Countess of Wessex to officially open the new specialist autism respite centre in Wirral.

Feb 12 2011

THE Countess of Wessex will officially open the new  specialist autism respite centre in Wirral.

The Ferns at Raby Hall offers short breaks to help the families of sufferers.

The £1.3m facility has six specially designed rooms and started taking in guests last summer.

The Countess has been asked to perform the official opening ceremony on Wednesday March 2.

The Duke of Westminster, president of the Wirral Autistic Society, has also been invited.

Staff at the centre help clients develop personal skills to cope with autism. And by offering short breaks for sufferers the centre also provides families who care for their autistic relation a break from their responsibilities.

Dianne Asher, chief executive of the society, said: "We know only too well the importance of short stay respite support to both the person with autism and their family."

Employing more than 400 people in the Wirral the society – which recently celebrated its 40th anniversary – plays a major role in the area’s economy. .