A FESTIVE fundraising campaign has been launched at Alloa-based national charity Scottish Autism.

The good cause launched the initiative this week amid rising demand for its support services.

With autistic people and their families continuing to struggle from the impacts of the pandemic, the charity is urging people to “glam up and gift” this festive season.

Members of the public are encouraged to share their photos on social media using the #GlamUpAndGift hashtag to spread some festive cheer while making a donation.

Charlene Tait, deputy chief executive at Scottish Autism, said: “We’re delighted to launch the Glam Up and Gift campaign which is all about promoting festive fun whilst raising vital funds for our charitable services that support many autistic people and their families across Scotland.

“While we are slowly emerging from the pandemic, the restrictions that remain in place continue to impact autistic people and their families.

“This has created a significant demand for key services including our Autism Advice Line which has seen calls treble since the onset of Covid-19.

"This campaign developed by our staff will hopefully spread a little festive cheer whilst enabling us to raise funds for vital services to enable autistic people to lead happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives.”

The campaign was developed by a team of Scottish Autism staff and was launched at their Alloa headquarters this week, designed not only to net funds but also to spread some cheer.

Money raised will go toward vital services, such as the online support programme Right Click or the advice line highlighted by the deputy chief.

To support the good cause, visit scottishautism.org/support-us/glam-and-gift.