Autism advice centre declared a 'tremendous achievement'

A ONE-stop advice centre for adults with autism has formally opened in Edinburgh.

Rhona Brankin MSP, Deputy Minister for Health and Community Care, performed the opening of Number 5 at Melville Crescent, which was created by NHS Lothian with 750,000 funding from the Scottish Executive. The service is managed by Autism Initiatives UK and has more than 70 regular users.

The centre - the first of its kind in the Lothian region and one of just two in the country - includes a resource library to provide information and advice, internet access and meeting rooms.

The Deputy Minister said: "It is a wonderful example of the huge benefits that partnership working bring to people who use services and I congratulate all those involved on their tremendous achievement."

Brian Cavanagh, Chair of Lothian NHS Board, said: "The creation of this centre demonstrates our determination to find the best way forward to support this group of people who - as the National Autistic Society has reported - have largely been ignored and ineligible for services up till now.

"I congratulate all staff in the one-stop shop and everyone involved in its planning for creating an excellent service that is clearly answering a real need."