A Macclesfield charity have received an unbelievable amount of money from The National Lottery.

Space4Autism, of Mill Lane, was established in 2005.

The much-valued Macclesfield based charity has received an additional £289,080 from the National Lottery Community Fund to support its Space to Prosper project.

This funding will allow the charity to continue and expand its outreach and drop-in sessions for children, young people and adults with autism, as well as their families and carers across Cheshire East. The sessions provide information about diagnosis, Space4Autism activities and coping mechanisms to overcome issues such as social exclusion, isolation and mental health and wellbeing.

Next year, the local good cause will celebrate their 20th anniversary. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

To celebrate the occasion of the six-figure donation, Macclesfield MP David Rutley went to visit the charity and chat with their Co-Founder and Chief Executive Cheryl Simpson MBE.

Commenting on his website, the office of David Rutley MP said: "Space4Autism provides vital support for families in the community and local MP, David Rutley was pleased to see the charity's work acknowledged once again by the National Lottery Community Fund. He met with Cheryl to discuss funding priorities and the ongoing support the charity provides for so many local families."

"Ms Simpson explained that the charity is continuing to grow and will be offering new services, such as "Space 4 ASC Adults" in the new year. This session will be for Autistic Spectrum Condition Adults to join in games and activities or take time out in the sensory room. David was also pleased to hear that Space4Autism continues to develop its partnership working with organisations such as, Just Drop In and the Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Trust, (our local mental health provider), enabling families and individuals to access a range of services under the same roof."

Since opening 19 years ago, Space4Autism (S4A) has seen increased demand year on year with over 8,000 members now accessing the services. The dedicated team of staff and volunteers provides advice and support through a range of services, such as, parent support group meetings, workshops for professionals and carers, and clubs for young people. The S4A café, which is autism friendly, is a firm favourite and is open to the whole community, offering high quality and affordable meals.

14% of the charities funding comes from local government, but the rest they have to fund themselves. So this six-figure contribution will go a long way! (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

Speaking after the visit, David Rutley MP said "Space4Autism's important work is greatly valued by many families in our area. It is great to see that the National Lottery has once again acknowledged the team's fantastic contribution. I know the funding will go a long way in extending their "Space for Prosper" project, enabling services to reach more families and provide vital support over the months ahead."

The National Lottery Community Fund has previously supported Macclesfield charities.

Last May, it gave £297,832 to the Disability Information Bureau as covered by Macclesfield Nub News, meanwhile a £263,587 grant to Cre8 in south Macclesfield will end this May. In 2021, The Fund also donated £9000 for drama lessons at Cre8.

David Knott, Chief Executive of The National Lottery Community Fund, said: "It's clear that 2024 will be another year where communities pull together to tackle shared challenges and to support each other. A continued sense of community spirit and belonging, and a desire to be involved (including volunteering) are welcome bright spots that set the tone for the year ahead.

"Local people know what their community needs and have the passion, energy and know-how to make it happen. This year they will have even more grassroots funding support as we have doubled the amount and term of our small grants programme, National Lottery Awards for All. It's a key part of our drive to use our funding to strengthen society and improve lives across the UK in 2024 and beyond."

The National Lottery Community fund will celebrate their 20th anniversary this June. They estimate to distribute £4 billion pounds to communities across the UK by 2030.

Macclesfield Nub News spoke with Space4Autism last summer, for those wishing to read a deep dive on the charity.