We are delighted to announce that we are planning to open a new residential service in Alloa in 2018 for adults with autism. The new service will provide accommodation for up to nine autistic adults and include six self-contained flats, all with en-suite facilities. We have invested in the property and are looking for your support to raise additional funds to put towards the costs of upgrading the interior and outside areas of the residence.

With your help, we are hoping to raise £200,000 to purchase furnishings and fittings and provide upgrades to the property. We are also approaching funders for their support for the project.

As the individuals we support get older, their needs change over time and additional health and mobility issues add new challenges. The aim of this new service is to provide accommodation which meets the specific care needs of adults with autism who may live with other health-related issues such as arthritis, limited mobility and sight loss.

Angela Steele, Senior Autism Practitioner, said: “As people get older, the risk is that individuals become socially isolated or have to move into a non autism-specific care setting to meet their physical needs. With this new service, we want to create an environment that is fit for purpose now but can also be adapted for the future.”

The property will be all on one level with private accommodation and communal social areas.  Enlarged door openings and en-suite shower rooms are just some of the adaptations that will be made. There is also a large mature garden which we are hoping to transform for use by all residents.

One of the individuals identified for support would benefit greatly from the new service:

“He loves activity and a busy social setting and the communal area within the new service will give him the opportunity to socialise with other people.

“He also enjoys going to the local shops and visiting the local cafes for lunch. These are close to the new service, reducing his reliance on public transport and allowing him the choice to walk if he desires, assisting with his mobility.” Scottish Autism Practitioner

Please help us to provide this valuable service. This is how your donations could help:

• £100 would buy an exercise bike to help with mobility
• £250 would buy a specialist mattress
• £800 would buy a specialist bed
• £1,850 would provide outdoor furniture and plants for the garden
• £20,000 would provide a conservatory for the residents to enjoy all year round

We would be very grateful for your support. You can make a donation online or send a cheque payable to ‘Scottish Autism’ for the attention of Fundraising to Scottish Autism, Hilton House, Whins Road, Alloa Business Park, Alloa FK10 3SA. Be sure to let us know that your donation is for the new service.

*Image by James F Stephen Architects