Space4Autism, a charity supporting autistic individuals and families, is struggling with funding and may close after twenty years.
The charity needs £600,000 yearly. It gets donations, grants, and council money. Cheryl worries about rising costs, as funding is also harder to get. She says they almost closed recently, but they always found funding before.
Now, business rates are lower, but other costs rose. Utility bills tripled, Cheryl said. She wants help with National Insurance. Many charities struggle now, she added.
Laura Bereford’s son, Joel, uses Space4Autism. He is eighteen now. Joel has autism and other issues. Space4Autism is constant for him. He enjoys seeing friends there. Laura said they can talk with others. Joel uses the sensory room often. Transitioning to adult services was hard. She doesn’t know know what she would have done without the charity’s support. It is a community hub for families.
Matthew’s son, George, also visits. George was diagnosed with autism early. They have gone to Space4Autism ten years. It makes their calendar better, providing crucial social time and respite care. Matthew wants more funding for them. Local fundraising can only do so much. Should the government help valuable charities?
Emma Gilman is a member. She is Macclesfield’s deputy mayor. Funding cuts put Space4Autism at risk, as does increased employer National Insurance. The town council gives grants. But, thousands aren’t nearly enough. She thinks it’s important to share their struggle. They need help to stay open.
Council funding for charities dropped. It fell £13.2 billion since 2010. Seventy percent of charity leaders worry about funding. Costs rose, said Leah Davis. Cost of living challenges and mental health crises make demand higher. Charities are resilient with limited money. But, these cuts worry the sector.
Cheryl said parents need to cry sometimes. Space4Autism is where they can do that. The charity saves people’s lives by giving support. Through talking, the charity helps, offering tea and someone to listen.