Law firm decrees it will go the extra mile to support autism charity

To celebrate World Autism Awareness Week, a Tees Valley law firm has decreed it will go the extra mile to support people affected by the condition.

Solicitors Watson Woodhouse Ltd has teamed up with local autism charity Daisy Chain on a range of projects designed to support the charity and help people and families affected by autism.

The company has pledged to give a series of talks and pro bono clinics specifically for families affected by autism as well as hosting a number of work placements for young adults on the spectrum so they can get real world work experience and skills. Staff in the company’s branches are to receive Daisy Chain’s autism awareness training and one member of staff is all set to run the Virgin Money London Marathon to raise vital funds to support the charity.

James Watson, Managing Partner, said: “We are proud to support the amazing work that Daisy Chain carries out in the Tees Valley. Supporting the community is very important to us at Watson Woodhouse and working with Daisy Chain has allowed us to work on a range of activities that make a real difference to people’s lives.”

Victoria Molloy, Senior Solicitor, is one of a number of solicitors at Watson Woodhouse who specialise in working with the vulnerable and has many years’ experience of working with those affected by autism. Victoria said: “It is a privilege to work with Daisy Chain on projects such as pro bono clinics specifically for families affected by autism. Any legal situation can be stressful but for someone diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder it can be incredibly distressing so I hope that through our free support we are able to make any legal issues as stress free as possible.”

Daisy Chain supports families affected by autism in a wide range of activities including offering an employability course to teach workplace skills. Holly Abbott, corporate partnerships manager, explained: “Companies and organisations can support Daisy Chain in a variety of ways, offering work placements so our students can get real work experience is extremely important. We want companies to understand that we work with them and the student to support the placement and ensure everything goes well. We are delighted to be working with Watson Woodhouse because as a law firm who works regularly with people on the autistic spectrum, they can see how their support can extend beyond legal intervention.”

Vicky Thomas, HR Manager at Watson Woodhouse added: “We are really looking forward to hosting our first supported work placement and I have been very impressed with the support and guidance from Daisy Chain.”

Also as part of their support Watson Woodhouse is sponsoring a number of initiatives as well as carrying out a range of activities to raise funds. Currently Watson Woodhouse Director of Marketing, Martin Pout, is in training for this year’s London Marathon where he is raising money directly for the charity.

If you want to donate to Martin’s fundraising or find out more how your business can support the charity please contact Holly Abbott at Daisy Chain on 01642 531248.