Barnet Mencap’s Autism Service is incredibly thankful for the amazing donation from New North London Synagogue‘s 2019 Kol Nidre appeal.

We were thrilled to have been nominated by one of your members, and are extremely grateful for the support North London Synagogue have given us and the opportunity to reach more people in our Barnet community.

Here are some of quotes from 3 of our clients who wanted to thank NNLS for making this possible.

Jacob (names in article have been changed) is a 33 year old gentleman who has autism and ADHD. He struggles to pursue his goals as focusing and organising his life is incredibly difficult. He has been receiving weekly support to give structure to his week so that he can function in his home and carry out every day tasks that would otherwise be overwhelming. Having a mentor to discuss autism-related issues and help him understand those around him is enabling him to concentrate on his goal of becoming self employed.

“I could not survive nor grow without this much needed essential help….Life saving. Holding onto hope is now an option. Thank you.”

Mark is a gentleman with ADHD, autism and mental health issues. He has been extremely isolated as leaving his home and mixing with the outside world is a real challenge for him. Activating any task, however seemingly simple, can be impossible and would often mean he wouldn’t be able to eat or meet his basic needs due to overwhelming anxiety. He has been receiving weekly support and we have been able to address many issues relating to his home, to make it functionable. For 4 years, he was unable use the shower and washing machine as he was unable to organise repairs; now both are working. We have supporting him to get the benefits he was entitled to and are slowly enabling him to increase his confidence and regain some of his skills, particulary around preparing meals for the week.

“Knowing this support is coming each week helps reduce the anxiety and stress I experience. I would like to thank everyone at NNLS who have made this support possible, thank you. Having this support during the lockdown has meant I have not been so lonely and have been able to cope”

Maria is a mother of 36 year old autistic son. She was also screened by Barnet Mencap and was identified as being on the spectrum too. As a family they have struggled to cope day-to-day to help manage the son’s autistic behaviour. The family have been supported to set boundaries with each other as well as education them about autism.

“….The help, support, strategies and comfort I have received has far exceeded my expectations….. the advice and suggestions given to me and them has been invaluable. For this we are very thankful.”

Our autism service provides rare and much needed support to all autistic residents of Barnet, particularly those who are high functioning as their needs and difficulties are often overlooked or unrecognised.

NNLS’s donation has allowed us to carry out vital one-to-one support during these difficult times. Without their support these one-to-one sessions would not be possible. We would like to thank NNLS so much!

Anyone who is autistic – or feels they may be autistic – and would like to contact the service to discuss support or a screening, please call us on 020 8349 3842 or email us at projectsupport@barnetmencap.org.uk.