Sharma opens Berkshire Autistic Society’s new reading office

On Friday 9th December, MP for Reading West Alok Sharma was invited to officially open the Berkshire Autistic Society’s (BAS) new office in Richfield Avenue, Reading. Alok cut the ribbon to mark the official opening of the office and was joined by Malcolm Kempton, Chairman and Trustee of BAS, Hayley Edwards, BAS Society Manager, and the Mayor of Reading.

BAS, now in its 21st year, was originally set up by a group of parents who felt that there was not enough support, information or service provision for individuals with autism and their parents and carers. The charity’s main purpose is to offer information and support to anyone affected by autism. This is provided through Berkshire’s only autism specific weekday helpline, autism support groups across the county, professional speaker evenings, autism awareness training and signposting, and talks and information stands at places such as schools, hospitals and the police. In addition to this, BAS also provides a parent-to-parent service to families whose child has had a recent diagnosis, the Society also has a comprehensive website and library, sends out regular emails and newsletter, and provides leisure activities across the county for its members.

The work undertaken by BAS is carried out by nine core paid staff, who work from 2 hours per week to 30 hours per week. The core staff is assisted by eight project-funded staff and a dedicated volunteer base, which helps with tasks such as the regular office administration, organising trampolining and tin shake events. In order to provide the services it does, BAS relies on membership income, grants to support its direct activities, fundraising activities and events such as sponsored walks, as well as donations.

Hayley Edwards said: “Over recent years BAS has developed into Berkshires leading autism charity. The Society is critically relied upon by families and children with autism for lifelong involvement – particularly now, as diagnosis rates of autism are increasing. BAS is also the leading organisation for the Berkshire Autism Alert Card, a service where each cardholder can ask for help when they find themselves in situations of difficulty.”

Hayley continued: “BAS also plays an integral part in working with providers across the county including all autism charities and voluntary groups, all six local authorities, Thames Valley Police, the NHS, and public services such as libraries, sports centres and transport. BAS is able to help identify and share best practice and advise those seeking information about new initiatives.”

Alok said: “I was delighted to officially open the new office of the Berkshire Autistic Society. The charity does valuable work with families across Berkshire and the dedication of the Society’s professional staff and volunteers is absolutely fantastic.”

Photo: Alok cutting the ribbon to open the new BAS office in Reading, with Hayley Edwards, Malcolm Kempton and the Mayor of Reading.