In 1994 Dame Stephanie Shirley CH founded Autism at Kingwood to support her autistic son Giles, removing him from a psychiatric hospital where he had lived for 11 years, and into a regular home. Giles was supported by caring support workers who, for the first time in his life, enabled him to make his own choices about his life.

This person-centred ethos was the blueprint for the way we provide supported living, and now we support over 100 autistic people to live successfully in their own homes, and in their community.

To mark 30 years, this year we embark on a new and dynamic three-year strategy, to ensure our beneficiaries get the best possible support, and to ensure we can grow and support more autistic adults that need our specialist care.

In particular, we want to support young adults transitioning into adult social care, providing a continuum of the support they require to enable them to thrive and develop.

Money raised from this campaign will help us achieve this, as we invest in a life-long learning programme, ensuring people we support receive the daily living and developmental skills, educational opportunities and meaningful occupation to help them thrive.

Please help us reach our target.