Mother devastated over council autism charity cuts

Gemma Rodgerson says the charity has helped both her daughter and her entire family

The mother of a girl with autism says she is devastated after learning vital help from a charity is set to be cut.

Oxfordshire County Council is to stop funding youth groups and family support work provided by Autism Family Support Oxfordshire from 1 April.

The authority said the decision was made on the basis of conversations with parents, carers and professionals.

Gemma Rodgerson, from Bampton, said the charity's parent support was a lifeline for families struggling to cope.

She said: "They are not just a charity, they have provided a network of people who are in the same situation. When we have been at our lowest, they have been there.

"The pressure that it puts on a family - unless you are in this situation, you can't explain it.

"It's just devastating news for so many families out there who desperately need the support."

The charity's chief executive, Gita Lobo, said: "Our family practitioners are a vital service, and have been throughout Oxfordshire for the last 20-something years.

"It's free of charge and that's really crucial because, when families get in touch, it's often a family in crisis."

Oxfordshire County Council said the charity's contracts had been due to end on 1 April but not all were re-tendered.

A spokesperson said: "This situation is not as a result of the council reducing spending in this area. It is rather a commitment to provide parents with what they required.

"Autism Family Support Oxfordshire were successful in their bids for a number of activities.

"However, as parenting support was not offered as a tender - because parents did not feel this was as important as direct care - they were unable to bid for this funding."

Follow BBC South on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2240.