Autonomie

Autonomie was established in Northern Ireland to support the inclusion of young disabled people into the community by offering support and advice in education, social, and leisure activities and the promotion of independence and transition into adult life.

We also offer vital practical and emotional support to families raising a child or young person with disabilities.

Our mission Is:

To empower young people living with a physical and/or mild to moderate learning disability, their carers, parents and siblings in Belfast and across Northern Ireland.

Our Vision Is :

Our vision for the future is that all disabled young people's lives are full of fun, friendship and rich in opportunities and independence. Just like any other young person's.

Family Voice Hub offers vital support to families raising with a disabled child or young person. Caring for a child or young person with a disability can be challenging. Even the most experienced parents and siblings need someone to turn to for help and advice.

Families of a child or young person with a newly diagnosed disability can experience shock, fear and attitudes and need practical, emotional and tailored advice. Tailored support through Family Voice Hub helps families cope with life.

Parents and siblings can access dedicated support and our work doesn’t stop there - we empower families to take part in forums where they can ask questions, share their views, offer peer support and information.

The whole family may need support with the emotional and practical issues of living as a family with a child or young person with a disability. There’s no right or wrong way to feel and everyone does things differently.

Virtual support hub When face-to-face contact is not possible, access support by telephone, Zoom, and email. Our professional Family Voice Hub Co-ordinator will ensure you are getting the right support and advice.

A drop-in service is available, call in for a cuppa and a chat. We are located right in the heart of South Belfast’s Queen’s Quarter, with accessible parking on-site at Lilac House, 4 Sandhurst Road, Belfast BT7 1PW.

Local outreach If travel to our centre in not possible then we can arrange a home visit – either to your home or a venue which is convenient and suitable for you.

Families can come together in a safe, collaborative, and confidential setting to learn, share their knowledge and experience, offer feedback, and help shape the services we provide.

Regular events include:

• Tea-Tastic Tuesday ! (Every Tuesday 10am) We chat and we laugh ! Join the Family Voice Hub Team for a cuppa and a smile - Online via zoom - Email Sharon.autonomie@gmail.com to sign up
• Saturday Saunters (Every other Saturday 11.00am – 1.00pm) Walking Club for Autonomie Very Important Parents, from Finaghy Youth Resource Centre, 59-73 Finaghy Rd S, Belfast BT10 0BY
• Group-based and one-to-one confidential counselling support
• Support with practical issues (e.g. benefits, adaption of houses, independent living equipment).
• Practical and Emotional support
• Signposting to appropriate external agencies which are better placed to advise on specific areas.

Contact Sharon.autonomie@gmail.com or 028 9591 8051

SIBLING SUPPORT

Having a sibling (Sister/Brother) with a disability, can make other children in the family feel confused and overlooked. Through drop-in, and/or virtual contact siblings can access practical and emotional support, along with advice and other services.

WORKSHOPS/TRAINING: Whether together as a family unit, or independently, siblings can access workshops tailored to their needs such as:

• Group-based and one-to-one and confidential counselling support
• Building self-confidence
• Physical and mental well-being
• Coping skills
• Advice & guidance
• Makaton

All our services are FREE of charge

Enquiry Form It is easy to contact us using this online enquiry form in the documents section