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Autism Connect

Autism Connect – Newry, Armagh, Banbridge!

Autism Connect is a Social Hub aimed at supporting adults (18 years +) with an autism and/or neurodiverse diagnosis but without a learning disability or mental health co-morbidity (i.e. not able to access support through other avenues), and living in the Southern Trust region.

What’s it all about? Well, it’s in the title! 🙂 Autism Connect is all about connecting with other adults with autism in a safe space, having fun & growing as individuals, together. We know from our Newry group how integral it is to making/sustaining friendships and social connection, so we warmly welcome any new enquiries for any of our groups (Newry, Armagh/Portadown or Banbridge). 

We can also assist Autism Connect members with practical support when needed. For example we can help with things like completing forms, reading over a CV or attending appointments with you.

AUTISM CONNECT – going from strength to strength!

Originating as a pilot programme back in 2021/22, our Newry Autism Connect group has grown from strength to strength, now with 25+ members. Each week the group gets together and enjoy meet ups, discussions, or planned activities/outings – recently the Newry group have enjoyed employment and interview skills, mindfulness, music and art sessions, bowling trips and lots more. We also offer 1-1 sessions we are able to offer a listening ear, practical and emotional support when it’s needed most. 

Thanks to funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, The SHSCT and The Newry & Mourne GP Federation – we have now been able to expand the Autism Connect programme to two new locations – hello, Portadown & Banbridge! We are so happy to be able to offer community, connection and support to more adults with autism in the Southern Trust – and hope if this service is of interest to you – that you will give it a try!! Please see our When & Where column for further details.

AUTISM & ME Conversational Sessions

Alongside our social hub outlined above, we are also running ‘Autism & Me’ – a 5 week programme which looks at what it is to be autistic and how, alongside your peers, you can manage different situations.

You do not have to registered in our Autism Connect groups to participate in the Autism & Me sessions – the programme is open to all individuals either formally diagnosed or identifying as someone with Autism traits – though registration to attend is required. The sessions will also be open to siblings or partners who would also like to learn from these sessions.

Please contact us to register your interest for the next Autism & Me sessions on either autismconnect@bolstercommunity.org or on 028 3083 5764.  

To enquire please contact Bolster Community on autismconnect@bolstercommunity.org or us on 028 3083 5764.

  

WHEN & WHERE

Our Autism Connect social hub groups meet every week – attendees just need to be registered in advance. 

BANBRIDGE: Every Tuesday evening 6.30pm-8.30pm

PORTADOWN: Every Thursday evening 6.30pm-8.30pm

NEWRY: Every Thursday evening, 7pm-9pm

For more information or to enquire about registering for one  of the groups listed above, please contact Bolster Community on autismconnect@bolstercommunity.org or us on           028 3083 5764.

To register for the Autism & Me programme in Newry, Armagh or Banbridge, please contact Sharon on at Bolster Community on  07502491550 or e-mail sharon@bolstercommunity.org