Funding Plea By Notts Autism Charity

A Charity that helps people with learning difficulties is having to cut some of its services because of a lack of funds.

Dyspraxia Connexion offers support to children who have dyspraxia – a form of autism that affects physical and mental co-ordination.

The Hucknall-based charity has been running since 1993 but began facing problems last year when it lost its major source of funding from Children in Need.

It received a three-year grant of £55,000 from the national charity which came to an end last year, and its renewal application was turned down.

Children in Need said the post it funded – activity co-ordinator – had become less child-focused.

Dyspraxia Connexion is now appealing for cash from businesses in Notts.

Rosemary Jarrett is a committee member and has been writing to businesses to ask for donations.

She said: “Since losing the funding from Children in Need, which we have had for the past eight years, we haven’t been able to run many weekly activities for the younger children.

“And we have had to rely entirely on volunteers to run the remaining activities and our helpline.

“Every year we take the adults and children away on holidays and camping weekends – this will be difficult with less funds.”

The activities give those with Dyspraxia the chance to socialise with others on the autistic spectrum.

Mrs Jarrett said: “We no longer have our movement club for the younger children or the parents support group.”

Dyspraxia Connexion is supported by a Notts County Council grant which covers its rent.

Coun Alan Rhodes, cabinet member for Adult Social Care and Health, said: “These grants are key to the running of several vital organisations, which offer essential services to some of the most vulnerable people.”

Mrs Jarrett’s 13-year-old son Sam, who has Dyspraxia, has been using the charity’s services for six years.

She said: “My son loves going and he feels normal there being with people like him. The activities are focused for people with Dyspraxia so he gets the right sort of help.

“There is very little information about Dyspraxia in circulation and the charity really was my main source of information on the condition.”

Dyspraxia Connexion is based at 21 Birchdale Avenue, Hucknall.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the charity should call the helpline on 0115 963 2220 or visit www.dyspraxiaconnexion.org.uk .