A Carlisle woman has won an award recognising her impact as the head of a new social enterprise company to help people with autism.
Charlotte Fox was awarded Social Entrepreneur of the Year 2022 at the Cumbria Social Enterprise Awards.
Charlotte runs Aupeer CIC, which provides autistic-led peer support for autistic adults.
Aupeer CIC is an award-winning autistic led not for profit organisation founded in 2021 in response to a gap in support experienced by Charlotte following her own late diagnosis of autism.
The company offers accessible non-clinical peer support for autistic adults on the journey from self-identification through the assessment period and beyond.
Charlotte’s business partner Edwin Rutherford said: “Without Charlotte the space and opportunity that Aupeer brings simply wouldn’t exist at all. Being autistic herself she has achieved all so far from an unequal playing field.
“Her tenacity, ingenuity, and resilience rings are clear, but most of all her ability to be vulnerable and her passion to ensure a better path for others is what stands out with our CEO.
“The work of the organisations and the great individuals who were shortlisted, runners up and winners at this year’s awards is outstanding.
“We are very proud to see her recognised among such talent as well as representing her autistic community and raising the profile of autistic-led peer support.”
