A MUM is urging people to help save a Johnstone centre that has become a “home from home” for children on the autistic spectrum.

Always Included (AI), in Walkinshaw Street, provides support groups and clubs for families affected by autism but is in desperate need of donations to keep its doors open.

The centre has been shut during lockdown, which has taken its toll on its finances, but a JustGiving page has been launched in a bid to raise £2,000 towards rental costs.

Before the closure, Victoria Blackwood attended the hub most nights with her young sons.

The 29-year-old mum, who is originally from Johnstone but now lives in Paisley, told The Gazette: “I’ve got three wee boys and the two older ones, Bryan and Zachary, are on the spectrum.

The Gazette:

Victoria Blackwood with her children Austin, Zachary and Bryan

“They have never really fit in anywhere at any clubs and we have tried everything, but they are always excited to go to AI.

“I know of others who make the journey from all over to get there because there is really nothing like it.

“There are quiet areas for the kids and nice bright areas if they like bright areas because some of them do.

“There is just an area for everybody. The quiet room has been filled with sensory aids, lights, fidget toys and pillows.

“It’s respite for the parents too and a lot of clubs say they are just for children on the spectrum but AI is not like this, so it’s nice to be able to take my child who is neurotypical and not on the spectrum, too.”

Victoria, who is a baker and runs ABZ Cakes, plans to use her skills to stage a bake-off to raise funds for the centre which is the brainchild of Lynne McLean, herself a mother of four with three autistic sons.

After weathering setbacks including £20,000 worth of storm damage in February 2020, AI finally hit the ground running in the latter part of last year with the start of its clubs, such as its popular Train Club.

Lynne said: “We charge for our clubs plus we rent rooms to training organisations and our hall to a local guy who used our hall for football on a Sunday, so with the centre shut we are purely reliant on grants.

“I have applied for funding but these take time so we are a month behind in rent. The landlord has graced us a payment break for the last month but this £2,000 would cover us to April 6.

“I know it sounds a lot but we have a massive space. Our families not only feel supported but our disabled community has become reliant on this centre and the clubs it offers.

“We cater for all ages and hope to, when restrictions have lifted, start building our cafe within the centre which our disabled adults would help run thus giving them a sense of purpose, employability skills and a feeling of inclusion in the community which is very much needed.

“We are pleading for any donation possible so that we can continue to keep our centre afloat.”

To support the fundraising drive, click HERE