstream services suitable for her own son, Angie Ferguson decided to launch her own organisation.
Despite working full time, and with very little funding, she started Perth Autism Support in November 2011. Now, little more than a year later, the charity boasts four full-time members and 30 volunteers and 110 families have registered for its services.
Angie told The Courier: “My son has Asperger’s Syndrome and his difficulties centre around the environment of most mainstream activities, such as the noise, chaos and large, echoey halls.
“These are all a sensory nightmare for children on the autism spectrum.
“Perth Autism Support was founded with the sole aim of providing quality activities and services which could help children learn valuable social skills and build friendships.
“It also allows parents to be sure that their children are being supported in activities by trained and knowledgeable staff and volunteers.”
The charity remains the only autism-specific support system for young children in Perth and Kinross, which has led to Angie and her team being recognised for their efforts.
Last year, they won the Perthshire Chamber of Commerce Business Star Awards commitment to the community award.
The group is also continuing to expand, moving to larger offices in Market Street last month.
Although it is still a relatively young charity, Perth Autism Support has won over the local community, which Angie said has been “incredible”.
“We have had massive support from a number of local organisations. who have provided equipment and services to us,” she added.
“A number of people have also undertaken fundraising challenges for us, including Etape Caledonia, 10km runs and abseils.
“Our fundraising events have been really well supported by local people and the families we work with, as they have been helping out with events such as bag packs.”
In April, the charity will host an entire month of events as part of Autism Awareness, setting an ambitious fundraising target of £5,000 for its Autism Rocks! Appeal.
Angie continued: “Interest in volunteering has also increased rapidly, with a number of opportunities available, including office-based support, fundraising and befriending.
“We now work with 30 volunteers, but are always looking for more, in line with service expansion.”
Since its humble beginnings, Perth Autism Support has secured funding from a number of organisations, including the Scottish Government Autism Strategy Development Fund, Awards for All, the Robertson Trust and the Soutar Charitable Trust.
There is no stopping Angie and her team, as she already has ambitious plans for the future and hopes to continue “bridging the gap” parents find between statutory and mainstream services.
The charity also aims to help children become more confident and independent through the range of activities on offer, ranging from holiday programmes to therapeutic interventions.
“Our services have grown quickly due to the demand of the families and children,” she added. “We also work closely with statutory partners to bridge gaps they may identify for young people, which we have done through our I am Me programme.
“Our focus in 2013 will be to expand our family support activities, with more intensive one-to-one work with individual families.
“The geography of Perth and Kinross also means families are unable to come into Perth for activities and there is a major focus for us to develop services in rural areas, although we offer a PAS car-share scheme database and online forums,” she added.