Autism NI (PAPA) South Down Branch.
The South Down Branch of Autism NI (PAPA) started in October 2005 with 10 families. We meet the first Tuesday of each month, 7pm – 9pm in the Orana Family Support Centre, Warrenpoint Road, Newry. Over the past two years we have been very active in raising Autism awareness in the Newry & Mourne and Banbridge areas, holding Autism awareness stands in the local shopping centres, leisure centres and street collections. We made presentations to the Newry & Mourne and Banbridge District councils and a presentation to politicians, health and education personnel of the Southern Area, at Stormont, along with our fellow branches in the Southern Area. We have been involved in the strong political and media campaign for an Autism Act, Autism Strategy and Independent programme of care launched by Autism NI (PAPA) and the formation of the Celtic Autism Nations Union.
South Down were delighted to host the first major Autism awareness conference in the Newry area when we invited Wendy Lawson to speak at the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre on the 1st April this year to mark the beginning of Autism awareness month and have just taken part in the’ Walk the Walk for Legislation’ with all the other branches and support groups.
We organise speakers for our monthly meetings covering all relevant topics related to Autism, encourage members to attend courses by funding 50% of the fees and provide an up to date library of books, videos, dvds and pc-roms. We have also joined with the local support group for ADHD to get a Primary Movement course set up in the Newry area.
The South Down Branch has gone from strength to strength and now boasts a mailing list of 98 that includes parents and professionals! We have members in Dundalk, Kilkeel, Rostrevor, Warrenpoint, Newry and surrounding areas, Rathfriland, Banbridge, Dromore, Portadown and a large area of South Armagh.
