Autonomie has been given a boost thanks to the Victoria Homes Trust.
The small independent grant-making trust handed over a cheque for £1500 to fund Listening Links project, which will see young people with additional needs gain a qualification in Counselling Skills.
The pilot programme will be run by Autonomie - a charity that works to empower young people with additional needs to develop the skills to live independently and achieve their potential and will allow up to 25 young people gain a CPCAB Level 2 Award in Introduction to Counselling Skills.
A 10-week course of 3 hours per week it will run three times over 12 months.
The qualification will see young people learn basic counselling skills such as listening and responding skills in helping roles and although the qualification won’t teach them to be a counsellor, it will benefit their professional and personal relationships and it may help them decide whether they want to train as one.
Lynne Morrison, Service Coordinator of Autonomie, said: " We are over the moon to receive this donation from the Victoria Homes Trust.
"It's a great honour for Autonomie and is testament to the hard work of our staff and volunteers.”
"We pride ourselves on continuing to deliver a range of services that empower young people with additional needs to develop life skills, become more independent and reach their potential."
"This donation allows us to start this new pilot programme at our Belfast offices giving young people the opportunity to gain a professionally recognised qualification in Counselling Skills.”
“We are delighted to be able to offer this course and we urge young people to get involved.”
“The benefits for these young people will be far-reaching.” She said
