'We would not cope without autism charity's help'

A carer who is on the autism spectrum has said she “wouldn't cope” without a charity providing a “massive lifeline” for her and her family.

Linda Leech, from Butt Lane, Staffordshire, has been a service-user at Lifeworks, which supports people with autism spectrum conditions, for 11 years.

She told BBC Radio Stoke her husband and son were also on the autism spectrum and said Lifeworks had helped her family with “every single aspect” of their lives.

“They help us to get out of the house, they give us advice on what to do and how to cope with life in general,” she said.

“They do absolutely everything. Without Lifeworks we wouldn’t cope at all.”

Ms Leech said the charity, based in Newcastle-under-Lyme, was like a “safe haven”, and she could “feel the warmth” from people when she was there.

She said she often struggled to get out and meet people, but the charity helped her to overcome feelings of isolation.

“You’re all in it together. You all have a natter or a cry or a cup of coffee and share experiences. It helps you to understand what you’re going through," she said.

“You aren’t alone. There are other people like you out there who also need to get together.”

Lifeworks was recently awarded almost £250,000 from The National Lottery Community Fund, which chief executive Louise Zandian said would help the charity over the next three years.

It currently has more than 800 clients and 300 carers, with average waiting lists at about six months.

Ms Zandian said the aim of the charity was to help people cope with day-to-day living by offering social activities, life coaching, advocacy and support with accessing health services.

“A lot of people are very isolated in their own home in the community. Some have nobody – no family or no friends,” she said.

She added: “We are trying to make a difference and I think we are.”

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