South Lanarkshire’s dedicated autism resource is hoping to progress further since the opening of its hub in Burnbank last year.
Known as ARCH (Autism Resources Coordination Hub), the resource has been set up in the former Jean Brownlie Centre on Reid Street to offer “a focal point for those working to provide support in relation to autism as well as for those with the condition and their carers”.
Run by South Lanarkshire Council’s Ramon Hutchingson, team leader in Social Work Resources, the building already hosts a variety of activities that are making a difference to people’s lives.
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For the first time, those working with autistic people have a base in South Lanarkshire that acts as a focus for their services and allows the organising of activities and the sharing of ideas.
Groups such as parent-led charities SAIL and COAST run clubs, workshops and trips from the centre, as well as offering support, information and advice to autistic people of all ages and those caring for them.
With the premises being solely for ARCH rather than the service having to share a facility with other users, it has made it possible to adapt the light and airy building to provide exactly the facilities that are needed.
As well as a dining/kitchen area that is also suitable for anything from craft activities to meetings and social or fundraising events, it also offers a sensory/private interview room, a lounge and a treatment room for children with complex disabilities in addition to autism.
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There are also disabled toilets, a lending library to help parent-carers and a staff room to allow the administrative work necessary for such a busy facility, with all exits fully alarmed to give peace of mind about the security of those attending.
The council is also exploring the possibility of employing a full-time project co-ordinator and a part-time clerical assistant as it seeks to take ARCH further.
Liam Purdie, Head of Children and Justice Services at the authority, said: “The development of ARCH in South Lanarkshire has presented a unique opportunity to support parents, carers and those individuals with autism by ensuring appropriate signposting to services and referrals.
“ARCH is committed to building on an asset-based community-development approach by sharing expertise and understanding as widely as possible. There are a host of opportunities being developed in ARCH, one of which is the Early Bird Healthy Minds Programme, which is targeted at primary-aged to teenaged children who have autism and co-existing emotional wellbeing issues. In addition, there are a number of community-based groups who are using the ARCH to promote autism awareness and wellbeing in the community.”