Autism Connect expands from Newry to Armagh & Banbridge
The Autism Connect Team at Bolster Community are pleased to inform you that we have expanded to two new locations in both Armagh & Banbridge – and we would love to meet you if you would be interested in joining either group.
Autism Connect is a Social Hub aimed at supporting adults (18 years +) with an autism and/or neurodiverse diagnosis who cannot access support through other avenues – and is all about connecting with other adults with autism in a safe space, having fun & growing as individuals, together.*
For those of you who don’t know us, Bolster Community is a not-for-profit organisation with offices in Newry & Kilkeel. We’re a practical, hands-on charity that works alongside individuals, families and communities to help them get through and get ahead! Since 2004, we’ve had the privilege of helping countless individuals reach their full potential. From early years right through to later years, we support and strengthen people facing life’s tough challenges. Bolster Community (previously known as SPACE NI), has grown from a small campaigning organisation in Warrenpoint to a key third-sector agency providing services, support, training & leadership on community development, resilience & well-being.
Our support services are centred around three core areas of Family, Ability and Seniors – and ‘Autism Connect’ forms part of our ABILITY services. The new Autism Connect programme that launched this September 2024, builds on an initial pilot programme established by Bolster back in 2022 which has run in Newry since then, and will offer autistic adults psychosocial supports across three locations, Armagh and Banbridge (in addition to Newry), and will complement and build on the existing Autism Connect project, scaling participants numbers and expanding geographically.
* Autism Connect is for adults either with or awaiting an Autism diagnosis but without a learning disability or mental health co-morbidity, living in the Southern Trust region. It is not appropriate for individuals who may have a dual diagnosis of autism and a learning disability. For further information, please contact Sharon or Orla at Bolster Community on 028 3083 5764.
We couldn’t be more proud of our staff, members & parents for making Autism Connect what it is. Below, you’ll find our interview with one of our Autism Connect Lead Mentor’s, Orla Flinnighan.
Orla, who is Autism Connect for?
Autism Connect is for individuals who have or are awaiting an autism-only diagnosis over the age of 18yrs+
It is both a journey of self-discovery and one of group support that focuses on making new friends, connections & fun memories together. It’s a safe place to make new friends and experience new adventures. Sometimes we brew a cuppa and chat over boardgames, sometimes we go bowling, sometimes we have a movie night or themed party! We’ve had everything from Animation Workshops to Archery to music-making! It’s never a dull time at Autism Connect, and there’s something for everyone. Whether you want to play videogames, make art or music, work on your CV or just simply be in a room with your peers, then this is the place for you.
What would you say to anyone who may be unsure or ‘sitting on the fence’ about whether they should sign up?
It’s all about what you make of it. What you put into Autism Connect, you get back.
Our staff will be there to support you, give you opportunities & help you grow, but it’s up to you to show up! It’s a group setting that is different for everyone but the commonalities are always friendship, connection and fun. My advice would be, just give it a go! There’s no harm in trying. If you’re nervous about a new space, come in for 20 mins or so to get a “feeling” of the space you’ll be in. Seeing the space always helps new-comers feel more at ease.
We have been running Autism Connect for over 2 years in Newry now… what have been some of the highlights for you so far, & what do you hope for in the future?
One of the personal highlights for me was the not-so-silent “silent” disco last Halloween. I was extremely proud and happy to see our members on a casual night out together, especially those members who’d never been on a night out ever before. It was an amazing moment to witness. Other key moments for me are when members obtained employment or discovered a new hobby or passion. Watching our members grow is my pride & joy! When we received the National Lottery Fund and celebrated with a trip to Stormont, it felt absolutely surreal. I hope to see more and more adults with autism finding themselves & discovering their passions.
To quote our members:
“Autism Connect changed my life! My prospects in life before it were to just sit at home all day 24/7. There was no Autism groups in my area at the time and I always struggled talking to people outside of them. I have had a difficult life, especially these last few years which made me decline quite a bit. To have a place as Autism Connect where I can talk to good people and not be judged or sneered at really makes a difference and gives me hope. My parents have told me they have also seen a big change since I have attended. I feel cared about and I rarely had that outside my family or other autistic people before. I have a lot of healing to do, and Autism connect is very important in that process for me. Thank you!!”
“The staff care about us and they give us time and space to talk about our worries.”
“Only for Autism Connect I would never go out. I can now have the confidence and feel safe to be in a friendly environment with other individuals and the Autism Connect members are brilliant.”
A snapshot of our Newry Autism Connect Hub.
Arts & Crafts with our Newry Autism Connect Group.
Newry Support Staff, Angela is all smiles.