Deputy speaker for the House of Lords opens new Autism Guernsey offices

Monday 11 February 2019

The Guernsey born Labour peer Baroness Jill Pitkeathley has officially opened new premises, in St Martins, for the charity Autism Guernsey.

The new premises, above Motor Mall, have been funded entirely by donations.

The offices will provide extra space for the charity to continue its work with children and adults in the island on the autistic spectrum.

“Autism Guernsey is extremely grateful to the landlords for providing these new premises at such a reasonable rent.  The convenient location and large space has allowed the charity to expand its services, subject to funding, and to provide more training sessions for professionals and parents," a spokesperson said.

The former offices were situated behind Melody Press in L'islet. 

"The additional space has also enabled Autism Guernsey to offer the Guernsey Disability Alliance a room to work part-time from. This is hugely beneficial to us as it allows us to work more closely with other third sectors.”

Pictured: Baroness Pitkeathley. 

Ladies' College educated Baroness Pitkeathley produced the Stronger Charities for a Stronger Society report and is President of the All Party Parliamentary Group on the Channel Islands. 

Attending a charity luncheon after the official opening the Baroness called the charitable sector in Guernsey "thriving but under funded".

"It does seem to me that the government is working with the third sector, it is about the charities identifying the problems not businesses "plugging the gaps" between the charitable sector and the government. It's about working together," she said,  

As well as a donation from Children in Need the charity puts on several fundraising events a year to help it continue its services. More information can be found on their facebook. 

Pictured above: L-R - charity Chairman Steve Morris and Baroness Pitkeathley.