A £10,000 donation from the Talbot Village Trust, a local grant-giving charity that supports worthy causes in south east Dorset, will ensure a specialist school sixth form’s students are soon making and enjoying music.
The leading regional charity Autism Unlimited opened the first phase of its new Sixth Form building in Airfield Road, Christchurch in September.

Autism Unlimited provides specialist education, care and support to autistic children and adults and also operates Portfield School for primary and secondary school students aged 4-15 in Parley and Futures for young people, aged 19-25 in Christchurch.
The charity is leasing a warehouse in Airfield Road to redevelop after outgrowing its previous premises. A major refurbishment is now under way to install classrooms, workshop areas, a kitchen and dining area and outdoor space.

The £10k donation from the Talbot Village Trust will enable Autism Unlimited to start work on a music room and recording studio.
Siún Cranny, CEO of Autism Unlimited, said: “Music plays a huge part in the lives and studies of our Sixth Form students and the news that Talbot Village Trust is able to donate such a sizeable gift to our project to install a music room and recording studio
is just fantastic.
“We want to ensure our students have the very best opportunities to realise their full potential, both in the workplace and in developing hobbies and interests as they enter adulthood.
“This huge boost from the Talbot Village Trust will help us to get our music provisions up and running.”
The Talbot Village Trust, which was set up by sisters Georgina and Mary Anne Talbot in the 1850s, has awarded more than £10million to charities and good causes in the area in the past 10 years alone.

Siún Cranny

Nicholas Ashley-Cooper, chairman of the Trust, said: “The Trust is committed to supporting important causes across south east Dorset, especially those that meet the needs of children and young people.
“We’re thrilled to grant Autism Unlimited with funds to support them with the development of a new music room and recording studio for their Sixth Form students.
“Music can play such a pivotal role in helping children to increase social skills and boost confidence, and we’re excited to see the benefits this new musical facility will bring to the young people Autism Unlimited supports.”

If you are interested in finding out more about how you can get involved or donate to the work of Autism Unlimited please email Carol Borwick at: Carol.Borwick@autism-unlimited.org