Hoteliers in Bristol have given a huge helping hand to a charity which supports thousands of people in the city who are affected by autism.

At its recent AGM, the Bristol Hoteliers Association (BHA) presented a cheque for more than £3,500 to the Bristol Autism Support (BAS) organisation.

Most of the money was raised through a raffle at the recent BHA ‘Night of the Stars’ event, a glittering gala which recognises the city’s hospitality heroes.

Imran Ali, the BHA’s Head of Charity, said: “Our decision to partner with Bristol Autism Support was driven by a unanimous desire to encourage change and support for our local communities.

“We were delighted with the amount raised at the 2023 Night of the Stars event in March and we know it will make a positive difference to many, many, families throughout the city.

“We aim to provide further help for the BAS through a range of other, smaller, fund-raising events throughout 2023.”

Louise Mills, Operations Manager for Bristol Autism Support, said: “We had the honour of attending the Night of the Stars gala as the charity partner of Bristol Hoteliers Association (BHA).

“It was inspiring to see so many individuals and teams from hotels across the city being celebrated and receiving awards for outstanding contributions in their work.

“The amount raised over the course of the evening will make an enormous difference to the support BAS can give to parents and carers of autistic children in Bristol and the surrounding areas.

“We are so grateful for the opportunity to work with the Bristol Hoteliers Association, in particular Raphael and Imran, whose encouragement during the Night of the Stars helped us raise such a huge amount for Bristol Autism Support.”

BAS began as a small pub group in 2012 but has grown into a respected charity with more than 3,000 local families in its network.

It is a peer-to-peer support charity for parents and carers of autistic children, either diagnosed or undiagnosed, in Bristol.

Its goal is to improve outcomes for autistic children by providing their parents/carers with information and timely support while connecting them with other parents and carers, to share experiences, knowledge and provide mutual support with like-minded people.

To find out more about Bristol Autism Support, visit its website, www.bristolautismsupport.org

To find out more about the Bristol Hoteliers Association, visit, www.bristol-hoteliers.co.uk