The National Autistic Society Scotland has launched a branch to provide support, information and social activities for autistic adults, children and families in Glasgow.

A launch event was held at the Whiteinch Centre on Tuesday 17th January, with a speech from Director Rob Holland and an introduction to the volunteers who will run the branch.

The event also included a Q&A session, where attendees could ask the new branch committee about what services and support they can provide to the local community.

The National Autistic Society Scotland has a network of branches across the country, which are entirely volunteer-led by autistic individuals and family carers. The branches provide support to autistic people of all ages and their families, and often organise and join in with fundraising and campaigning.

The National Autistic Society Scotland’s Glasgow branch can be contacted via email at NASGlasgowBranch@nas.org.uk or at the Facebook page.

Remmea Moohan, the Chairperson of the new Glasgow branch, said:

“I am very excited to be launching the Glasgow branch, alongside my branch committee made up of individuals with a wide range of skills and experiences.

Far too many autistic people and their families do not get the understanding or support they need and end up feeling isolated. This is why our branch will be so important. It is an opportunity to make sure autistic people and their families feel part of our local community in Glasgow and to let them know they have a place where they will be welcomed and supported.

We were thrilled to see so many attendees at our launch event, and we just can not wait to get started!”

Rob Holland, Director of the National Autistic Society Scotland, said:

“We are delighted to announce the launch of our new Glasgow branch and we are very grateful to the volunteers who have made this possible.

Almost everyone has heard of autism now. But far too few people know what it is actually like to be autistic - both the unique strengths and how hard life can be if you struggle to communicate or feel intense anxiety in social situations.

Our Glasgow branch will be a vitally important hub where parents, carers and autistic people can access peer support groups and organised activities. We are excited to see the positive impact the branch will have on people across the city.”