WIRRAL Autistic Society has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award.

The organisation's Connected project is in line for The National Autistic Society (NAS) award for Most Creative Community Project.

The winner will be revealed at an awards dinner held on the first night of the NAS' Professional Conference on March 4 at The Royal Hall in Harrogate.
 

Connected is a social club for people with autism, a lifelong developmental disability that affects around 700,000 across the UK.

It offers a twelve-week programme for people with Asperger Syndrome, a form of autism.

Attendees have a broad range of interests and are encouraged to share these with their fellow members.

Wirral Autistic Society's chief executive, Robin Bush, said: "We are delighted to have been shortlisted for the Autism Professionals Awards.

"Our "Connected" project spun out of our Step into Work Scheme and provides an invaluable social support to individuals who would otherwise struggle to be included in their community.

"This nomination is a fitting recognition to the hard work undertaken by everyone involved and testament to the positive outcomes that can be achieved through the use of innovative services."

Carol Povey, from NAS said: "These awards recognise individuals and organisations, like the Wirral Autistic Society, who go the extra mile to improve the lives of people affected by autism across the UK.

"The calibre of this year's entries has been outstanding and the Society have done remarkably well to be shortlisted.

"We hope their example will inspire other professionals and organisations to redouble their efforts to ensure people affected by autism can reach their full potential.

"Autism can have a profound and sometimes devastating effect on individuals and families but the right support can make a huge difference."

The society is joined by two other nominees in the Award for Most Creative Community Project category: The Cast of The Tree and the Abbey, Scottish Autism and Autonomy in Shropshire run by mother and son, Sara and Eric Heath.

The winner will be revealed at an awards dinner held on the first night of the NAS' Professional Conference on 4 March 2014 at The Royal Hall, Harrogate.