Autism charity needs public votes to win £3,000 community grant

Caremark, one of the UK’s leading home care providers, has announced that Oldham-based Autism Family Support has been shortlisted for a £3,000 grant through its UK-wide Community Care Fund, with the final winners now set to be decided by public vote.

The charity supports autistic children and their families by creating safe, inclusive spaces to help reduce isolation, improve mental wellbeing, and strengthen community connections.  

It is looking to transform its new community space (pictured) into a dedicated sensory room for children with autism and a wellbeing room for their families.  

The charity is one of 12 regional finalists in the running to receive funding, with the three projects receiving the most public votes each awarded a £3,000 grant. 

Voting is now open via Caremark’s Facebook page and closes on September 1, 2026. 

Autism Family Support was shortlisted in recognition of its work to provide access to sensory-friendly environments.  

By creating a dedicated sensory room, children with additional needs can feel calm and safe while engaging in sensory play. In addition, an adjoining wellbeing room will give parents access to a calm space for relaxation, peer support, and wellbeing activities. 

If successful, Autism Family Support will use the £3,000 grant to purchase sensory equipment, including lighting, soft play items, and calming resources, as well as furniture and materials for the wellbeing facility. 

The Caremark Community Care Fund was launched earlier this year to recognise and support grassroots projects making a positive difference in local communities.  

As a home care provider supporting people to live independently in their own homes, Caremark created the fund to celebrate local initiatives that help people feel supported, connected and part of their community. 

Members of the public, community groups and local not-for-profit organisations were invited to nominate projects they believed deserved support, with more than 1,600 nominations received from across the UK.  

From those nominations, 12 finalists have been selected, with one representing each of Caremark’s UK regions. The three projects receiving the most public votes will each be awarded a £3,000 grant to help them continue, develop or expand their work. 

David Glover, CEO of Caremark, said: “Caremark’s work is built around helping people live well in the place they call home, but we know that a good quality of life is also shaped by the community around you.  

“It is shaped by whether people feel safe, supported, included, and connected. That is why we launched the Community Care Fund. We wanted to recognise the local projects and organisations that are making life better for people in their communities, often with limited resources and without the recognition they deserve. 

“To receive more than 1,600 nominations from across the UK has been extraordinary. It shows just how much important community work is happening every day, often quietly and consistently, in towns and villages across the country. 

“Autism Family Support is a brilliant example of that. By creating these safe and supportive spaces, it is providing a lasting impact in its local community and a vital resource for families who are often underserved. It now has the chance to receive one of three £3,000 grants. We would encourage people across the North West to read about the finalists and cast their vote.” 

Further information is also available at www.caremark.co.uk/community-care-fund.