East Antrim Autism NI (PAPA)
On Tuesday 19 June, Margaret Field and I (Autism NI East Antrim Branch) attended the Northern Ireland Launch of the Celtic Nations Autism Partnership, in the Long Gallery at Parliament Buildings. It was good to see a large turn out, both of Autism NI members from all over the Province and other interested people.
After a buffet lunch, it was great to be able to hear our local politicians of all persuasions, ‘singing from the same hymn sheet’ regarding our very own Autism Act. Everything they said was well received by the audience and we can only hope that it will not be too long before we see the legislation in place.
The rest of the afternoon was given to our counterparts in Scotland, Wales and Ireland providing an update on their progress. For me, the highlight of the day was hearing Eva Nordin-Olson, President of the National Autism Society of Sweden, speak. Her presentation was very informative, giving a lot of information about Sweden and their legislative background in relation to Autism, but it was particularly meaningful as she spoke from the heart, being the mother of a child on the spectrum. It was very encouraging to see what her own daughter had achieved with the right help and I can only hope that one day soon my own daughter will be in a similar situation thanks to our own Autism Act.
The afternoon concluded with tea and tray bakes (I think they are the best I have ever tasted!) and an opportunity to chat to friends, old and new. Having listened to such interesting speeches, both Margaret and myself felt very positive and upbeat about future developments. A worth while day.
Tesco staff and customers - Get involved
Tesco, who sponsored the Cuppa-Aid packs held its own coffee morning at Tesco Head Office in Newtownabbey on
Tuesday 3 April. Tesco helped to promote the campaign by encouraging its own customers and staff to enjoy a cuppa in aid
Of Autism NI.
Colin Hampsey, community manager for Tesco in Northern Ireland said “I am delighted that Tesco are able to support
Autism NI’s ‘Cuppa-Aid’ campaign, which calls for people across Northern Ireland to host a coffee morning in aid of the
Charity. As well as being fun and an opportunity to get together with friends, family and colleagues, hosting a ‘Cuppa-Aid’ event is a great opportunity to support a worthwhile
cause. I would like to encourage all our customers
across Northern Ireland to support ‘Cuppa-Aid’ in their own individual way.”
Donna Traynor and Margaret Field, Vice-Chairperson
Of the Newtownabbey branch, were also at the event
enjoying the coffee and scones. Many thanks to Tesco
For supporting the campaign and the promotional
materials, and to staff at Newtownabbey for organising their own event.
