Summer scheme successfor Lisburn autism group

The children took part in a range of activities, including making titanic hats and their own teddy bears and at the end of the week each child received a certificate of completion.

Summer Scheme Manager Anne Hayward said: “The children were entertained in the first week of the school holidays - a time that can prove particularly difficult for children with Autism when the structure of school is suddenly removed. Whilst some children with Autism can attend a mainstream summer scheme with minimal supervision, others cannot and some families rely on our Scheme as their only means to mix with other children during the summer. Positive Futures Family Service work with us to source the many volunteers whom we rely on to provide the high staff to child ratio required for the success of the Scheme. Ten children from the Positive Futures service for children with learning disability are accommodated at the Scheme.”

Anne continued: “The children were in four different groups and moved between structured activities; this year the children enjoyed games under the instruction of Coach Christine Duncan, Autism Initiatives guided the children with seed planting and chocolate moulding, Grainne from ‘Art Works’ provided tuition in arts and crafts and Shannon kept the children ‘mega moving’ with structured physical activity and a sensory room was available should any child have need of it.”

She added: “I would like to acknowledge the financial support of the Community Festival Fund provided by Lisburn City Council, the Positive Futures Staff and especially the volunteers who gave freely of their time. United Biscuits of Hillsborough provided snacks for the children and a Community Health Development Grant provided by the South Eastern Health Trust was put to good use by providing the parents who were required to be on site throughout the Summer Scheme with mini facials and nail art by Emma Beattie.”

Anne concluded by making a plea to any potential fundraisers in the community: “Although the Community Festival Fund has been very generous we would love to provide a second week of activity next year as the children would benefit from it. Should anyone out there wish to fund raise for our Summer Scheme next year please get in touch.”

Autism NI works to provide services including a parent support network, training and education courses. 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 you can contact Autism NI Lisburn Branch on 07785367786 or email [email protected]