Autism Wessex rebrands to Autism Unlimited

Fifty years on from its inception, Autism Wessex is rebranding as Autism Unlimited to reflect its continuing growth and vision for the future.

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability which affects how people perceive the world and interact with others.

Autism Unlimited employs nearly 500 people across the South of England and provides support to autistic people through education, residential and supported independent living.

The charity also owns and operates Portfield School in Parley, near Christchurch, which provides specialist teaching and care for students aged four to 19, who hold an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis (ASD).

CEO Siún Cranny said: “Fifty years ago, Autism Wessex was founded by some very dedicated parents in a garden shed.

“Their drive and determination to build a better future for those living with autism is still the focal point of our charity today; we exist to open minds to the fact that every autistic person has unique skills and abilities, can achieve great things and lead a purposeful life.

“The world has changed and so have we.

“We are growing and evolving and our new name and identity reflects the possibilities which should exist for autistic people, as they do for the rest of society.

“The fresh identity also represents our growing breadth of services and the organisation we want to be in the future.”

Chairman Malcolm Farrell said: “We look forward to using our new identity.

“The positive and dynamic new name and look is the outcome of a consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, including most importantly, autistic representatives.”

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Christchurch solicitors Harold G Walker announce office move

The Christchurch branch of Harold G Walker Solicitors is on the move.

The legal firm, based in Bargates for many years, is relocating to new offices on Barrack Road.

From December 3, its new Christchurch offices will be located at 183 Barrack Road, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 2AR.

The offices, with private meeting rooms and conference facilities, are less than a mile from Bargates and near the junction with Jumpers Road.

They are conveniently located for local shops, amenities and bus routes.

Nicola Lowe, Managing Partner, pictured, said: “This move gives us another opportunity to ensure that we are able to deliver excellent legal services from locations that are easily accessible for the community in which we serve.”

All other contact details including telephone, fax numbers and e-mail addresses and bank details will remain the same.

Harold G Walker Solicitors, established 75 years ago, has grown to become one of the major providers of legal services for businesses and individuals.

The law firm employs 50 people, including four Partners, and has offices in Wimborne, Broadstone, Christchurch and Verwood.

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Rob Batson joins Yellows as Digital Marketing Apprentice

Yellow Buses and Yellow Coaches have appointed Rob Batson as the company’s first Digital Marketing Apprentice.

David Squire, Managing Director, said: “Rob is already well known within the Yellows family as the organiser of the Family Fest event in Wimborne, and produced the Yellow Buses 2021 calendar.

“This new role incorporates creating new digital content for our social media channels ahead of the 2022 season.”

Rob said: “Learning while doing something I love and for a large business that I have been interested in for a number of years is a dream come true.

“I know a lot of information about the services and routes the company provides.

“I am looking forward to supporting the company in the skills I already have alongside developing further skills and knowledge over the coming months.”

The post has been funded through the apprenticeship levy and incorporates a course at The Bournemouth & Poole College.

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Accountants to hold webinar on regional funding for SMEs