IN 2014 volunteers effectively saved Autism Wessex more than £10,000 and donated more than 1,500 hours of time.

Such generosity of time allows us to continue providing three main areas of support to those affected by Autism; Portfield School for education, residential and respite care; Community Wessex for social care services and a free Advocacy and Advice service.

Ordinary people do extraordinary things every day; some of them we hear about but others, like so many volunteers who give of their time so generously and so regularly become everyday hero’s, and are so often unsung. We would like to thank everyone who volunteers for us and remind others that we have many opportunities for new supporters to come on board and join our volunteering community.

With many Autumn events on the horizon we are hoping to inspire others to give freely of any spare time they may have to help the charity raise awareness of autism, which effects 1 in 100 people in the UK. There are more than 7,500 people in Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole alone who have autism, and many more affected, so your participation will really help the charity to reach everyone who needs specialist advice, guidance and support.

Volunteers can donate as little or as much time as they like. Volunteers play a really vital role in making sure we deliver the best possible service to people with autism and their families. We simply could not cope with out our valuable network of volunteers especially for our busy fundraising event programme. We have over 100 active volunteers who contributed an impressive 1637 hours in 2014. On behalf of Autism Wessex I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our generous volunteers who support the aims and ethos of Autism Wessex whilst reaching out to anyone who is considering getting involved.

We welcome more volunteers to support our important work.

There are obviously benefits for the individuals and families we work with but volunteers also benefit from the satisfaction of knowing they are making a real difference to the lives and wellbeing of people with autism.

Autism Wessex provides a diverse range of volunteering opportunities so please get in touch to find out more. Each role adds value to the organisation by strengthening the links to the community and raising awareness of the great work being done by the charity.

This autumn we are looking in particular for individuals who would like to support our fundraising events by donating their time.

From volunteering on our stall at Portfield School Family Fun Day on September 19, to selling mince pies and mulled wine at our Christmas carol concerts, Contact me for full details on how you could get involved and support our worthwhile charity.

I can be contacted on 01305 213138 or email lisa.myers@autismwessex.org.uk

Thank you to all our current volunteers and a warm welcome to our new volunteers.

Lisa Myers

Volunteer Co-ordinator at Autism Wessex