30/03/2023
The Western Trust, in partnership with Dry Arch Family Centre and Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, held its 6th Autism Social Café on Friday 24th March 2023 at Roe Valley Leisure Centre.
The event was aimed at parents and carers of children of all ages who have:
- an autism diagnosis
- are awaiting an assessment
- are displaying early indicators (suggesting their child may be Neurodiverse)
A range of local statutory, community and voluntary services supported this event by providing information stalls on help available, short workshops and the opportunity to meet support organisations face to face.
This was a highly successful event with many families and organisations in attendance. Below are some feedback from those in attendance:-
“Limavady Autism café provided an opportunity for parents and carers to meet services local to them, organisations who can provide individual support for each family at the particular stage of their journey. It was also an opportunity to bring parents and carers together to meet in a more relaxed and informal setting. We welcome the feedback on our Autism Social Cafes which has helped us to shape their development since they were launched in September 2022”
~ Lisa Storey, Child Development Interventions Coordinator, Health Improvement Equality Involvement Department, Western Trust
“We were delighted to be able to support the local Autism Social café in Limavady. Our Family Support Team work with a number of local families and we have a Neurodiversity Champion in post now working with children and parents who have a Autism diagnosis or awaiting diagnosis. This event was brilliant and much needed and we are grateful to the Western Trust for bringing this to our local town. The event was a huge success and well done to everyone who made it all possible.”
~Claire Heaney, Training and Programme Development Officer, Dry Arch Centre
“The event was Fantastic, well done to everyone. It was very helpful and informative for me to get access to additional supports for my Son. Thank you so much!”
~ Grainne Canning, Parent
We would like to extend our thanks to all services involved, and a particular word of thanks to the parents and carers who attended.
For further information or to share your feedback and ideas please email: Lisa.storey@westerntrust.hscni.net