A GROUP which supports families in the district affected by autism has received a major boost.

Airedale and Wharfedale Autism Resource (AWARE) has been awarded £420,000 in National Lottery funding.

The charity said it was “delighted” with the grant, which would enable the organisation to continue developing the help it offers – providing more activities for children and young people and extra support sessions for parents.

AWARE was founded in 1999 by a group of parent carers of children with autism, who felt there was a lack of support available.

They were backed by the Airedale Child Development Centre.

Monthly meetings and a Friday-evening youth club were organised.

Now the group runs youth clubs, monthly ‘Saturday clubs’ and holiday play scheme sessions.

Membership comprises more than 500 families – including 730 children – and over 100 professionals and support groups.

A spokesman said: “The charity may have evolved over the last two decades, but it remains ­– at heart – a parent-to-parent support group.

“Parent carers’ involvement in AWARE provides them with a support network through continued – and greater – access to autism-related information and training.

“That enables them to better understand and care for their children and young people.

“The new funding, from the National Lottery Community Fund, will see these sessions continue and also hopefully operate in other locations across Bradford when restrictions are lifted.

“We will also be able to run more cookery clubs – which are always a favourite – and children’s and family residentials, and continue to provide parent support.

“The parent groups and training help parents to build relationships with others experiencing the same challenges and hopefully enable them to develop their own support network.”

AWARE chairman, Geoff Winnard, welcomed the lottery backing.

He said: “We’re delighted that the National Lottery Community Fund has recognised our work in this way.

“Now, thanks to National Lottery players, we will be able to continue to develop the support we offer to families affected by autism.

“This is important because it helps both the children and the parents to build relationships with others facing similar challenges and to create their own supportive circles of friends and peers.”

One AWARE member spoke about the value of the group: “Being a member has given me access to a wealth of information and advice from people who are going through the same things as me.”

For further information about Airedale and Wharfedale Autism Resource and the services it offers, visit aware-uk.org.