Autistic wins award for charity work

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Jack Welch, 24, from Weymouth, was named Children and Young People’s Champion at a national awards ceremony in London, beating nominees from the across the country to land the exciting role.

The prestigious awards celebrate the achievements of individuals and organisations who have transformed the lives of children and young people.

Jack, who is a patron for charity Ambitious about Autism and is vice chairman of its youth panel, uses his experience of autism to raise awareness and campaign for change. He is passionate about the cause.

He recently co-authored research called Know Your Normal which shone a light on some of the mental health challenges faced by young people with autism.

Jack said: “Like many autistic people, we tend to see ourselves as outsiders.

“Looking through the other side, which we are in but not necessarily part of.

“But this award gave me a real validation of everything I have done with my work with Ambitious and beyond.”

Through his campaigning, Jack has raised awareness of the struggles that autism brings for both young people and their parents and carers.

As well as his role at Ambitious about Autism, Jack is a member of the Young NCB advisory group at the National Children’s Bureau, and has contributed to research projects and awareness raising campaigns on subjects including mental health, bullying, and disability.

He has also contributed a range of letters to the Dorset Echo’s Voices page throughout the past few years.