Bristol Autism Support is a small but ambitious registered charity, number 1186287, that since 2012, has provided a lifeline of support and information for parents and carers of autistic children, either diagnosed or undiagnosed, in and around Bristol. What began as a small pub meetup group has quickly grown and the charity has supported over 1500 families over the past 10 years.
Our goal is to improve outcomes for autistic children by providing their parent/carer with information, support, signposting to other organisations and connecting them with other parents/carers. By supporting parents/carers, we help them to become better at supporting their autistic children.
Our Mission & Values
Our mission is to provide high quality, face to face and virtual support and the latest correct, useful, and crucial information, at the right time, to parents and carers of autistic children in Bristol. We provide a haven and a community for Bristol’s autism families in order to reduce isolation and improve mental and physical well-being.
Our values reflect the way we work and the way we interact with each other, our service users and their children.
- Caring: we care deeply about how the issues facing parents / carers of autistic children impact on mental and physical health
- Community-minded: we know that providing our service users with a strong, social community can support and promote good mental and physical health
- Confidential: we never share information given to us by parents / carers or professionals with anyone
- Independent: we are an autonomous, independent organisation. We are not affiliated with any other charity, organisation or public body.
- Local: based in Bristol, we have personal knowledge of available support and the specific issues faced by parents / carers in our area
- Welcoming: we believe the need for support is self-defined; a diagnosis of autism is not necessary to access support from BAS
- Non-discriminating: our support is available to everyone regardless of regardless of race, religion, gender or gender identity, sexuality, disability, age or any other distinction
- Non-judgmental: we do not judge anyone for their views or actions with regards to autism or the care of their autistic child
- Fair: we do not allow negative discussions about health or education professionals or public bodies, as opinion is very subjective and potentially unfair to those professionals
- Flexible: we aim to provide a wide range of support options from our future home base and other locations in order to meet the needs of as many parents / carers as possible
What we’re looking for
What we need
To help us grow, we need experienced members of the public to join our Board of Trustees. We are currently seeking a Trustee to take on the role of Treasurer. Ideally we are looking for someone with experience in finance.
The Board is responsible for setting the strategy and future direction of Bristol Autism Support and guides and supports the BAS team.
Time commitment
Board meetings are held once a month last between 1-2 hours. In addition to this, Trustees are required to carry out subcommittee work as and when needed. Trustees generally give around 2-4 hours of their time each month. This is a voluntary role.
Trustee responsibilities
The GOV.UK website has extensive information regarding trustee roles and responsibilities here. Interested parties may also request to see our Constitution.
Interested?
To find out more about joining the Board, please click here to download our Trustee Role Information the Treasurer Role Profile and Trustee application Form.
Please return your completed application form to enquiries@bristolautismsupport.org
