A SPECIALIST autism service near Malvern receives a welcome visit from a leading autism campaigner.

Anna Kennedy OBE, visited Options Malvern View at the Rhydd, Hanley Castle, week to meet staff and the people the service supports.

Mrs Kennedy has just been appointed Options' autism ambassador.

Options Malvern View, part of the Options Adolescent to Adult Life Preparation Service, supports young adults with a range of needs to live as independently as possible.

Mrs Kennedy, who has two autistic sons, founded autism-specialist school Hillingdon Manor and has also established her own autism awareness charity.

The charity, Anna Kennedy Online, provides support and advice about autism-related issues to thousands of parents and carers and promotes inclusion and equality for those with the condition.

Options Malvern View manager, Chris Mawby, gave her a tour of the service, including its newly opened sensory-garden.

She said: “I’m really excited about my new role with Options and to continue to do what I have been doing for years, which is raising awareness and ensuring that people with autism are accepted for who they are.

“It’s so important that all of us who are involved with and affected by autism should continue to fight hard and make our voices heard in improving educational and other resources for individuals, their families and carers.

“It was fantastic to visit Options Malvern View and I can’t wait to support the excellent work that Options does throughout its services and to get involved in future campaigns and projects.”