Hillcrest Futures’ Student Support Service re-accredited for specialist support for autistic students
Hillcrest Futures’ Student Support Service has been re-accredited with the National Autistic Society’s Autism Specialist Award, recognising its commitment to high-quality support for autistic students.
Based in Dundee, Angus and Perth, the service works closely with students to provide tailored, person-centred support that promotes independence, wellbeing and positive educational outcomes. The re-accreditation reflects its continued focus on meeting national standards and embedding autism-informed practice.
To mark World Autism Acceptance Month, the team will host an information stall later this month at Dundee and Angus College. The stall will raise awareness, celebrate neurodiversity and share information about support available to autistic students.
The Autism Specialist Award recognises organisations that show strong leadership, skilled staff and a commitment to continuous improvement. This re-accreditation highlights the service’s ongoing investment in staff training, partnership working and listening to autistic people to shape support.
Lorraine Mackay, Service Manager at Hillcrest Futures’ Student Support Service, said: “Re-accreditation is a testament to the dedication of our team and our person-centred approach. We focus on listening to students, understanding their needs and providing consistent support that helps them feel confident, included and able to succeed. This recognition reassures students and families that they are receiving high-quality support shaped by best practice and continual learning.”
John Booth, Director of Hillcrest Futures, added: “We are proud of our Student Support Service for achieving re-accreditation. It reflects the professionalism and expertise of our staff, and our commitment to creating inclusive environments where autistic people are understood, respected and supported to succeed. Marking World Autism Acceptance Month in this way highlights the importance of acceptance as well as awareness.”
Christine Flintoft-Smith, Head of Autism Accreditation and Projects at the National Autistic Society, said: “We are delighted that Hillcrest Futures’ Student Support Service has achieved the Autism Specialist Award. The team should be exceptionally proud of their achievement and commitment towards improving support for autistic people.”
The National Autistic Society’s Autism Accreditation Programme is the UK’s only autism-specific quality assurance programme for organisations supporting autistic people.
For more information about the Autism Specialist Award, visit: https://www.autism.org.uk.