Power NI’s Brighter Communities fund allowed Autism Support Kilkeel to host a fun day for its members
Thanks to Power NI’s Brighter Communities fund, Autism Support Kilkeel organised a fun day for its members to enjoy a day of entertainment.
Running for over eleven years, Autism Support Kilkeel supports many families across Newry, Mourne and Down from their centre in Kilkeel.
Founded by Louise Park and Olive Donnan, the organisation runs hundreds of events and programmes throughout the year, from equine and music therapies to sporting events, which support both children with autism and their families.
Autism Support Kilkeel was set up by a group of parents with the aim of providing a free support and information service for families and carers with a family member having or suspected of having an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Michael Shiels, chair of Autism Support Kilkeel, says that events like this make a real difference for the families they support.
“We had a fantastic day thanks to the funding from Power NI. We wanted to host a cross community, integrated afternoon of fun, which was a much-needed day out following the challenges that came with the pandemic for our young people and their families.
“We were delighted to have a whole array of entertainment at the fun day, a magician, bouncy castle, face painters, balloon modellers and food vans, all of which we were able to book thanks to the generosity of Power NI and their Brighter Communities fund.”
Ashleigh O’Neill from Power NI added: “We’re delighted to have played a part in this event, which was a huge success and a fun day for all. We’re glad that our funding allowed the families from Autism Support Kilkeel to come together and enjoy some of the great entertainment that the day had to offer. