Our Story & Mission
From lived experience to life-changing support - how Autonomie grew from one family's vision into a community-wide movement for independence and inclusion.
Our Mission
To empower young people living with a disability, and to support their carers, parents and siblings in Belfast and across Northern Ireland.
Why We Exist
Young people with disabilities often face isolation and barriers to education, employment, and community life after school. The transition from education into adult life can be particularly challenging, with few services available to provide the support needed.
Autonomie exists to change that. We provide the programmes, support, and community connection that help young people build confidence, gain independence, and create meaningful lives - while supporting their families every step of the way.
Our Journey
From The Lilac Service to Autonomie, our organisation has grown with its community, building programmes and support based on lived experience and family voice.
The Beginning
Autonomie was founded by a group of teachers and professionals from Fleming Fulton SEN School who recognised a clear gap in support for young people with disabilities leaving school. Drawing on professional expertise and lived experience, they created what was originally known as The Lilac Service.
The organisation helped hundreds of young people access mainstream education and build confidence and skills. At that time, there were few services supporting young people with physical disabilities and allied additional needs to transition from education into adult life, community participation, and opportunity.
Becoming Autonomie
The organisation was renamed Autonomie - a name chosen to reflect the power of choice and independence that the charity encourages in the lives of young people and their families.
Growing Our Reach
As needs grew, the charity's focus expanded. Autonomie began offering community-based programmes like Freedom2Choose, and later developed the What Next? and SAIL (Social and Independent Living) initiatives.
These services now reach across multiple council areas in Northern Ireland, helping young people gain independence, life skills, social connection, and confidence.
A Holistic Family Organisation
Autonomie is more than a service, it is a holistic family organisation supporting young people and their families at every stage. Services are delivered from Lilac House, a modern, fully accessible centre in South Belfast that brings together programmes, advice, connection, and community in one welcoming space.
We also listened to families to create dedicated support for parents and siblings through the Family Voice Hub, providing a safe, confidential space for peer connection, guidance, and mutual support.
Living Life MY Way – Supporting Adults 25+
Our Living Life MY Way programme supports adults with disabilities aged 25+ who may face isolation as youth services end. It offers safe, mainstream social experiences—such as evenings out, drama, social groups, cooking, and community activities—where participants make their own choices and build confidence.
Drama has been a cornerstone of the programme, with performances at the Lyric Theatre showcasing participants' creativity and exploring themes like identity, confidence, and mental health.
Lilac House
Lilac House is our modern, fully accessible centre in South Belfast - a welcoming space where young people and families come together for programmes, support, and community connection.
From SAIL sessions to Family Voice Hub meetings, Lilac House is designed to be a safe, inclusive environment where everyone belongs.
Visit UsWhat We Believe
At its core, Autonomie believes in independence, inclusion and dignity for all young people, and in walking alongside families as they build confidence, opportunity, and belonging in the community.
Independence
Every young person has the right to make their own choices and live as independently as possible.
Inclusion
Everyone deserves to be part of their community, to belong, and to be valued for who they are.
Family Support
We support the whole family, recognizing that family wellbeing is essential to young people's success.
Confidence
We help young people and families find their voice, build confidence, and advocate for themselves.
Community Belonging
We create spaces where young people and families feel understood, valued, and connected.
Dignity
We treat everyone with respect, listening to their needs and honoring their experiences.
Founded on Lived Experience
Autonomie was founded by a group of professionals from Fleming Fulton SEN School, including one founder who brought his own lived experience of disability. He understood firsthand the barriers young people face and the isolation that can follow leaving school, and he was determined to create something better.
That personal understanding became the heart of Autonomie. We don’t just provide services, we walk alongside young people and families with empathy and insight, because we understand what it truly means to need that support.
Be Part of Our Story
From young people gaining independence to families finding support and confidence - your support helps Autonomie change lives across Northern Ireland.
We Value Your Privacy
We use cookies to improve your experience on our website, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. By clicking "Accept All", you consent to our use of cookies. You can manage your preferences or learn more in our Cookies Policy.