Coordinator of ARCH, Ramon Hutchingson, was a finalist in the UK-wide Unison Local Service Champions Awards.

The annual awards celebrate the work of local government workers “for the everyday heroes they are” and seek to pick out those who go above and beyond the call of duty to keep local services going, yet whose efforts are too often overlooked

Ramon said: “I was of course delighted to be recognised in this way, but for me it is a reflection of the service and the impact we have made since opening our doors eight years ago.

“In that time, we have seen a huge increase in the number of people who need our support, and we are always working to deliver that in ways that suit their individual neurodivergent needs.

“We have grown the base over the years to be a safe, friendly space for everyone who needs it, including family members who can also need support and advice.”

Chair of the council’s Social Work Resources Committee, Councillor Margaret Walker, said: “Congratulations to Ramon, he is thoroughly deserving of this award for the consistent way he and his team have gone about supporting the autistic community in South Lanarkshire.

“It’s important that people are treated with dignity, respect and listened to – and ARCH certainly does that.”

Professor Soumen Sengupta, Chief Officer, South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “The trust and relationships Ramon and the team has built with the autistic community in South Lanarkshire is a fantastic achievement.

“The award reflects Ramon’s leadership qualities, and we are all proud of the work being done across the area to support the neurodivergent community.”