Burnley autism charity in line for vital cash award

Action for ASD in Burnley has been shortlisted to receive a community grant between £1,000 and £3,000 from The Cadent Foundation - funded by local gas network Cadent, which has been established to support projects large and small that help people living in vulnerable situations and disadvantaged communities; protect and preserve the natural environment or support in creating a sustainable energy future for all.

Action for ASD is the only specialist provision in East Lancashire offering support services, respite and leisure and recreational opportunities for children, young people and adults with an Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC).

Employees across the North West were asked to trial a new approach to the way in which local grants are allocated – by nominating a local charity which would then go forward to a public vote.

The final stage is now underway with Cadent engineers equipped with information and material to allow customers to submit a vote and find out more about the individual charities. The charity with the most votes by February 28th will receive £3,000 and the two runners-up, £1,000 each.

Julia Dwyer, Director of the Cadent Foundation, said: “The need to come together and support each other has never been more important and we wanted to ensure Cadent customers and colleagues were given the chance to help care for their local community.

"The shortlisted causes are largely charities that colleagues hold close to their hearts or have links to through volunteering. Our aim is to provide support to vulnerable people and this new initiative allows us to focus on where help is needed the most and offer grants to projects where we can make a real difference.”

More information on the Cadent Foundation, eligibility and when grant funding is available can be found at www.cadentfoundation.com