Autism Family Support is a women-led grassroots organisation supporting autistic and neurodivergent children, young people and their families. It aims to provide somewhere where they feel understood, included and welcome through sensory and SEND-friendly sessions, one-to-one support, family activities and wellbeing sessions. Supporting the whole family is key to the charity, providing a safe environment for children that is adapted to their sensory and communication needs, as well as a supportive network and welcoming space for parents and carers to connect with people who understand their experiences.
The grant will fund specialist and practical resources, including sensory lighting, tactile and interactive equipment, calming resources, soft furnishings, and sensory play equipment, along with suitable resources and furniture for the wellbeing area to support relaxation, confidence-building, and peer-support activities.
The funding forms part of Caremark’s Community Care Fund, a nationwide initiative launched earlier this year to recognise and support grassroots projects making a positive difference in communities across the UK.
Members of the public, community groups and local not-for-profit organisations were invited to nominate projects they believed deserved support, with more than 1,600 nominations received from across the country. From these, 12 finalists were selected to go forward to a public vote, with Autism Family Support one of three organisations to receive the most public votes and secure a £3,000 grant.
Commenting on the impact the grant will have, Sidar Ifzal from Autism Family Support said:
“We are incredibly happy and grateful to receive this award from Caremark. For many families raising an autistic child, something as simple as finding a place where their child feels comfortable and accepted can be difficult. Parents and carers can also spend so much time meeting their children’s needs that their own wellbeing is often pushed to one side.
“This funding allows us to create something very practical but also very meaningful – a sensory space where children can feel safe, regulate and enjoy being themselves, alongside a welcoming wellbeing space where women, mothers and carers can connect, talk and support one another.
“The real value of this grant is its lasting impact. Rather than supporting a single event, Caremark is helping us create physical spaces and purchase equipment that can be used again and again by local families. We want our new premises to become a place where families walk through the door and immediately know that they and their children belong here. We are very thankful to Caremark for helping us take another important step towards that goal.”
David Glover, CEO of Caremark, added:
“Many congratulations to Autism Family Support on securing one of our Community Care Fund grants. The work it is already doing is having a significant impact on people’s lives and we are delighted to be able to support its continued growth.
“At Caremark, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to live well in the place they call home. But living well is about more than the care and support we receive – it is also about feeling connected, included and part of a thriving community.
“That’s why we created the Community Care Fund: to recognise and support the organisations and projects that are making such a difference in their communities every day. Often working with limited resources, these groups achieve extraordinary things thanks to the dedication of the people behind them, many of whom give their time voluntarily to make life better for those around them. It has been wonderful to shine a light on some of that work and play a small part in helping it continue.”
For more information on the Community Care Fund, visit www.caremark.co.uk/community-care-fund/
