Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
I always had to take my son out of parent toddler groups, now I come away from meetings no longer feeling isolated or alone...
Joanne says autistic son Tiernan has been given new lease of life
take my son into school five minutes later than everyone else because he can’t stand the noise.
“But that means I don’t meet anyone at the gate – you are missing out on forming those relationships.
“But I’ve met the most amazing families.
“They are friends and if anyone is having a bad day you have always someone to pick up the phone to.”
The nature of autism means it can be difficult for those with the condition to enjoy the same activities other children may take for granted. Joanne added: “We run events throughout the year.
“We have a Halloween disco coming up and we’ve just done a summer tea party.”
The success of these events has meant the group now wants to hold a monthly youth club for the children so they don’t miss out on what other youngsters of their age are experiencing.
If the autism group is awarded funding Joanne revealed they will put it towards getting the youth club. She said: “The children will be able to learn to cook, arts and crafts and we’ll be organising more day trips and things.
“You are nearly afraid to take them out because of the reaction of other people. But within our support group no one judges you.
“If a child takes out because they are not happy about the noise or anything you just pick them up and go on. Nobody ever says anything about it because they understand. A lot of these children don’t get the opportunity to do the same things that other children do.
“My wee girl Grace runs to Irish dancing, tin whistle, drama and to everything else but because of Tiernan’s sensory needs he can’t go to anything.
“He’s so excited about this youth club and all the other children can’t wait. The children will get to experience everything else that every other child takes for granted.” This voluntary group provides emergency lifesaving treatment for people who suffer cardiac arrest. Funding would go towards equipment for volunteers, including defibrillators.
A non-denominational group based in Craigavon for those from socially deprived backgrounds. Keeping members healthy and active is at the group’s core and it has proved beneficial for people during times of bereavement and illness.
A support group formed in 1986 to enable blind and partially sighted people to take exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle, to mix socially with sighted people and other visually impaired people and to enjoy the benefits of cycling.
A non-profit community group providing care and organising trips for kids aged up to 12.
Offering practical help across the community by providing furniture, food, clothing and training qualifications. It helps families in need across the divide.
Made up of 14 blind and visually impaired people who meet weekly in Lurgan Park for tea, coffee and a walk. These are people who are socially isolated and dependent on volunteers for getting out and about.
A group made up mostly of people over 60 with various disabilities and health-related issues. It meets for coffee mornings, gardening projects, lunch club and outings to reduce isolation, loneliness and to promote well-being. Funding would help their gardening project.
Providing a lifeline to girls aged between 13 and 16 who have selfharmed due to anxiety related to autism and being misunderstood.
This club provides an opportunity for young people with special needs to interact and build on their social skills and self-esteem. It also offers a great support network for the parents and families of members.
The foundation organises cooking and nutritional projects which help improve the health and well-being of the community. The group also runs health fairs and pop-up clinics and is opening up a local community gym to encourage people to get active and tackle childhood obesity.