Autism Family Support Oxfordshire (AFSO) has announced it will close at the end of next month due to “a significant fundraising deficit that has made it impossible to sustain its mission”.
AFSO is set to formally close on 31 March 2026 unless a funder, organisation or benefactor “steps forward with significant support to secure the continuation of services”.
The charity’s trustees have begun the process of dissolving AFSO, which was set up 48 years ago.
AFSO recorded an income of £187,000 in the year to March 2025, half of which came from one government contract, and it employed 13 people on average.
Chair Liz Hickingbotham said the charity would refund all donations it received through a JustGiving fundraising appeal last month.
Decision ‘not taken lightly’
“This decision has not been taken lightly and comes in light of longstanding financial challenges,” Hickingbotham wrote on Monday.
“Over a significant period of time, the trustees and leadership team have sought to secure the organisation’s funding and future – including funding applications, income generation, appeals, and cost reduction options.
“Despite these efforts the charity faces a significant funding deficit beyond 31 March 2026.
“The decision to begin the closure process reflects our strong commitment to closing the charity responsibly and with care towards our staff, families, and creditors.
“We recognise that this news may be upsetting for the families, supporters and partners who value AFSO’s work.
“We are committed to handling our closure with transparency, care and respect. Our focus between now and 31 March is on supporting staff and families as sensitively as possible through this transition.”
