- By James Ingham and Katie Waple
- BBC South
Macca and others are trained by the relatively new charity Dogs for Autism
A new dog training center helping people with autism has opened after volunteers carried out a DIY SOS-style renovation of a disused building.
Dogs for Autism needed help renovating the site in Alton, Hampshire, and received help from a community of Volkswagen (VW) enthusiasts.
More than 40 members of the automotive group then set to work to complete the project.
The charity now hopes to offer more people the unique support that specially trained animals can provide.
It takes two years to train a dog, at a cost of £25,000.
More than 40 VW enthusiasts have contributed to the DIY SOS styling project
The idea to help out at the new center came about when the VW Group heard about the plight of Dogs for Autism and decided to use their Run the Ring event to help raise the necessary funds.
These are usually enthusiasts riding the M25 together – but this year they’ve taken their efforts to another level.
John Emberton of Run the Ring said that rather than just fundraising, they decided the best option was to just do the conversion themselves.
They gave a talk and over 40 Vee Dub owners working in a variety of trades volunteered their time to bring the vision for the new center to fruition.
Chris Packham opened up about his own struggles with autism at the center’s official opening
After all that hard work, there was a celebration and official opening by Dogs for Autism boss Chris Packham, who spoke about the importance of dogs in his life.
The Springwatch host told the BBC: “As an autistic person, I recognize the value that the company of another species can have.
“In fact, without knowing that was what was happening early in my life, I developed a real addiction to that relationship and it gave me access to places and people that I wouldn’t have had otherwise.
“It’s a very important charity that gives, especially young people who are at the most vulnerable times in their lives, a really positive outlook and generates opportunities that many of them wouldn’t otherwise have, I think.”
Grace said her dog Macca helped ease her anxiety
Among the beneficiaries of the association’s aid is Grace, whose dog Macca has had a positive impact on her quality of life.
“I’m anxious but at the same time I’m really overwhelmed: the sights, sounds and smells overwhelm me,” she said.
“I wouldn’t go out alone, so I would be housebound.”
But that has changed since Macca came into her life.
“It’s remarkably different: if I didn’t have it, I would struggle,” she added.