The funds were raised last night at TalkTalk’s 15th annual fundraising event, Night of Ambition, with over 350 supporters putting forward funds for autistic young people to develop their communication skills and become more independent.
There are currently 200,000 autistic children and young people who attend schools in England. It is common for autistic children and young people to experience delays in learning to communicate, and up to 30 per cent of autistic people are non-speaking.
Ambitious about Autism’s assistive technology programme supports learners aged 16-25 at Ambitious College, a specialist college with campuses in north and west London.
The technology also helps young people taking part in the charity’s supported internship programme, which helps autistic interns gain valuable work experience.
Jolanta Lasota, chief executive, Ambitious about Autism (pictured below, left), said, “Some autistic young people find expressing themselves verbally very difficult or impossible. However, this does not mean they aren’t full of ideas, opinions and ambitions just like everyone else.
“With access to amazing technology like this, more autistic young people will now be able to convey all these things to those around them, which will improve their wellbeing, independence and open up their future prospects.
“We are, as always, incredibly grateful for the generosity and support of our longstanding partner TalkTalk and PlatformX Communications who have made this possible, and to those who attended another brilliant Night of Ambition gala.”
Tom O’Hagan, chief executive, PXC (pictured above), commented, “Great things happen when we work together and last night is just one example of industry joining forces to celebrate our partnership with Ambitious about Autism, raising vital funds for their assistive technology programme. We’re pleased to continue supporting their essential work to improve young people’s lives.”
Dame Tristia Harrison, chief executive, TalkTalk Group (pictured below, right), added, “We are proud to have raised a fantastic £366,000 at this year’s Night of Ambition and that is down to the hard work and endless support of our partners and colleagues. These donations ensure Ambitious about Autism can continue vital work to improve the lives of autistic young people and we have long supported the charity to fulfil their mission.”
Night of Ambition is TalkTalk and PXC’s annual fundraising gala in support of long-standing charity partner Ambitious about Autism, which helps thousands of autistic children, young people and their families across the UK.
Since 2006, TalkTalk has raised over £4.9 million for Ambitious about Autism. Night of Ambition 2024 was supported by CGI, Tech Mahindra, Marsh McLennan, Openreach, Gamma and Sagemcom.
