Groundbreaking initiatives helping to make Mid and East Antrim more inclusive
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has reinforced its commitment to creating an inclusive community.
To mark World Autism Acceptance Month 2026 this April, the council is pledging to continue to support autistic individuals and their families.
The Putting People First Community Planning Autism Friendly Borough initiative – in partnership with the Northern Health and Social Care Trust – focuses on increasing accessibility, understanding and acceptance across the borough.
The agenda aims to make the area more accessible and welcoming for autistic people. This initiative has already received recognition, having won the Local Government Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award at the NI Local Government Awards 2025.
Several of the council’s leisure facilities and visitor attractions have achieved the Autism NI Impact Award, including Carnfunnock Country Park, Ballymena’s People’s Park and The Gobbins Visitor Centre.
Staff across a wide range of services - from country parks and leisure centres to museums - have undertaken autism awareness training, and autism‑friendly signage is now in place in most facilities.
The council website has also been updated with comprehensive pre‑visit guides and other helpful information for autistic visitors, including details on sensory parks at People’s Park, Ecos and Carnfunnock. In addition, the council’s arts centres and museums are actively working towards accreditation by introducing sensory spaces, improving accessible signage and developing further pre‑visit resources to enhance the overall visitor experience.
The council has worked with the Mae Murray Foundation to create sensory-friendly spaces at People’s Park and Carnfunnock Country Park. These spaces, funded by the Department for Communities, feature equipment suitable for children of all abilities. Quiet Hour sessions have also been introduced in select parks, offering peaceful times for families to visit without the disruption of machinery.
The council has dedicated autism champions in key departments such as Parks, Museums, and Leisure Services. These trained staff members are dedicated to ensuring services are accessible and providing guidance for families.
The Autism Team, a partnership between MEABC and the Northern Trust, also delivers tailored autism awareness training for local businesses and organisations. This training helps businesses become more autism-friendly, with participants receiving certification.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, said: “We are committed to supporting World Autism Acceptance Month 2026. Alongside our community planning partners, the council is committed to championing inclusion - recognising the strengths, perspectives, and needs of our autistic community, and ensuring these insights guide how our services are shaped and delivered.”
“We are very proud of the progress made to date and remain dedicated to supporting the important efforts of the Autism Friendly Borough initiative.”
Jayne Colville, Public Health Autism Co-ordinator, NHSCT, said: "The Northern Health and Social Care Trust continues to work in partnership with MEA Borough Council, supporting its Autism Friendly Borough efforts by actively promoting autism friendly practices, as well as ensuring an inclusive, accessible and welcoming environment for everyone.
"We are incredibly proud of our collective achievements to date and look forward to continuing this journey with MEA Borough Council."
The council also recognises the JAM card initiative. The JAM Card (Just A Minute Card) is a discreet way for people with hidden disabilities, such as autism, to request a brief pause in communication. Staff members have completed this training, further enhancing the Council’s ability to support those with communication barriers.