Investment will lead to pioneering new care facility in Bearsden

A “pioneering” new partnership between an autism charity and a local council will create a new £1.5m care facility for people diagnosed with autism.

East Dunbartonshire Council (EDC) has teamed up with the National Autistic Society (NAS) Scotland to refurbish existing accommodation in Bearsden to create a new facility offering specialised, supported care.

Staff skilled in autism support, including speech, language and behavior specialists, will be on hand 24 hours a day at the site which has been named Pine View.

We are confident it will be well received both by those living in the development and their families

NAS Scotland said it will also work very closely with the wider community to help raise awareness of autism and build positive links with local people and services, including a recruitment drive to fill 18 new full time equivalent posts.

The charity is pushing hard for autism diagnosis and support services to be provided at a community level like this right across the country, it said, and applauded East Dunbartonshire Council for making that commitment.

NAS Scotland Director Jenny Paterson said: “Our Positive Behavior Support (PBS) model is based on proactive approaches to not only improve people’s quality of life but also their integration into the local community.

“We are delighted to be able to offer this high-quality and brand new supported living service for young people with autism in partnership with East Dunbartonshire Council. We are confident it will be well received both by those living in the development and their families.”

Councillor Michael O'Donnell, convener of the social work committee at EDC, said: "This is a great example of the partnership work taking place within East Dunbartonshire and the council is happy to support an approach that can help improve people's lives and embodies all the principles of person-centred care."