MEMBERS from the Carmarthenshire Branch of the National Autistic Society Cymru joined fellow campaigners from all over Wales to visit the National Assembly for Wales this week to discuss autism issues and concerns with their local Assembly Members.
Gathering at the Senedd building, the branch volunteers held a series of brief and informal discussions, successfully meeting in ninety minutes with over 20 AMs – a third of all politicians elected to the National Assembly.
Among the topics covered were diagnosis of autism, education for autistic children, services for autistic adults and the potential for a new law on autism.
Marie James from the Carmarthenshire Branch said: “Such a worthwhile event. It was great to meet so many AMs that represent the county and build on those relationships. There are quite a few issues at the moment but they have agreed to meet again with us very soon. It was also an opportunity to share experiences and network with other branches in Wales. It made us feel like NAS Cymru was one big family.”
Mat Mathias from the External Affairs team in Wales said: “We’ve never attempted this type of engagement with AMs, but felt that it was important for as many of our branches as possible to meet with as many of their AMs as possible, especially after the recent elections in Wales. It was a great opportunity to make sure that autism stays a priority at the Assembly, especially after all the hard work of the Act Now – An Autism Act for Wales campaign, which has been calling for new legislation on autism in Wales. We picked the last Tuesday of the current Assembly term, when AMs are in the Senedd chamber, so that they were able to just drop-by, introduce themselves to their local branch and have a chat.
“The aim of the day was for our volunteer branch members to get to know who their AMs are and how they can help, and to let AMs to know about the events and services our branches are involved with. Feedback from AMs about our Carmarthenshire branch was very positive but they already know that the members from there are always informed, caring and passionate.”
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