A CHARITY will be able to help tackle loneliness and isolation among young adults with autism thanks to a six-figure donation from the People's Postcode Lottery.

Daisy Chain, in Norton, near Stockton, has been pledged the cash by players of the postcode lottery and it will help fund the 'unprecendented demand' the charity is facing.

It brings the total awarded by the players to almost £2m over the last ten years to help fund the work the charity does with both families and individuals affected by autism.

This year £100,000 of the award is specifically designated to to combat the loneliness and isolation that many young adults with autism experience.

Daisy Chain has identified that lack of employment can contribute significantly to increased loneliness and isolation.

With the support of Daisy Chain’s specialist employability team, individuals with autism will be supported to gain confidence, reduce anxiety levels and acquire work based skills to overcome barriers to work such as inclusion and engagement.

Neeraj Sharma, Daisy Chain’s new chief executive, said, “Daisy Chain is a local charity with a fantastic reputation for working with families and individuals affected by autism in the Tees Valley.

"We rely on the generosity of supporters like players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

“This funding is vital for us to continue to offer our holistic services to families and individuals who depend on us to provide qualified guidance and support.

"We are experiencing an unprecedented demand for our services and having this funding allows us to plan how we can grow, develop and deliver services which fully meet the needs of those affected by autism within the Tees Valley.

“It’s also vitally important that we are able to tackle issues of loneliness and isolation in young adults who can struggle without the support they need to interact socially and work as a team which in turn moves them into or closer to employment.

“We cannot thank players of People’s Postcode Lottery enough for continuing to support the essential needs of families and individuals living with autism.”

Hazel Johnstone from the charities team at People’s Postcode Lottery said: “It’s so encouraging to hear about Daisy Chain’s projects this year to help children, young people and their families living with autism. I’m very proud that players of People’s Postcode Lottery have been supporting the charity for the past ten years, which is an amazing milestone enabling Daisy Chain to grow."