Support for families
Family Voice Hub Evaluation
This report sets out the findings of Autonomies’ evaluation of the Family Voice Hub project. The project was funded through National Lottery Community Fund (People & Communities) for a period of 3 years. To view this report, click the link below.
Launched in October 2020 and proudly supported by The National Lottery Community Fund NI, Family Voice Hub offers vital support to families raising with a disabled child or young person.
Caring for a child or young person with a disability can be challenging. Even the most experienced parents and siblings need someone to turn too for help and advice.
Families of a child or young person with a newly diagnosed disability can experience shock, fear and attitudes and need practical, emotional and tailored advice.
Tailored support through Family Voice Hub helps families cope with life. Parents and siblings can access dedicated support and our work doesn’t stop there - we empower families to take part in forums where they can ask questions, share their views, offer peer support and information.
The whole family may need support with the emotional and practical issues of living as a family with a child or young person with a disability. There’s no right or wrong way to feel and everyone does things differently.
Access Support through:
Drop-in centre
A drop-in service is available, call in for a cuppa and a chat. We are located right in the heart of South Belfast’s Queen’s Quarter, with accessible parking on-site at Lilac House, 4 Sandhurst Road, Belfast BT7 1PW.
A bright and modern space to support you and your family
A modern kitchen to provide you with refreshments during your visit.
Drop-in for a cuppa and a chat for practical and emotional support.
Virtual support hub
When face-to-face contact is not possible, access support by telephone, Zoom, and email. Our professional Family Voice Hub Co-ordinator will ensure you are getting the right support and advice.
Local outreach
If travel to our centre in not possible then we can arrange a home visit – either to your home or a venue which is convenient and suitable for you.
Autonomie offers the support with the use of :
Workshops
Families can come together in a safe, collaborative, and confidential setting to learn, share their knowledge and experience, offer feedback, and help shape the services we provide.
Services include:
Regular events include:
•Group-based and one-to-one confidential counselling support
• Support with practical issues (e.g. benefits, adaption of houses, independent living equipment).
• Practical and Emotional support
Provision of referrals to appropriate external agencies which are better placed to advise on specific areas.
Mums pamper and well-being events, face-to-face and online.
We do not provide medical advice.
Sibling Support
Dedicated practical and emotional support for bothers and sisters of a child or young person with a disability
Having a sibling (Sister/Brother) with a disability, can make other children in the family feel confused and overlooked. Through drop-in, and/or virtual contact siblings can access practical and emotional support, along with advice and other services.
Workshops
Whether together as a family unit, or independently, siblings can access workshops tailored to their needs such as:
• Group-based and one-to-one and confidential counselling support
• Building self-confidence
• Physical and mental well-being
• Coping skills
• Advice & guidance
All our services are FREE of charge.
Enquiry Form
It is easy to contact us using this online enquiry form.
Alternatively, you can download the enquiry form and return it by email or post.
