John Greenwood, Chair and Andy Gilbert, GMC Member, The Hospital Saturday Fund, presenting a grant of £10,000 to Jan Kiley, Chief Operating Officer, Dogs for Autism.
About Dogs for Autism
Dogs for Autism was established six years ago and is the first charity exclusively providing autism assistance dogs, at no cost, to autistic people of any age, anywhere in the UK. Dogs for Autism currently provides support to around 30 autistic children and adults, with the aim of increasing this number by 10-15 individuals every year.
Dogs for Autism is a member of Assistance Dogs UK, a voluntary coalition of assistance dog organisations. They have knowledge, expertise, and skills with other charities, such as understanding how different dog breeds can meet different autism needs.
Companions for Autism
Dogs for Autism trains and provides assistance dogs to autistic people of any age, at no cost. These dogs can have a dramatically positive impact on the lives of autistic individuals and their families, providing physical comfort and safety.
The support dogs enhance emotional and physical well-being and provide independence, empowering children to play outside or attend school, and giving adults the chance to gain employment and play an active role in the community.
Investing in Futures
With sufficient funding, Dogs for Autism can expand its training programme, reducing the lengthy waiting list for support dogs. Each dog requires a two-year training process and lifelong support, costing several thousands of pounds.
Dogs for Autism can support its established partnerships by providing a year of aftercare for 10 autistic people and their assistance dogs. This intensive support includes the autism liaison team helping with any autism-related issues, such as liaising with schools, universities, or workplaces, and visits from the training team to ensure the success of the partnership and to train any new task work needed.
The Grant
The Hospital Saturday Fund presented a grant of £10,000 to Dogs for Autism. The grant will support Dogs for Autism’s mission to provide life-changing assistance dogs to children and adults with autism. It will contribute to the ongoing growth of the young charity.
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