Charity of the Year
Luton Basepoint, Business Centres, have match funded £10,000 for Autism Bedfordshire, their chosen charity for 2016 - 2017. The Basepoint Centre team, presented Emma Reade, Chief Executive Officer of Autism Bedfordshire who was thrilled to receive it on behalf of the charity. The Mayor of Luton Councillor Tahir Khan, attended the presentation and congratulated both for their efforts to improve lives for those who have autism living in Luton, particularly in the lead up to World Autism Awareness week.
Autism Bedfordshire is a local independent charity whose aim is to improve the quality of life for people with autism and their families in the local community. Statistically for every 100 people, one person will have autism – in Bedfordshire this equates to 6,100 people with the condition. Autism Bedfordshire run a number of services in the town including a social activity group for children with autism, a youth club for teenagers with the condition, a day time social group and skills courses for adults with autism, plus employment support.
Emma Reade from Autism Bedfordshire commented "It’s been great to work with Basepoint this past year. All our services are funded entirely through grants and donations and so we are extremely grateful to Basepoint for supporting Autism Bedfordshire and enabling us to continue to support local people in need. Their support means we are able to continue providing valuable support to those families who need it."
Fiona Mcdermott, Centre Manager Commented "It's been a brilliant year working with Emma and her team. We are looking forward to supporting Autism Bedfordshire next year."