I am interested to hear peoples thoughts on the range of charities and services now available.
I have been raising money and raising awareness at work about the NAS through the https://www.autism.org.uk/get-involved/raise-money/fundraising-events/move-28-minutes-a-day-in-february
I also follow a number of Autism-related sites on Facebook.
What triggered my thoughts on this was when someone in the office talked about their husband doing a charity parachute jump. What surprised me though. Was that it was not for the NAS, but for a regional charity.
Then over the last couple of days, I have had my Facebook algorithm bring up another National charity that provides Autism Support. And that this Autism support sounds just like the programme that the NAS previously provided. This other Autism support network also looked like it has been commisioned by the NHS.
The NAS eCommunity has been a lifeline to me and I guess what is concerning me is how this fragmentation of charities affects us and how the 'market' for Autism has eroded the NAS. Why people choose alternatives and the difficult financial times we live in for charities.
I am particularly aware that most Parents and Carers must be going somewhere else for support due to the low numbers of posts in that eCommunity Section. You may have noticed that I have made a conscious decision to reply to post in that Section, because I am feeling more and more strongly that the NAS needs this group to continue its strong presence in the future years.
Thanks in advance,
Mrs Snooks