Autonomie receives £67,900.00 from Global’s Make Some Noise

Autonomie has received a funding grant of £67,900.00 from Global's Make Some Noise.

Thanks to Global Listeners, Autonomie is able to fund a new over 25s programme, and for 2 years.

Lynne Morrison, Chief Executive at Autonomie, said: “We are thrilled to announce the generous funding of £67,900.00 from Global's Make Some Noise, which will significantly impact Autonomie's mission.

“This substantial grant will empower us to launch a social and recreational programme catering to individuals with a physical disability and/or a mild/moderate learning disability over the age of 25, ensuring inclusivity and support for this vulnerable age group.

“As the first ever charity in Northern Ireland to achieve this charity’s funding support, we are incredibly proud and grateful and we extend our deepest gratitude to Global's listeners, the UK public, and the dedicated team at Global Make Some Noise for their invaluable contributions.

“Together, we are transforming lives of individuals with a physical disability and allied additional needs and building a brighter future for all in Belfast and surrounding areas.”

Trevor Boyle Awards 2023 recipients announced

Trevor Boyle Awards 2023

These awards in memory of Autonomie’s founder are presented by Trevor’s family in recognition of his dedication to young people with disabilities.

• 1 is awarded to the young person who ‘always looks on the bright side of life’.

• 1 is awarded to the young person who ‘was the most inspirational’ Young Person

The Trevor Boyle Award is presented annually at Autonomie Celebrates Achievement Event, which is a formal event held in various prestigious venues.

The 2023 Winners are:

Mr. Gary Burns – for always looking on the Bright Side of Life

Miss Niamh Quinn – for being the most inspirational Young Person

SAIL Project January 2024 schedule available

SAIL (Social and Independent Living) programme is all about young people with a physical disability and/or mild/moderate learning disability having fun and having access to activities all young people should be able to access.

From social and recreational group-based activities to enjoying what the local community has to offer, SAIL offers these young people vital opportunities to develop and learn new skills, socialise, feel part of a community and so much more.

The latest exciting activities programme schedule for January 2024 is now available.

Christmas wishes from Autonomie

Autonomie Staff and Volunteers wish everyone a Christmas festive time filled with joy, love, and inclusivity the New Year be a journey of empowerment and support for all.

Thanks all in our community for your unwavering support in 2023.

Autonomie 2024 Calendar available to buy!

The perfect Christmas gift!

The Autonomie 2024 Calendar

This stunningly beautiful calendar with beautiful artwork created by Autonomie Very Important Young People and Volunteers.

Available before Christmas and yours for only £10.00! Don’t miss out!

To place an order please email autonomieorg@gmail.com

Autonomie to host Winter Wonderland themed Celebration event 26th January 2024

We are delighted to announce a special event is taking place on Friday 26th January 2024 Autonomie is hosting its annual Celebration Event celebrating the achievements of young service users and this year the glittering gala event takes place at The Lansdowne Hotel, Belfast on the evening of Friday 26th of January 2024.

The theme for the ball is ‘Winter Wonderland’ and will include a 4 course dinner, presentation of Certificates, and hopefully dancing.

The Boyle Family will present the annual Trevor Boyle Awards on the night in memory of Trevor Boyle, Autonomie’s founder, with 2 young service users set to be awarded recognition for their achievements.

Cost: Tickets range from £15.00 to £30.00

Dress code: Smart/Party

Autonomie registered families are requested to provide their number guest numbers, menu choices and dietary requirements to stuart.autonomie@gmail.com

Menu for young people:

Starter - leek and potato soup

Main - chicken goujons and chips

Dessert - chocolate brownie

Menu for other guests:

Starter - leek and potato soup

Main - turkey and ham dinner with veg and mash

Dessert - meringue and summer fruits

Vegetarian menu available on request

The young people can choose the 2nd menu, however the cost of their ticket will be £30.

We are looking forward to this special celebration event and to seeing everyone glammed up.

Family Voice Hub Project Evaluation Report available

Autonomie’s Family Voice Hub offered vital support to families raising with a disabled child or young person.

This report sets out the findings of Autonomie’s evaluation of the Family Voice Hub project. The project was funded through National Lottery Community Fund (People & Communities) for a period of 3 years.

The report aims to provide:

• An overview of the Services provided by Autonomie

• A summary of the Family Voice Hub project

• A description of how we conducted the evaluation of the project

• A summary of the project’s outcomes and the future plans for the project

The parents and siblings of a child or young person with a disability often feel they are overlooked and feel isolated as they need to fight for everything their child needs – they are often passed from pillar to post and from statutory service to statutory service.

