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A SUPPORT group for people in Dumbarton and the Vale with autism and their families has described how its members are struggling to handle the change in routine enforced by the coronavirus lockdown.

The chair of the Vale of Leven Autism and Asperger’s Forum (VOLAAF) says the charity is doing as much as it can to support its members, and the wider community, even though it’s had to close its doors.

The parent-led charity, based in Renton, supports parents and carers, raises autism awareness and provides support to those who need it.

READ MORE: Mums-to-be tell of pandemic fears

Describing how the harsh new rules have affected the group and its members, chairperson Suzanne Gillies said: “Most of our members have found it hard to explain to their kids.

“We did a booklet to try and help explain. I know we have certainly found it hard; I’m still out working and then having to come home and try and do schoolwork.

“My son has found it all very stressful being outwith his normal routine.”

All the forum’s youth club sessions, support groups and room lets had to be cancelled, along with a full programme of activities for the Easter school holidays.

The group was also due to host the Scotland’s Autism Show in Glasgow at the beginning of April, but that, too, bit the dust.

The forum will be among the local recipients of a share of £1.4 million from the Hunter Foundation and the Kiltwalk, despite the enforced cancellation of the Glasgow Kiltwalk at the end of April – but despite that, Suzanne says the group has taken a significant financial hit.

“We were planning to run Easter egg raffles,” she said, “where we put a big Easter egg and raffle book into pubs, salons and other local businesses, which last year made us around £1,500.

“Also, with Kiltwalk being cancelled, that’s been a big blow. We usually rely on that to help towards our running costs (£16,000).

“The last few years we have made about £7,000 from the Kiltwalk.

“We have had £700 donated from them for this year as a lot of our members hadn’t signed up and started fundraising yet.

“Jenners at Loch Lomond Shores did an Easter egg collection for us; I’ve got all the eggs ready to deliver when we are allowed out.”

With no sign of lockdown measures easing, causing further anxiety for parents and carers, there is still a message of hope from the charity.

Suzanne added: “We are still here. If anyone is struggling, needs a chat or someone to listen to, we are still here.”