We are delighted to announce this year’s successful charities who are to be awarded grants for their work to support autistic people and their families through our Boshier Grant scheme. 

Our charity launched the annual scheme in 2023, in partnership with Thea and Peter Boshier. Through both their personal lives and professional work, Thea and Peter have developed an understanding of autism and the challenges faced by autistic people and their families. 

The scheme awards grants of up to £25,000 to registered charities across the UK which share our aim of creating a society that works for autistic people. 

The charities awarded funding this year are:

• Autism Anglia, who will launch a creative programme to support autistic LGBTQIA+ young people through inclusive sessions exploring themes such as identity, masking, and emotional regulation in a safe, affirming space.
• Sunbeams will create a project entitled ‘Accept, Support, Develop’ to support autistic girls by delivering culturally-sensitive sessions led by a qualified art therapist, to reduce loneliness, build resilience and foster emotional awareness.
• Ayr Gaiety will launch an initiative to support autistic children and their families through inclusive drama classes and a dedicated carers’ support group, with the project transforming an existing space into a safe, sensory-adaptable environment featuring calming areas and sensory tools tailored to diverse needs.
• Family Action will launch a new therapeutic horticulture programme for autistic adults, offering weekly sessions including gardening, outdoor cooking and creative projects in a structured environment, reducing social isolation and building employability skills.

Hayley Butler, Assistant Director of Fundraising and Supporter Engagement at the National Autistic Society said: “We’d like to wish the successful charities a huge congratulations and to say a big thank you to Thea and Peter for once again partnering with our charity to make this scheme possible. We can’t wait to see these brilliant projects in progress, transforming lives and helping to create a society that works for autistic people.”

Thea and Peter Boshier, funders of the project, said: “Supporting a range of exciting projects, which will all directly improve the lives of autistic people, is the perfect way to mark three years of the Boshier Grant Scheme. We look forward to following their progress over the year and the impact that they will undoubtedly have on autistic people and their families across the UK.”

A spokesperson for Autism Anglia said: “The generous support from the Boshier Grant Scheme enables Autism Anglia to deliver our Create and Connect programme, ensuring autistic LGBTQIA+ children and young people feel seen, supported, and empowered.”

A spokesperson for Sunbeams said: “We’re delighted to receive funding from the Boshier Grant Scheme. This grant will support a creative, neuro-affirmative mentoring programme for autistic girls who often experience loneliness and exclusion, helping them build confidence, friendships and a positive sense of self. We’re proud to be part of a scheme that is investing in meaningful, preventative support.”

A spokesperson for Ayr Gaiety said: “We’re delighted to receive support from the Boshier Grant Scheme, administered by the National Autistic Society. This funding will help us transform our creative engagement hub, Gaiety 2, into a calm and adaptable sensory space, and allow us to pilot specialist drama sessions where autistic children can explore creativity in ways that celebrate their individuality and interests.”

A spokesperson for Family Action said: “Being awarded the Boshier Grant money has enabled us to employ a new team member to support and develop groups for autistic adults at our two community allotment/garden projects. Not only will this additional support help attendees to develop their gardening knowledge and practical skills, but it will enhance their wellbeing by being outside in nature. Our allotment projects are extremely inclusive, and we hope this additional role will support us in continuing to build connections in the community and increase opportunities with other groups using this space.”

Further information

The application period for the next funding cycle of the Boshier Grant Scheme is due to open in June.

We will update our website with further information as the launch period approaches.

• Read more about our previous Boshier Grant Scheme winners