A Mansfield charity is saying a thousand thanks after winning a national award.

Disabilities, special and additional needs charity Spectrum WASP has been crowned the Park Christmas Savings Agents Community Awards national winner for 2023.

The charity, which has been running since 2009, provides support for children and young people who are on the autism spectrum, as well as their parents and carers, with nearly 300 people registered.

Spectrum WASP aims to help those in need with activities and learnings, giving them a chance to integrate into society and live an independent life.

Park’s England agent, Samantha Walters, explained why she nominated the charity: “I chose Spectrum WASP because it has been a lifeline for my family.

“My daughter is autistic and struggles to socialise. Spectrum WASP gives her support and encouragement through the many activities it provides.

“The best thing about it is that every young person can be themselves with no judgement, and every parent gets the recognition of not being alone.”

The Spectrum WASP team works with the local community and businesses across Nottinghamshire to build awareness, run tutoring groups, and provide respite care.

Jess Mason, development, policy and resource coordinator at Spectrum WASP, added: “We are totally thrilled and amazed to win this award.

“It is so special to have been nominated by Sam, a parent whose family is part of Spectrum WASP. It proves that the work we do really makes a difference to our children and young people — and their families.”

Park Christmas Savings’ Community Awards is an annual competition hosted by the UK’s longest-running Christmas club, which has helped families save towards the festive period for more than 50 years.

Each year, Park asks its agents across all four UK nations to nominate local charities or causes close to their heart, with the national winner receiving a £1,000 donation.

The charity will work alongside Sam and her family to decide how to spend Park’s donation — with a group trip for the registered young people to Alton Towers looking likely.

Three other charities across the UK were nominated winners for their region — Duchenne UK in Wales, an organisation to support those with Duchenne muscular dystrophy; Baby Loss Retreat UK, which supports families in Scotland who have gone through the loss of a baby, including counselling, trauma therapy, listening music therapy, and more; and Ladybirds Childcare, which provides a childcare service for the families of those living in disadvantaged areas in Northern Ireland.

Katherine Scott, director of marketing at Park Christmas Savings, said: “We’re very proud to support all these fantastic charities. Congratulations to them all, but special mention for our overall winner, Spectrum Wasp.

“The work they all do is extremely important, so it’s good to know our donations will be going to great causes that mean so much to our agents.”

Each regional charity winner receives a £250 donation from Park Christmas Savings.