Sycamore Trust UK has been supporting families and individuals for whom autism is part of daily life for over 20 years. Like many small charities, it needs to raise money to maintain essential products and services and this year, Fix Auto UK, will be supporting Sycamore Trust as special recognition to its longest standing Franchise Partner – Fix Auto Dagenham – who has a long-standing and close relationship with the charity.

Today, Fix Auto UK is the country’s leading network of independently owned vehicle repair centres with 130 franchised spanning the UK and Northern Ireland. But it all started when, in March 2005, Chris Oliver, Neil Parker and Paul Cunningham who own Fix Auto Dagenham, became the first forward-thinking vehicle repairer to sign up to what was a humble concept of a “group of bodyshops working together”. To mark Fix Auto Dagenham’s unwavering support of the network, Fix Auto UK has chosen the Sycamore Trust as its chosen charity for its annual National Conference in May.

Sycamore Trust UK originally emerged to fill a gap in the provision of local services and in the last 26 years, the charity has supported thousands of families and individuals. In many cases, it is the first organisation families turn to for support once a family member has received their autism diagnosis.

Alongside those vital products and services, the charity has also campaigned relentlessly to raise awareness of autism. As a hidden disorder, autism is often overlooked and frequently misunderstood, and Sycamore has constantly promoted the abilities of autistic people in a positive manner while, at the same time, promoting acceptance and awareness across the community.

In practical terms, Sycamore supports families and individuals in every stage of their journey with a range of products and services including Speak With A Picture, peer groups & youth clubs, autism support groups and Autism Awareness training. As public money becomes even more difficult to achieve, the charity relies ever more heavily on donations and fund raising. As a result, the support and any contributions or donations will be gratefully received.