New chairman appointed at North East autism support charity

Terry Allan is hoping to re-invigorate Autism and Neurodiversity North Scotland

Author: Joe OdberPublished 4th May 2023

Aberdeen-based autism support charity, Autism & Neurodiversity North Scotland (A-ND) is announcing the appointment of a new Chairperson and three new members to its Board of Directors as part of a drive to reinvigorate the charity.

The charity welcomes Global E&C CEO, Terry Allan, as Chairperson succeeding Margaret Hodder, who steps down while remaining on the board. The charity also welcomes new board members, Vysus Group CFO, Geoff Morrison, ThinkPR CEO, Annabel Sall, and Senior Lecturer at the University of Aberdeen, Shannon Babbie.

As key supporters of the charity, Terry and the three new board members have already played a pivotal part in allowing A-ND to make a difference in the lives of neurodivergent individuals in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, and the North of Scotland.

Currently supporting 150 individuals and families, A-ND is targeting to help 500 individuals and families throughout the north of Scotland by 2027.

Discussing his new position on the board, Terry commented: “It's a privilege to be appointed as the new Chairperson of A-ND. The charity has been operating for almost 35 years and is now at a critical point in its evolution. Over recent years we have seen third-sector funding become increasingly more difficult to access, which is in a backdrop of climbing demand for the incredible services that A-ND provides. The question is not whether families across the North of Scotland need support, but rather whether we have the capacity in this region to deploy that support to where it is so very needed.

"I have absolute belief in the team at A-ND and in the vision set by CEO Billy Alexander. I have experienced first-hand what they do every day, often with limited resources, and it is inspiring. We have assembled a talented and diverse Board of Directors, who I will work closely with to ensure the right infrastructure and support network is in place to help drive A-ND through what we believe will be a transformational period for the charity over the next few years – a period focusing on helping more autistic and neurodivergent people, and their families, live happier lives.”

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