This evaluation will demonstrate how the Family Voice Hub has provided a vital service to these parents, carers and wider families of a child or young person with a physical disability and/or a mild to moderate learning disability. It will show how the Family Voice Hub has made massive difference to the families who have used it via direct feedback from those who use its services.

Feedback from a parent

“Being the parent of a young person with complex needs can be a very lonely place at times. The Family Voice Hub provides me with an opportunity to connect with other people who are in a similar situation and talk through the challenges that we face. It has also been an invaluable source of support and information over the last 3 years.”

The report will also highlight some of the lessons we have learnt on the project over the last 3 years and will make a case for the continuation of the project in a new and improved format.

To view the report click the link below.

Over 200 Attend Supported Living Information Day and Exhibition

Autonomie would like to sincerely thank everyone who made the Supporting Living Information Day and Exhibition on Wednesday 20th September at The Balmoral Hotel, Belfast a huge success.

Sharon Quinn, Family Voice Hub Co-ordinator, parent and event lead organiser says: “Bringing this first of it’s kind event to Belfast was a huge achievement for all involved and we are incredibly humbled by the huge attendance of parents/carers and families. The turnout exceeded our expectations.

Firstly, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank each and every parent / carer for attending. As the lead organiser and as a parent of a young person with additional needs I know first hand how important and challenging is it to access information, resources and services on supported living to make informed decisions and feel empowered to support my child to the best of my ability.

From your feedback we know how much you as a parent / carer gained by coming along yesterday and the need for more of these events in the community and how reduced funding are impacting support services.

Thanks Robbie Butler MLA and Chairperson of the All-Party Group on Disability for opening the event and for his unwavering continued support.

“A huge thank you to all our wonderful keynote speakers. Peter McMinn and Marion Fisher at NIHE, Lynne Donnelly at South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust and Michael Graham Cleaver Fulton Rankin for their insight (professional and personal) not only during their talks but for taking the time to answer any questions attendees had after their talks.

“I would like to thank each and every organisation that came along to make the Supported Living Exhibition invaluable to parents / carers. Over 200 attendees were able to speak to 20 support organisations teams and find out about supporting living services and resources they offer that could benefit their young person now and in the future.”

“Lastly, I would like to thank Autonomie young people who volunteered on the day and helped with months of planning. Thanks to Lynne Morrison, Autonomie Chief Executive for believing in Grainne and I to deliver this vital first of its kind event. Thanks to all Autonomie volunteers and staff who helped make this day possible and The Balmoral Hotel team for the wonderful hospitality.”

Upcoming Management Committee Meeting on 7 Sept 2023

The next Autonomie Management Committee Meeting takes place on Thursday 7 September 2023 at 5.30pm in Lilac House.

Autonomie Supported Living Information Day and Exhibition 20th September 2023

FREE INFORMATION EVENT FOR ALL THE FAMILY THAT SUPPORT A CHILD OR YOUNG PERSON WITH A PHYSICAL DISABILITY AND/OR MILD/MODERATE LEARNING DISABILITY.

"WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO MY SON/DAUGHTER WHEN I'M NOT HERE?"

IF THIS IS A QUESTION YOU ASK YOURSELF, DON’T MISS OUT.

EVENT INFORMATION:

When: 20th September 2023

Time: 10:00am - 3:00pm (Keynotes: 10:00 - 11:00am, drop-in exhibition 11:00am - 3:00pm)

Where: Balmoral Hotel, Black Road , Dunmurry, Belfast BT10 0NF

NO REGISTRATION NEEDED!

FREE TO ATTEND FOR ALL PARENTS/CARERS AND ORGANISATIONS

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Meet event Keynote Speakers:

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Exhibitors:

Apex Housing Association * Autonomie * BTSCH - care support services * Belfast Health & Social Care Trust Supported Living * Choice Housing * Clanmil Housing Association * Habinteg Housing association * HSC Social Workers * Cedar Foundation * Cleaver Fulton Rankin ltd * L’arche Belfast * Leonard Cheshire Northern Ireland * Make The Call * NIHE * Positive Futures * Praxis Care * Sense * Supporting People * Triangle Housing * The Federation of Family Practices West Belfast

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Share the event flyer! Simply download the A5 event flyer in PDF format but clicking the button below.

Proudly supported by the National Lottery Community Fund NI.