Ballymoney ‘Lights up Up Blue’

BALLYMONEY Borough Council celebrated World Autism Awareness Month Day at its Civic Headquarters on Thursday last by participating in Autism NI’s ‘Light It Up Blue’ campaign to raise awareness for Autism in Northern Ireland.

Development Chair, Alderman Bill Kennedy, commented: “I hope this campaign goes some way to helping us become more aware of autism and the effect it has on individuals and families in our community.”

World Autism Awareness Day shines a bright light on Autism through a coordinated Awareness campaign during the month of April, including the Stormont 5k Walk on 27th April.

Mark Morrow, Chair of North Coast Branch of Autism, attending the Ballymoney event, commented: “The North Coast Branch covers the area of Coleraine, Ballymoney & Moyle councils. We currently have regular contact with approximately 150 families affected by Autism.

“These range from an individual child, multiple children, young adults to older adults. In the past year we have been contacted by approximately 40 new families to which we offer a listening ear and give them an opportunity to discuss their concerns with someone who understands what it is like to have a family member diagnosed. The branch hold a monthly support meeting and anyone with an interest in Autism (professional, parent or friend) will be made very welcome”. For further details contact Mark Morrow 07879644367.

For more information on the ‘Light It Up Blue’ campaign or the Stormont 5k Walk please contact Rachel Gribben at Autism NI on 028 9040 1729 or email [email protected].

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