Lisburn's Autism NI 'Volunteer of the Year'

A CELEBRATION Day was held recently by Autism NI to recognise the work of their local Branches.
By The Newsroom
Published 5th Jul 2010, 12:33 BST
Updated 6th Jul 2010, 15:30 BST

Anne Hayward was awarded special recognition for her volunteering role within the Lisburn Branch for which she received numerous nominations from fellow parents.

Branch Chairperson Claire Hughes said: “Anne is such a deserving recipient of this award, it recognises her constant hard work, dedication and patience - all in a voluntary capacity.The Autism community in Lisburn would be lost without Anne’s efforts, her official role on the Lisburn Committee is Branch Fundraiser, but she organises so much more, always considering the individual with Autism at the heart of everything she does.”

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Claire continued: “I have never heard Anne complain about being stressed even though as a parent of a child with Autism, she undoubtedly is, she just keeps her head down and works so hard. This year she has organised the first ever Lisburn Branch summer scheme as many of our children cannot access ‘mainstream’ summer schemes and Anne recognised this gap in the list of other services that are not provided for individuals with Autism.We hope the scheme goes well and gives children with Autism an enjoyable first week of what can be a very long summer.Anne fully deserves this recognition.”

In recognition of Anne’s nomination and award of Lisburn Autism NI Volunteer of the Year, she received a certificate and gift from Liz Aiken MBE Parent and Chairperson of Autism NI.

Autism NI works to provide services for the 20,000 people affected by Autism throughout Northern Ireland. These services include a parent support network, family support service, training and education courses, developmental research and also lobbying for a NI Autism Act. Every year over 300 children in Northern Ireland are diagnosed with Autism and this figure is set to steadily increase in the future. All funds raised by Autism NI remain within Northern Ireland and are used to improve the lives of those affected by this hidden disability.

To find out more about Autism you can contact Autism NI on (028) 9040 1729 or visit www.autismni.org.

Related topics:Lisburn