Autistic people and staff at the National Autistic Society Scotland’s services in Catrine have been celebrating 25 years of our existence by hosting a summer party and burying time capsules.

The event, held on Thursday 11 August, included live music, face painting, a BBQ and riding opportunities provided by Pony Access. Over 50 people attended the celebration, including the autistic people supported at the facilities, families, staff and trustees.

Three time capsules were buried to provide an insight into life at Catrine Bank and Daldorch supported living services, and our Outreach & Short Breaks services in 2022 for future generations. The capsules contained memories of the people supported at the service as well as staff, featuring pictures, mementos and things that matter to them. 

The 25th anniversary event was also organised to promote the support we have provided to hundreds of people over the years.

Peter Jung, Head of Adult Services (Scotland and Northern Ireland) said: 

"It was wonderful that so many of the people we support, their families and our staff were able to take part in this celebration. It is been a great day and folk seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves. I think the face painting, music, horse-riding and ice-cream van were the highlights! It was a great way for us to recognise the positive contribution that our staff have made to the lives of autistic people across Scotland in the last 25 years.

 I hope that when the time capsules are opened in the years to come, they will give a fabulous window into the lives of the people we support in Catrine and the work of our dedicated staff team."  

Frank and Geraldine Bannon, whose son Noel is supported at the services in Ayrshire, said: 

“This is the first time we have been able to attend something like this, and it was absolutely lovely! Our son Noel really enjoyed it, he loved the food and especially the ice cream! 

The staff here are brilliant, we can only speak very highly of them as they have always went over and above. 

Twenty-five years is a historic moment, particularly for the charity and the services here but also for us as parents and families. They have had challenges along the way, especially during the past two years, but have managed them so well. We are Noel’s family, but the people here at the services are Noel’s family as well."