An autism charity that strives to give a voice to some of the most vulnerable people in the country has welcomed its new president.

The Bishop of Truro, The Rt Rvd Tim Thornton has taken over the role with Penryn based Spectrum from former Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, Lady Mary Holborow, who has stepped down after 15 years with the Cornish charity.

Spectrum is one of the leading providers of specialist care services for people with Autistic Spectrum Disorders, associated conditions and challenging behaviours, supporting around 100 children and adults from across the country. The organisation strives to set individual goals for each person, helping them to achieve their own aspirations, whether this is going to college, learning new skills, getting a job or moving towards independence.

Bishop Tim’s appointment allows the charity, which provides residential care, education and outreach support across Cornwall, to continue to promote its work on a national level.

Bishop Tim, said: “The first thing that struck me about Spectrum was that its service users were the central focus of everything and there was a real drive and passion to help these people live the most fulfilling and enjoyable lives they possibly could.

“There is so much going on behind the scenes but at the forefront of people’s minds is creating a home and an atmosphere where someone can be treated as an individual, not as a person with autism, and that is wonderful to see and to be a part of.”

With a desire to make a lasting contribution to the wider community, Bishop Tim is also national chairman of The Children’s Society, supports Cornish food banks and was joint chair of the All-Party Parliamentary inquiry in to hunger in the UK. As part of his role as Bishop of Truro, he also sits in the House of Lords.

He added: “My wife was a head teacher so I already knew a little about autism before taking on this role but I am really looking forward to learning so much more and finding ways where I can be a voice for people with autism on a local and national level.

“It is interesting to me that alongside all of the life changing work carried out by Spectrum every day, the organisation isn’t that well known in the community. But I believe that shows the success of what Spectrum achieves. The world doesn’t need to see a person with autism, the condition disappears and they are instead treated as an individual.”

During her time with Spectrum, Lady Mary has seen the charity grow its residential care, respite and education provision. In 2005 the charity opened its Three Bridges education centre in Truro, providing specialist education for young people aged 11 to 19. And three years ago, Spectrum launched the Pearl Centre in the city, a drop-in facility for people with autism and their families which has proved hugely popular. Spectrum also has 25 residential homes across Cornwall.

Lady Mary said: “I have seen Spectrum give such quality of life to people who would otherwise be viewed just for their condition rather than as an individual person. I have watched as staff and service users grow and overcome any number of hurdles. The work being done by this unassuming charity is vital to the lives of so many people and will be felt well in to the future.

“I have visited Spectrum’s residential homes as well as Three Bridges and met so many people who have truly inspired me. From the service users who battle against so much each and every day to fulfil their own dreams of going to college or work and becoming members of their community; to the dedicated staff who invest so much of their time and effort into making sure each and every person involved with Spectrum achieves what they want to in life. I have been very proud, fascinated and humbled to be a part of this.”

Praising Lady Mary for her dedication over the years and welcoming Bishop Tim to the organisation, Spectrum CEO Mary Simpson, said: “We are indebted to Lady Mary for the support she has given us over the past 15 years and without whose influence facilities such as Three Bridges would not have happened. She spoke as one of us, sharing our concerns, our hopes and our achievements and encouraging us to take pride in our work and look forward to our future successes.

“Although we are sad to say goodbye to Lady Mary, we are delighted to welcome Bishop Tim who is keen to get to the heart of the charity and help us to support even more people with autism to fulfil their own dreams in life.”

For more information about the work of Spectrum, visit www.spectrumasd.org.