Three Causeway Coast & Glens leisure centres recognised by Autism NI for work to improve accessibility

Three Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council leisure centres have been recognised by Autism NI for their work to create more inclusive and accessible environments.

Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre, Ballymoney, Coleraine Leisure Centre and Roe Valley Leisure Centre, Limavady, all received Autism NI Impact Awards in recognition of the positive changes made across the facilities.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Dawn Huggins pictured with Causeway Coast and Glens, Policy Officer Elaine McConaghie, Autism NI Training and Development Officer, Aishling Steen, Causeway Coast and Glens, Physical Activity & Wellbeing Manager, Grace McMullan and Stuart Harding, and Brenda Boyle, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.

placeholder image — Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Dawn Huggins pictured with Causeway Coast and Glens, Policy Officer Elaine McConaghie, Autism NI Training and Development Officer, Aishling Steen, Causeway Coast and Glens, Physical Activity & Wellbeing Manager, Grace McMullan and Stuart Harding, and Brenda Boyle, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.

The awards recognise the hard work of staff, supported by Autism NI and local partners, with 20 action points delivered across the three centres.

Improvements include calm packs, pre-visit guides, maps and enhanced signage, increased staff knowledge and awareness and greater involvement of autistic people and their families.

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Diversity Ambassador, Councillor Cara McShane pictured with Aishling Steen, Autism NI Training & Development Officer and Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council staff, Brenda Boyle, Grace Mc Mullan and Elaine Mc Conaghie.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Dawn Huggins said: “This is a significant achievement, and one which I am particularly pleased to recognise because it demonstrates our commitment to making our services more accessible, welcoming and inclusive for everyone in our community.

“Becoming an autism-inclusive environment is not simply about achieving an award or meeting a set of standards. It is about listening, learning and making meaningful changes that can make a real difference to people’s experiences.”

Councillor Cara McShane, Causeway Coast and Glens Diversity Champion, said: “I’m delighted to see our leisure centres recognised with Autism Impact Awards.

"This is an important achievement and reflects the hard work of staff to make our leisure services more welcoming, accessible and inclusive for autistic people.

“This work directly links with our Autism Action Plan, which sets out our commitment to improving the experience of autistic residents when accessing Council services.

“As Council’s Diversity Ambassador, I will continue to champion improvements that build on this progress, ensuring the voices and lived experiences of autistic people are heard, and that autistic residents can participate fully in community life.”

As part of the award process, Council consulted with the Northern Autism Forum, Western Autism Forum, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Equality Forum and Causeway Neurodiversity, providing opportunities to hear directly from autistic service users, families, friends and carers.

Their feedback has helped shape a range of practical improvements, including calm packs, pre-visit guides, maps and enhanced signage at the leisure centres.