27 February 2026
by Niall Christie
A charity in Scotland is among the recipients
The National Autistic Society has announced this year’s successful charities who are to be awarded grants for their work to support autistic people and their families.
The charity launched the annual Boshier Grant Scheme in 2023, in partnership with Thea and Peter Boshier.
Through both their personal lives and professional work, Thea and Peter have developed an understanding of autism and the challenges faced by autistic people and their families.
The scheme awards grants of up to £25,000 to registered charities across the UK, which share the National Autistic Society’s aim of creating a society that works for autistic people.
Hayley Butler, assistant director of fundraising and supporter engagement at the National Autistic Society, said: “We’d like to wish the successful charities a huge congratulations and to say a big thank you to Thea and Peter for once again partnering with our charity to make this scheme possible. We can’t wait to see these brilliant projects in progress, transforming lives and helping to create a society that works for autistic people.”
Among the charities awarded funding this year is Ayr Gaiety.
The group will launch an initiative to support autistic children and their families through inclusive drama classes and a dedicated carers’ support group, with the project transforming an existing space into a safe, sensory-adaptable environment featuring calming areas and sensory tools tailored to diverse needs.
A spokesperson for Ayr Gaiety said: “We’re delighted to receive support from the Boshier Grant Scheme, administered by the National Autistic Society. This funding will help us transform our creative engagement hub, Gaiety 2, into a calm and adaptable sensory space, and allow us to pilot specialist drama sessions where autistic children can explore creativity in ways that celebrate their individuality and interests.”
The application period for the next funding cycle of the Boshier Grant Scheme is due to open in June.
The National Autistic Society website will be updated with further information as the launch period approaches.
Thea and Peter Boshier, funders of the project, said: “Supporting a range of exciting projects, which will all directly improve the lives of autistic people, is the perfect way to mark three years of the Boshier Grant Scheme. We look forward to following their progress over the year and the impact that they will undoubtedly have on autistic people and their families across the UK.”
National Autistic Society announces grants for charity projects supporting autistic people - TFN
The above information is from a Third Force News (TFN) Weekly Health & Social Care roundup Newsletter Wed 04/03/2026