Autism Jersey has received crucial funding from JT’s Community Giving Scheme to support a series of mindfulness sessions as part of their Adult and Family Support Services, the arm of the charity that provides personalised assistance to autistic individuals, their families, and carers.
Autism Jersey’s services are free of charge, and the funding provided by JT will enable the organisation to continue its work in addressing the rising pressures faced by individuals and families in need. From May 2023 to April 2024 alone, the charity supported 280 families, hosted events for 420 children, and engaged 92 adults in its services for the first time.
Lesley Harrison, spokesperson for Autism Jersey, said: ‘Support from the JT Community Giving scheme offers a lifeline as the need and demand for our services is growing rapidly, and as a small team we manage our limited resources and capability accordingly. A donation of this nature will go a long way to help us to continue delivering this service provision for some of the most vulnerable people in our community.’
The charity relies on fundraising events, charitable donations, and sponsorship to keep its services free but due to the increased cost-of-living these individual donations have been reduced. Similarly, for businesses who are also affected by rising costs many now focus on volunteering as part of their CSR rather than cash donations, but due to the nature of its work, this is not a viable option for Autism Jersey.
Autism Jersey’s Adult and Family Support Services provide personalised family support, a range of family events, a befriending programme led by trained volunteers, and activities specifically designed to foster connections and provide respite. These include a siblings support group, community events like weekly coffee mornings for mums, newly introduced curry nights for dads and all important mindfulness sessions for carers, which are provided free of charge, thanks to the funding from JT.
Pip Carpenter, Head of Consumer Markets and Community Partnerships at JT, added: ‘This funding will hopefully help Autism Jersey respond to the growing demand for their services and ensure that individuals and families are well supported in their own needs as vital carers. At JT, we understand the immense value charities like Autism Jersey bring to our community and we are proud to support them in delivering these critical services.’
Autism Jersey remains at the forefront of autism-related services in Jersey, offering a wide range of support tailored to individuals, families, and carers. The charity, which has attained Advanced Status under the National Autistic Society Accreditation Programme, views partnerships like this one with JT as essential to achieving its mission of enabling people with autism to fulfil their potential within an inclusive community.