6 is the number to remember for Autism Plus this autumn. It is an important number as only 6% of people with autism are in employment. It is also the key amount Autism Plus is looking to win through the Nat West Community Force Appeal.

Autism Plus is a leading charity in the provision of support to people with autistic spectrum disorders and other complex conditions, and has bases in Thorne and Sheffield. The Nat West Community Force Appeal asked charities to submit projects for support. The charity with the most votes in each region wins £6,000 of cash and all projects get the opportunity to recruit volunteers.

Mel Russell, Fundraiser with Autism Plus said “As 6 is a key number we thought we would ask each person to tell 6 people about the project, and ask them to vote. If we get enough votes we can win £6,000”.

Autism Plus is also part of the Big Give Christmas Challenge. This online based scheme brings in donations to charities using the internet. What is unique about the Christmas Challenge is that if someone makes a pledge of £100 or more before 31^st October, that amount can be worth up to four times the amount.

Mark Burton, Corporate and Trust Fundraiser said “Autism Plus were very lucky to be accepted onto the Big Give Christmas Challenge. We are one of the few South Yorkshire charities on the appeal, and the chance to quadruple any donations means that your donation does so much more”.

The Big Give Christmas Challenge appeal will help support the set up of a contact centre employing people with Autistic Spectrum Disorders, disabilities and other complex conditions. The Nat West Community Force Appeal will help support Beanstalk Gardens, a horticultural project established by Autism Plus. Beanstalk Gardens helps people with autism and from disadvantaged backgrounds get real work experience and find a route in to employment by working in a market garden and learning to grow fruit and vegetables to sell to the local community.

To donate to The Big Give Christmas Challenge visit http://new.thebiggive.org.uk/pledge/autismplus

To vote for Beanstalk Gardens at Nat West Community Force Appeal visit http://communityforce.natwest.com/project/2946