A support group for families with autistic children is celebrating a lifeline from Cube Housing Association.

The Vale of Leven Autism and Asperger’s Forum (VOLAAF) has been able to secure its long-term future in the building they use thanks to support from Cube.

The forum, based in Renton, is run by volunteers and provides a vital support network for 25 families in the area who have children with the condition.

Now, thanks to a donation from Cube, which is part of Wheatley Group, the forum is able to remain where they are and increase the services they offer.

VOLAAF provides a safe environment with play schemes and youth groups for young people with autism and Asperger’s, who often have communication difficulties and lack social skills.

It also acts as a vital support network to parents who can often struggle to cope on their own.

Cube chair Liz Ruine said: “We want to help as many people in our communities lead better lives.

“The forum does great work in the area and is a real lifeline to families - including some of our tenants - who might struggle to cope on their own.

“I’m delighted we were able to step in and make sure the forum has a secure future.”

Cube tenant Angie Davis, 31, from Haldane, co-founded the forum five years ago.

She said: “When my son Jack was diagnosed I felt like the only parent in the world with an autistic child.

“There was no support and that’s why we set up the forum. It’s a real lifeline for parents and families.

“This is a familiar setting for Jack. There’s no pressure on him here and he gets to be himself in a place where he’s comfortable.

“And as parents we can discuss things and share problems with others who know what we’re going through.”

Nina Chapman, chair of VOLAAF, added: “Thanks to Cube’s generous support we were able to buy the building from West Dunbartonshire Council.

“We’ve been based here for a year, but previously we were moving from place to place and never been able to settle.

“The support from Cube has helped us secure the future and we can increase the services we offer families.

“We know we’ll have the centre as long as there are people here to run it.”