The Autistic Adult Support Fund, launched in 2023, supports third sector organisations to help autistic adults reach their full potential - supporting them, their families and their carers to understand what neurodivergence means for them and improve their wellbeing.

Among the latest recipients of the fund is The Anchor charity in Greenock, which is being awarded £247,450 to help autistic adults at risk of suicide or self-harm.

Home-Start Orkney will receive £72,342.05 to assist with peer-led support groups and resource development.

Mental wellbeing minister Tom Arthur said: “I am pleased to announce the recipients of this funding to provide support to autistic adults and their families and carers.

“All successful projects will meaningfully involve autistic people in the development, design, and delivery of the support. Autistic adults will be helped to thrive - the projects will support them to access services and improve their general wellbeing so they can get involved in and truly feel part of their community.

“Our commitment to multi-year funding will ensure that funded projects have the security and space to develop and grow high quality support, making the most of the skills and experiences of autistic people they support.”

Chris Paul, chief executive of The Anchor, said: “We are delighted to have secured this funding, bringing the opportunity to support autistic adults in our community at new levels. As a local grassroots organisation with big ambition, we are looking forward to taking this project forward.”

Celia Tennant, chief executive officer at Inspiring Scotland, said: “Everyone in Scotland should have the same opportunity to lead happy and healthy lives and ensuring there is support to understand an autistic diagnosis or identity is important in making that possible.

“The volume of applications received to this fund further demonstrates not just the need for investment in this area but also the vital role that the third sector is providing in supporting autistic adults to understand their autism to improve wellbeing.

“In managing the application process for this new fund, we were pleased to be supported by a panel of autistic people and professionals from relevant areas, ensuring the fund decisions were informed by lived experience.”