Freedom2Choose young people bake yummy buns for homeless shelter

At Freedom2Choose on Saturday 1 February 2020, young people baked yummy buns to donate to a homeless shelter.

The session was part of programme’s theme for this semester - ‘Caring for Others’.

Caring for others is an important part of learning. Caring for others helps us to strengthen our relationships and develop meaningful emotional connections with others.

When we allow ourselves to show care to those around us, we are truly allowing ourselves to live happier, more complete lives.

Being caring can come in many different forms and this session offered young people a chance to do a kind act for people in our community who use a homeless shelter.

We are so proud of young people making a positive difference to the lives of others.

As you can see for the picture gallery below staff, volunteers and young people all were involved and all thoroughly enjoyed the day.

We will update on how the baked goods were donated.

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Painting session promotes many benefits in young people

It was a busy fun-packed first week back at What Next? and today (Friday 24 January) young people had a chance to relax by painting their own photo frames.
Painting offers a whole range of benefits including:

✅ Fosters Creative Growth

✅ Strengthens Memory

✅ Builds Problem-Solving and Motor Skills

✅ Provides Stress Relief

✅ Promotes an Optimistic Attitude

✅ Nurtures Emotional Growth

There was also time to test memory through games which was fun.

Our friends from Kidz Together even called in for a hot chocolate!

Young people throughly enjoyed having them over at Lilac House and the hope is to continue to meet up on Fridays to increase life and social skills.

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Next What? Programme participants enjoy outdoor fun at Benmore Park and playground

What Next? Programme, Thursday 23 January, with the session led by Denis.

Last week, young people discussed what activities they would like to do over the next coming weeks, with focus on healthy lifestyles and nature popular amongst the group.

With this in mind, young people took a walk around Benmore Park, Belfast and played in the playground.

All young people enjoyed the sessions and demonstrated a high level of happiness.

Thank you to Denis, Autonomie staff and volunteers and all our partners who make this programme a success.

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Latest What Next? Programme starts with key focus on helping others

What Next? Programme was back this week with Tuesday 14th January 2020 the first day back at Autonomie for the What Next? crew.

Starting off with ice-breakers, young people then had a chance to their own group contract.

The programme is led by young people aged between 16 and 25, so next up was a chance for a group discussion on the programme and what they would like included within it.

With some New Year goals set to work towards to help increase their independence, participates then explored ways in which we can help others - the key focus of this latest programme.

Young people were glad to be back at Autonomie after our Christmas break.

Next it was time for the first activity and what better way to start than with the launch of the What Next? Breakfast Club. Young people showed independence and supported one another to make their own breakfast - with the session topic being friendship.

Working together in partners, members got to explore commonalities and differences which they have with one another through the hands-on method of baking. With a few buns left over, young people kindly offered the them to the staff in Finaghy Resource Centre.

Great fun was had by all and the group showed a high level of support for one another. Well done everyone.

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Latest Freedom2Choose programme to run January 18 - 4 April 2020

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Autonomie is pleased to announce that our popular Saturday based Freedom2Choose Programme is back and and runs from Saturday 18 January 2020 through to Saturday 4 April 2020.

This latest one day a week personal development and recreational programme will focus on the theme of helping others, with practical sessions including baking for a homeless shelter, arts and crafts, team games and more.

Over the course of this 11-week programme, participants will choose activities they would like to take part in with the programme offering a range of fun and practical activities as well as a chance to explore fun activities in Belfast and surrounding areas.

During the first session on Saturday 18 January, young people created memory jars in memory of Autonomie Founder and Project Coordinator Trevor Boyle, who Sadly recently passed away.

A young person with additional needs aged between 16 and 25.

Where does the programme take place?

Activities take place at a range of venues in Outing information will be made available closer to the time of each event.

 

What are the aims of this programme?

  • Independent travelling/transport 

  • Listening skills

  • Fitness and wellbeing

  • Compromising/independent living

  • Good mental and physical health

  • Listening skills

  • Budgeting

 

Why should young people attend this programme? 

