Autism Initiatives NI shortlisted for fund

All of their services are designed to be personal, professional and innovative and in this spirit they began a ‘Surfing Programme’ for young adults with Autism. The current programme has been funded by ‘Active Belfast’ part of ‘Belfast Strategic Partnership’ and has proved a great success. In collaboration with the world famous Alive Surf School, Portrush, the surf school will continue for the next six weeks.

Building on this success Autism Initiatives NI applied to the ‘Coca-Cola Thank You Fund’ in order to extend the programme and are delighted to have been shortlisted for the public vote.

Health and Activity Coordinator, Pauline Graham, explained: “Research has proven that surfing programmes have a great benefit to people with an ASC. The health benefits are obvious however the social interactivity is just as important. Many people experience social isolation as a result of their condition and this programme will allow people to make friends and have fun doing it.”

Winning one of the grants on offer would make such a difference to the current programme as it would make many more places available and provide the opportunity for people with an ASC across Northern Ireland.

National Director, Alan Hanna, said: “The opportunity to develop the programme is a fantastic opportunity for all people with an ASC in Ireland. As a charity delivering direct support services we see on a daily basis the benefits that programmes like these have on all our service users.”

The finalists on the shortlist will have the opportunity to receive a grant from the €125,000 which is available from the fund. One overall winner will be awarded €25,000 with ten runners up receiving €10,000 in funding. The public vote went live on the 1st of September and will close on 30th of September 2012.

Support Autism Initiatives NI and the ‘Surfing Programme’ by visiting www.ai-ni.co.uk and follow the link to the ‘Coca-Cola Thank You Fund’ page.