Bluebird Care Alton, Petersfield & Havant has awarded its £1,000 Community Grant to Dogs for Autism, a local charity providing life-changing, tailor-trained autism assistance dogs to families across East Hampshire.
The funding will provide a full year of dedicated aftercare for a local family, including regular home visits, 24‑hour emergency advice, refresher training and dog welfare support.
Based near Alton, Dogs for Autism trains each dog to meet the unique needs of the autistic people they support, helping with communication, emotional regulation, safety, and confidence in everyday environments. These relationships transform not only the life of the autistic individual, but the wellbeing of the entire family.
As part of the grant presentation, Bluebird Care met 11‑year‑old Jon and his assistance dog, Casper, a four‑year‑old cavapoochon bred and trained by the charity. Casper has made a profound difference on Jon’s life, most notably by helping him settle and stay asleep at night - something that was previously an exhausting struggle for the family. He also provides vital calming support for Jon in the community.
Jon's mum, Kelly, said: "The simple presence of a furry friend changed everything for us. Jon and Casper became inseparable, and the love they share is evident in every cuddle and every moment spent together."
Dogs for Autism receives Bluebird Care's £1,000 community grant. Pictured from left to right: Hilary Armour (Programme Director, Dogs for Autism), Daniel Langridge (Head of Partnerships, Bluebird Care), Sara Read (Trusts & Grants Fundraiser, Dogs for Autism), and Jon with his mum, Kelly, and Casper.
The Bluebird Care community grant was launched to support local groups and charities making a real difference to people’s lives.
Norman Murphy, Managing Director of Bluebird Care Alton, Petersfield & Havant, said:
We're incredibly proud to award our community grant to Dogs for Autism as the difference they make to families is extraordinary. Meeting Jon and Casper showed us just how transformative this support is, and we’re delighted to help sustain this life‑changing partnership.
Hilary Armour, Programme Director of Dogs for Autism, added:
We're thrilled Bluebird Care chose us as the winner of their grant. Our work is built on long‑term, personalised support for each family, and this funding ensures we can continue providing essential services and aftercare to keep partnerships like Jon and Casper’s flourishing.
