COWDENBEATH MSP Annabelle Ewing has praised the work of the Appaws for Autism base in Cowdenbeath.

On Monday Ms Ewing met with Carol Chisholm, founder of Appaws for Autism, an organisation that has recently set up a facility at the Woodend Business Centre in Cowdenbeath.

Ms Ewing said: “It was really interesting to meet with Carol and hear about the fantastic work that her organisation is doing.

“Appaws for Autism is a fascinating project, offering young people and adults with autism - and their siblings and parents - a space to be, play, and to receive help and support.

"They also plan to offer training and workshops as well as, in due course, dog training and kennels for their autism assistance dogs".

She added: “This Cowdenbeath-based initiative is the only facility in Scotland to provide assistance/therapy dogs or autism service training to families throughout the UK who already have their own puppy and I am delighted to have them here in my constituency

“The use of dogs to help autistic individuals is relatively new but it is absolutely certain that having an assistance dog can bring a profound change in an autistic person’s life, helping to improve and develop life skills, safety and socialisation.

“The facility is open both on weekdays and at weekends and they are currently seeking some funding from Fife Council through the Cowdenbeath Area Committee.”