Select a region
Two weeks after it warned its services will end in December, Autism Guernsey says staff and volunteers are still hopeful of a positive outcome in their bid for States funding.
Until now, the charity - which was founded in 2012 - did not rely on public money, with its funding predominantly coming from a Children in Need grant for the past eight years.
Other financial resources come from individual donors and community fundraising organised by the charity itself and others.
However, with Children in Need not allocating a grant to Autism Guernsey for 2025, the charity warned that its services "will cease in December".
This news was met with an outpouring of concern from service users and their families, as well as others.
Two weeks on from that initial warning, the charity's Autism Services Manager has told Express that talks are ongoing to hopefully find a way that Autism Guernsey can continue in its current form.
To do that, the charity will need to find £125,000 per year.
Julia Watts said "it is very busy here at Autism Guernsey" as she and colleagues try and navigate their way to a solution that can benefit the many people who use the charity's services.
"Parents, individuals, and the team are very anxious," she said.
"We are in a dialogue with the States of Guernsey, so hopefully we will have a positive outcome."
Pictured: Some of Autism Guernsey's services are listed, with the caveat that the charity can't help everyone.
A spokesperson for the States has previously told Express that Health and Social Care was working with the charity to if any help can be given to the young people who rely on its services.
“Officers at HSC are working closely with Autism Guernsey to explore what can be done to mitigate the impact on children, adults and families from the loss of this funding,” the committee said.
“This work will continue over the next few weeks in partnership with Autism Guernsey.
“While always disappointing when it’s not possible for charity funding to continue, we are grateful to Children in Need for the support it has provided the Bailiwick via Autism Guernsey over the last eight years.”
Pictured: A fundraising page was set up by a member of the public.
Autism Guernsey currently supports 131 children per year, as well as 260 parents and carers.
One of those supported by the charity launched a fundraiser immediately on hearing the news that the Children in Need grant was not being renewed.
In the two weeks since it has raised almost £1,000 for Autism Guernsey.
Ms Watts said at this stage she can't comment on what that money will go towards.
Health exploring support after Autism funding pulled
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.