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'lifeline' in jeopardy

Over 650 families in limbo after vital autism support service in Perth forced to close immediately

SNP and Scottish Conservative politicians call for urgent solution to find £120,000 running costs

OVER 650 vulnerable children and their families have lost a vital support network after Perth Autism Support was forced to suspend services immediately.

The group are appealing for help to find £120,000 per year to continue assisting kids and parents affected by autism.

 Perth Autism Support received cross-party support this morning, with SNP and Scottish Conservative politicians calling for a hasty resolution
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Perth Autism Support received cross-party support this morning, with SNP and Scottish Conservative politicians calling for a hasty resolutionCredit: Getty - Contributor

Some of the vital services Perth Autism Support provides include a school liaison officer to give advice to teachers, after-school activities for children who have autism, and one-to-one free training programmes for families.
Lynsey Paterson, family and transition service manager at Perth Autism Support, said the decision to suspend services was "very tough" and made "with great regret".

But the support service "had no option" except to close after receiving "very little response" from Perth and Kinross council, the NHS and Scottish Government.

She said: "We've been inundated with parents calling us and that's been really moving.

"They've been telling us what a lifeline we've been.

"We are the only autism-specific service in Perth and Kinross and we're fairly unique across Scotland.

"We have a really good track record in bringing in funding for specific posts and projects, the difficulty is getting funding for our core costs, such as an office, reception staff and supplies.

"We receive private funds and Children in Need backs our youth theatre project.

"What we need is sustained core funding."

The organisation received cross-party support this morning, with SNP and Scottish Conservative politicians calling for a hasty resolution.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney, MSP for Perthshire North, is directly involved in talks to get the service running again.

He said: “I value enormously the services provided by Perth Autism Support and I am very concerned by the current situation.

"I have been in touch with Perth and Kinross Council to begin the work to see what can be done to ensure the continuation of these services.

"I will work with Perth Autism Support to ensure services can be delivered to the young people and their families who depend upon them.”

But a council spokesperson said no timeline was available for when a funding decision would be made.

 

A Perth and Kinross Council spokesperson said: "“Yesterday afternoon, Perth and Kinross Council learned that Perth Autism Support had taken the decision to suspend services to young people and families.

"Perth and Kinross Council will work with NHS Tayside to determine what support may be appropriate to provide to Perth Autism Support in the current circumstances.”

Mid Scotland and Fife MSPs Liz Smith and Murdo Fraser released a joint statement praising the group's work.

Ms Smith said: “Today’s announcement is disappointing and it is important that a resolution can be found for the service to continue in some form or another.

“I would encourage all partners to get around the table and ensure that either funding is found for the continuation of this service or other arrangements are made for children currently receiving support through this service.

“Perth Autism Support has played a key role in improving the lives of hundreds of children and young people and it is important that this good work is not lost.”

Mr Fraser said: “Perth Autism Support does not just cater for children suffering with autism but also helps parents with child care techniques and communication strategies which is incredibly important.

“It is vital that children currently using the service are not cut off and I would encourage all partners to get together to create a long-term strategy for autism care in Perth.”

Pete Wishart, Perth and North Perthshire MP, said: “Perth Autism Support offers critical support to up to 650 families throughout Perth and Kinross with the day to day issues of dealing with family members with autism.

"It is a valuable service that offers support to families and it is vital that this service continues to operate.

"It is approaching disastrous that it has had to suspend its service due to lack of core funding and I have been speaking to both the council and Scottish Government to try and find a solution."


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