For the third successive year, Autism & Neurodiversity North Scotland (A-ND) welcomed guests to its flagship Think Different Dinner as the sold-out event returned to Aberdeen City Centre, raising more than £63,000 for the Scottish charity.
Held at Union Kirk last week (Thursday 22nd May) and organised by A-ND's PR and marketing partner, Aberdeen-based agency ThinkPR, the dinner invited key A-ND sponsors and the wider business community for an evening celebrating the work that the charity does for children, young people, and families in Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Moray, and the Highlands. It also highlighted the stigma and challenges that autistic and neurodivergent individuals and their families continue to face in society, and the increasing pressure mounting on the third sector amidst budget cuts.
Attending on the evening, key sponsors included nexos solutions, Envoy Group, Altrad (previously Stork), Serica Energy, ATPI, and PCL Live. The support of each business in attendance and guests on the night will help A-ND to continue providing its services while targeting further expansion across North Scotland.
Since the 2024 dinner, A-ND has made inspiring progress. This year, the charity officially opened the doors of its brand-new 200+ square foot purpose built Highland Playscheme facility in Dingwall. The opening of this facility will help provide an accessible and neuroinclusive space for families in the north of Scotland to access support within the Highlands community and mitigate the need for extensive travel.
A-ND's Board of Directors (from L to R), Shannon Babbie; Annabel Sall; A-ND CEO Billy Alexander; Ian MacGregor; Margaret Hodder; and Board Chairman Terry Allan. Photo Credit: Sam Brill Photography
Alongside its Highlands growth, A-ND's leadership team have driven several political campaigns following severe budget cuts that are directly affecting the charity and the third sector. A-ND has sought to lobby local council and government to inspire change and ensure families who need support aren’t ignored. The £63,000+ raised will contribute to the support that many families receive in a time of crisis.
Speaking after the event, A-ND CEO Billy Alexander commented: “We are again taken aback by the incredible generosity and support from our sponsors, supporters, and the business community within the north-east. The Think Different Dinner isn’t just about raising funds; it’s about raising hope, and the outpouring of support we receive provides us and the families we work with a lifeline.
This lifeline is more important now than ever within a third sector landscape that is increasingly hostile for charities. Cuts from local and national government are now a weekly reality for our community, our families, our team, and our organisation. Budgets are shrinking while the need is growing. We are beyond grateful to have the dinner return for a third year, and we are eternally thankful to all those who make it a reality.”
Annabel Sall, CEO of ThinkPR and A-ND Board Director, added: “Over the last three years, the Think Different Dinner has gone from strength to strength as has the growing community of individuals and businesses who show their support and use their resources to make it an incredible evening. Since we partnered with A-ND in 2023, we are incredibly proud of the results we have achieved via the dinner and with all PR and marketing support. Through this collaboration, we hope to raise awareness and help inspire change so that everyone has access to the support they need.”