Team games, hot chocolate and Christmas tunes at Finaghy Youth Centre

At What Next? yesterday (Tuesday 10 December) we had planned to visit the Christmas Market in Belfast and get some yummy hot chocolate but with the rain and cold we thought it better to stay nice and warm in Finaghy Youth Centre and make our own.

Hot chocolate with whipped cream, marshmallows and chocolate flakes made for a tasty warming drink and everyone enjoyed listening to Christmas tunes which we all picked, and some even joined in singing along too!

There was team games - play your cards right, tin can alley and even a Bocca tournament.

All in all another fun-packed day with Autonomie which you can see from the photo gallery!

New venue, birthday celebrations and Elsa from Frozen surprise Freedom2Choose members

On Saturday Freedom2Choose programme participants met at their new venue Haywood and Annadale Residents Association.

With the new venue decorated for Christmas with a Disney ‘Frozen' theme corner, Elsa called by to see everyone (she bore some resemblance to Emma H) but the young people enjoyed getting their photo taken with her.

There was also not one but two birthday celebrations! 21st for Emma Hughes (volunteer) and young person Ashling Skillen.

There was even more festive fun with young people making Christmas Decorations for home.

Everyone enjoyed delicious party food before heading home.

Great place, great fun, great friends and just 5 sleeps until the Freedom2Choose Christmas Lunch on Saturday 14 November at Binky's Kitchen in Dundonald.

What Next? Programme participants team up for Belfast City Hall Tour and Christmas Market visit

At What Next? Programme on Thursday 5 December Autonomie young people enjoyed partnering with South Belfast Area Project and Kids Together for a visit to the wonderful Belfast City Hall and festive Christmas Market at the grounds of the City Hall.

Young people got to sit in the Lord Mayor’s chair as well as take their seats in the City Hall Council Chamber.

A fun filled day exploring and learning as part of the City Hall Tour as well as a chance to soak up the wonderful festive spirit at the Christmas Market.

Thanks to all involved for making this experience possible.

A great day was had by all.

What Next? Programme members enjoy Christmas inspired arts and crafts session

On Tuesday 3 December at What Next? Programme young people enjoyed festive fun with a Christmas inspired arts and crafts workshop, then everyone took part in programme evaluation.

Big shout out to all young people who took part, programme volunteers and staff and partners!

Join our programmes and learn new skills, try new things and meet new people in 2020!

Autonomie's purpose is to support young people with additional needs on their journey into adult life. All our programmes aim to bring together young people aged 16 -25 who live in Belfast and surrounding areas.

Here at Autonomie we believe all disabled young people should be able to access practical activities that are fun, visit new places, learn new skills and meet new people!

If you know a young person who would benefit by joining our community speak to a member of our team! We're a friendly professional bunch.

Families too can access lots of practical support!

Contact us to find out more and get involved!

Email us: Lynne Morrison, Services Manager at autonomieorg@gmail.com

Telephone us: 028 9591 8051

There’s lots of information available at our website.

Thank You to our Volunteers on International Volunteer Day 2019

Volunteers are integral to our work at Autonomie and our volunteering team is made up of people with a wide range of backgrounds and life experiences, old and young, and from right across our community in Belfast and surrounding areas.

Today, on Giving Tuesday, we’re giving thanks for our wonderful supporters.

Their generosity this past year has helped transform our community as more young people with additional needs and families have access to practical support including Independent Living experience, education and work-focus training, social and recreational activities, volunteering opportunities, signposting and more.

Thank you from all of us at Autonomie.

If you would like to Be A Champion and volunteer at Autonomie, please contact Lynne Morrison, Services Manager on 028 95918051

Find out more about our Be A Champion Volunteer programme by visiting our website here: http://www.autonomie.org.uk/volunteering