Member News
As a sponsor at this year's Charity Champion awards, ePolitix.com speaks to John Dickinson-Lilley, public affairs manager at the National Autistic Society (NAS) about the important role parliamentarians play on behalf of charities.
The NAS is sponsoring the Health & Wellbeing Award at the 2011 Charity Champion Awards, can you tell us about the work of the charity?
We are the leading UK charity for people with autism (including Asperger's syndrome) and their families. We provide information, support and pioneering services, and campaign for a better world for people with autism.
Why do you think it is important to have parliamentarians who are willing to go the extra mile to support charitable causes?
Parliamentarians make a massive contribution to the success of our campaigning work, not just in Parliament but within their constituencies where their contribution has a huge impact on people's lives.
Why is the NAS supporting this year's Charity Champion Awards?
Parliamentarians play a really important role in advocating on behalf of people with autism and disabled people more widely. As an organisation we believe it is important that MPs who work so hard with us, and on behalf of people with disabilities, should be recognised for their efforts.
Why does the NAS think it is important to recognise the charitable work of parliamentarians?
More than ever before, the work of parliamentarians is critical. At a time when we're witnessing so much change, having powerful advocates in Parliament gives people with autism a voice at the centre of decision-making in the UK. Our campaigning work would be impossible without the support of parliamentarians who contribute so much.
How do you think austerity measures have affected the work of charities, and how has this affected their relationships with parliamentarians?
The shifting economic landscape is having enormous consequences for a wide range of people. Within the context of reforms in key areas such as education, health and benefits, we have to be alive to the concerns of people with autism and communicate these to legislators. It's a challenging environment regardless of whether the changes are good or bad, but we take our role seriously, working alongside parliamentarians to develop practical and constructive solutions for government.
Have your say...
Please enter your comments below.