Autism group '˜overwhelmed' by generosity

The parent-led F.A.C.T.S (Families with Autism Coming Together for Support) say they are overwhelmed by the generosity of people in Mid Ulster.

They recently received a cheque for £20,660 from Desertmartin Pony Drive in conjunction with the Lough Shore Driving Club for their work following a pony drive.

F.A.C.T.S is a grassroots Autism group, offering peer to peer support in the Mid Ulster community.

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Born out of a need to provide services at a local level after feeling let down by Regional/National charities in the past, parents decided to set-up F.A.C.T.S due to the limited services for families living with ASC by offering peer to peer support. Currently, F.A.C.T.S has over 100 members (families) and membership is growing steadily.

A spokesperson said: “Monthly information and support meetings are well attended by parents. Throughout the year a number of events/ activities are organised for children and young people. The group is totally self-sustaining, and members have been fundraising to enable us to carry out the support we offer.

“There is a high prevalence rate of Autism and limited service provision in Mid Ulster. Since 2008/09 there has been over 12,500 children diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Condition living in Mid Ulster/ Northern Health and Social Care Trust. In 2017/18 there were over 2,000 school-aged children diagnosed, most of their families have more than one child with a diagnosis. In the Northern Health and Social Care Trust the prevalence rate has increased to approximately 2.5% of the population.

“F.A.C.T.S’ story is about DIY parents who are worn-down by the state and lack of available autism-specific services for children, young people and adults in the local Mid Ulster area. In the absence of government and no decisions being made, back in 2017 a group of dedicated passionate parents with a lived experience decided to come together and take action.

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“We had realised that our fundraising efforts were being centralised in Belfast.

“We felt we had no other choice but to organise at a grassroots level to fill a gap in service provision for the local community in Mid Ulster.

“Our group goes beyond all sectarian and religious divides because, when you have a child with Autism it puts life into perspective. We provide peer to peer support, advocacy and Autism specific services.”

F.A.C.T.S is a self-funded group and recently received charitable status.

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