Autonomie What Next? Programme ‘Highly Commended’ winner at World Health Organization Belfast Healthy City Awards 2021

We are delighted to announce What Next? Programme has been awarded highly commended winner at the World Health Organization Belfast Heathy City Awards 2021.

In attendance at the award ceremony on Friday 10 December which was held virtually was Lynne Morrison, Autonomie Chief Officer and Nicole Hammond Youth Development Officer at SAIL, who previously held the role of What Next? Programme Youth Project Officer.

Lynne Morrison, Chief Officer at Autonomie said: “We are delighted What Next? programme has been highly commended at the World Health Organization Belfast Healthy City Awards.

“This accolade is a great tribute to the hard work of the What Next? team, past and present, without whom none of this would be possible.

“An amazing team of young people, volunteers and staff whose commitment, and drive to support and empower young people with additional needs has been exceptional especially in response to the challenges of the pandemic.

“We’re delighted to receive this highly commended award recognition.”

Family Christmas event updated times

The Family Christmas event on Saturday 11th December at Shaftsbury Community and Recreational Centre, Belfast will start at the new time of 10:30am to factor in a 30 minute thorough clean between Group A and Group B ‘bubbles’.

Updated times:

GROUP A young people and families - 10:30am - 11:30am

GROUP B young people and families - 12:00 noon - 1:00pm

We kindly ask that attendees please adhere to their assigned group time slot and thank you for your understanding.

Team Autonomie are looking forward to welcoming you to the Family Christmas event which will be full of festive fun and cheers for all the family.

Autonomie shortlisted for Community Prosperity award at World Health Organisation Belfast Healthy City Awards 2021

We are absolutely delighted to announce that we have been shortlisted for an award in the World Health Organisation Belfast Healthy City Awards 2021.

Our 3-year pilot project What Next? has been shortlisted in the ‘Community Prosperity’ category, recognising the significant impact What Next? programme has made to the lives of young people with additional needs in Belfast and surrounding areas.

Through community-based and digital independent living skills training, volunteering opportunities, facilitated boys and girls sleepovers at Lilac House (Linked Independent Living and Advice Centre) and access to social and recreational activities in the community, What Next? programme has been recognised for its important role - empowering these young people in the face of adversity and helping each young person reach their potential and lead happier and more fulfilling lives as part of a community.

Fantastic work team What Next?!

Update: MRC meeting Wednesday 24th November will take place remotely via Zoom due to Covid-19 PHA guidance

A reminder to all attendees that Autonomie’s Management Review Committee (MRC) meeting taking place tomorrow Wednesday 24th November will now take place remotely courtesy of Zoom and not in person as originally intended.

This update reflects latest PHA guidance and we thank you for your understanding.

Attendees can expect to receive sign in details via email in advance of the meeting.

Weekly Teatastic Tuesday coffee morning offers regular support space

This weekly support space is for Autonomie registered parents/carers raising a child or young person with additional needs and our coffee mornings are a wonderful way to build a support network with other parent carers.

You are welcome to share your experience, tips and thoughts as well as listening and learning from others.

The next session takes place on Tuesday 23 November 2021, 10:00am to 11:00am with host Sharon Quinn, Our Hub Co-Ordinator.

Interested? See flyer for contact details to learn more and get involved!

It’s Week 2 of Family Voice Hub’s Yoga and Mindfulness program

It’s Self-Care Week and Week 2 of our Family Voice Hub 6-Week Yoga and Mindfulness Program!

Supporting Autonomie registered parents raising a child or young person with additional needs and siblings, this complimentary Yoga and Mindfulness program offers parent carers and siblings a chance to relax, restore balance and promote vitality from the comfort of your own home.

Session 2 takes place this Thursday 18th Nov at the usual time of 7:30pm and courtesy of Zoom.

In this week’s session with teacher Orla McKeagney participants can expect:

A 40-minute Yoga session with yoga postures, breath work and relaxation techniques

Followed by a 20-minutes of Mindfulness. Mindfulness helps you pay more attention to the present moment, to your own thoughts and feelings, and to the world around you.

Family Voice Hub’s Sharon Quinn will also be joining in and instructor Orla and Sharon are both looking forward to having everyone join them for another evening of restoration and rejuvenation without leaving your home.

Family Voice Hub and our Yoga and Mindfulness Program is proudly supported by National Lottery Community Fund NI.

6-Week yoga and mindfulness program to promote parents/carers/siblings wellbeing

Starting this week! Family Voice Hub to host a 6-Week Yoga and Mindfulness Program for parents raising a child or young person with additionally needs and siblings.

Starts Thursday on 11th Nov at 7:30pm for 6-weeks and courtesy of Zoom.

This complimentary program includes:

A 40-minute Yoga session emphasising on the benefits of yoga postures, breath work and relaxation techniques

Followed by a 20 minute Mindfulness session

Sharon Quinn, Family Voice Hub Co-Ordinator said:

“It can be easy to rush through life and as a parent carer or sibling with a brother or sister with additional needs it’s important to take time out to relax and reset.

“Mindfulness helps you pay more attention to the present moment, to your own thoughts and feelings, and to the world around you.

“These sessions will be delivered in an atmosphere of relaxed learning.

“As a Parent of a young person with additional needs or sibling often with caring responsibilities, self-care is an important part of living a healthy and happy lifestyle. Looking after yourself both mentally and physically is crucial to taking control of your health.”

Yoga/Mindfulness teacher Orla McKeagney is a psychotherapist and a young people's counsellor. With over 24 years of yoga experience, Orla currently teaches yoga classes in Namaste Yoga Centre in Belfast.

To find out more and to secure your place, please email Sharon Quinn, Family Voice Hub Co-Ordinator at sharon.autonomie@gmail.com

Family Voice Hub and our Yoga and Mindfulness Program is proudly supported by National Lottery Community Fund NI.

Parent carers receive Treat Boxes for ‘night in’ to celebrate Parents Week

Autonomie Very Important Parents received Treat Boxes delivered during Parents which ran Monday 18th - Friday 22nd of October 2021.

Sharon Quinn, Family Voice Hub Co-Ordinator said: “The treats are a small token to acknowledge what an amazing job our very important parents are doing and provided the perfect opportunity to have a date night/cozy night in courtesy of Autonomie’s Family Voice Hub.”

‘’Your greatest contribution to the universe may not be something you do but someone you raise’’ Andy Stanley

Halloween greetings

A happy Halloween weekend to all our Young People, families and all celebrating in the Autonomie community.

We hope everyone has fun with lots of treats in store.

Lisburn bowling Trip a winning strike with Young people

On Saturday Freedom2Choose Group A Young People went bowling at Lisburn Bowl!

Emma Cockcroft who led the outing says:

“We had such a great time and the staff in Lisburn Bowl were amazing.

“We had some pizza and chips for lunch after.

“It was lovely to be out on a trip again.”

Check out the picture gallery to see how much fun everyone had and see if you can spot any Strikes!

Group B, we are looking forward for having you join us for bowling adventures after the Halloween break on Saturday 6th of November!