This programme will teach young people with additional needs new skills, they will meet new people, have new experiences and feel part of a community.  Independent travel and the ability to choose activities and travel using all modes of transport. 

 

How can I find out more about the Freedom2Choose programme?

To keep up-to-date with programme Freedom2Choose announcements visit our Facebook page and visit our website. For further information and to reserve your place please contact our Freedom2Choose Services Manager Lynne Morrison by telephone 028 95918051 or by email hello@autonomie.org.uk

Schedule

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Autonomie visit Fleming Fulton School

On Friday 17th January 2020 Autonomie staff members Lynne and Nicole addressed post 16 year olds assembly at Fleming Fulton School, Belfast as part of our ongoing commitment to giving young people with additional needs in the community information about our services - helping young people make informed decisions about practical support available to them in the community after they leave school.


Autonomie offers school leavers aged 16 to 25 year-olds a range of practical and fun programmes with the aim to promote good mental health.

Programmes include What? Next, Freedom2Choose and Be A Champion Programmes with practical activities ranging from independent living experience, convenient cookery, personal finance, social and recreational activities, healthy eating and fitness, outings, volunteering and much more.

Request programme leaflets by post! Visit the Autonomie website to request information and programme leaflets using the contact form, alternatively, download a programme leaflet to read online. http://bit.ly/2XmLd9a

Speak to Lynne Morrison at our centre Lilac House, Belfast by calling us on 028 9591 8051, alternatively, email Lynne at autonomieorg@gmail.com

There’s lots of information at our website www.autonomie.org.uk

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Next Autonomie Committee Meeting 22nd January 2020

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Autonomie is governed by a board of trustees who give their time and expertise for free to ensure the organisation is properly run and meeting its charitable objectives.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Autonomie Trustees, past and present, for giving their time so generously.  

We are holding a Management Review Committee Meeting on Wednesday 22 January 2020.

Time: 5.30 pm

Venue: Autonomie, Lilac House, 4 Sandhurst Road, Belfast BT7 1PW.

We would like to take this opportunity to extend our thanks to all members for their continued support and dedication.

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We’re sad to announce Autonomie founder and project coordinator, Trevor Boyle has passed away

On 29th December 2019 Trevor Boyle Founder and Project Coordinator of Autonomie passed away. Trevor will be missed by all the people whose lives he touched and especially by those that attended the programmes at Autonomie. 

We are all deeply saddened that Trevor will not be leading us as we continue to grow towards his 2020 goal.   

Under Trevor’s leadership, Autonomie has grown and in his honour we are committed to achieving our charities objectives to young people with additional needs and their families. 

We will  remember him as a positive force for change, ability not disability – this ethos will continue to live on in our work and the staff, volunteers, families and members will carry forward his legacy throughout Autonomie.  

Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with his wife Helen and family.  

Trevor will be sadly missed by us all.

 

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Thank you for your support in 2019

On behalf of Autonomie we would like to thank you for your support in 2019 and look forward to you continuing to support us in 2020. This year has been a year of great achievement for Autonomie.

Thank you to our amazing volunteers, staff, committee members, supporters, partners, friends of Autonomie and many more in the community who have helped us change the lives of young people in Belfast and beyond living with additional needs and their families.

Without your support our work wouldn’t be possible.

Wishing young people, families and everyone in our community a Merry Christmas and a Peaceful 2020.

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Young people, volunteers and staff enjoy Autonomie Christmas Lunch

Autonomie Christmas lunch took place on Saturday 14 December at Binky’s Kitchen in Dundonald.

A brilliant afternoon with everyone having plenty of food of their choice.

Everyone wants to thank Janice English for kindly paying for everyone to have a yummy dessert.

The staff and volunteers would also like to thank all of the families who left lovely presents for them.

Everyone at Autonomie would like to wish all families, young people and supporters A Very Happy Christmas and a Peaceful 2020.

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