Bridport-Based Autism Charity Receives £80,000 Funding Boost from National Lottery
A Bridport-based charity, ASCape, has recently received a significant funding boost of £80,000. The organization focuses on supporting local autistic children, young adults, and individuals with social anxiety, as well as their families. This substantial funding comes in the form of a grant from the National Lottery.
ASCape's main objective is to provide a safe and inclusive environment for autistic children and young people aged 0-25 to meet, socialize, explore their feelings, and receive peer support. Founded in 2018 by Indigo May Roe, Leeann Boon, and Karen Wright, ASCape has grown into a thriving community of more than 500 individuals.
Currently, the charity directly supports over 100 children and their families through various family-based activities.
ASCape organizes family activity afternoons for children aged 4-14, where families can participate together. Additionally, they host monthly youth clubs for pre-teens and teenagers, a gardening club, and a social group for individuals over 18. The range of activities offered includes pond dipping, seed planting, animal feeding and handling, swimming, ten-pin bowling, bouldering, rope making, fossilizing, beach games, and the highly popular Family Picnic. In the autumn, activities expand to include rafting, canoeing, and treasure hunting.
The £80,000 funding from the National Lottery will enable ASCape to continue providing and expanding their services. The money will be used to offer ongoing support to autistic children, young adults, and their families, helping them combat isolation and providing opportunities for socialization, friendship building, and personal development.
ASCape Co-Lead Clare Cameron expressed her excitement about the grant, emphasizing the importance of creating a supportive and fun environment for autistic individuals. The funding will allow ASCape to address the local need for inclusive activities and positively impact the lives of those they serve.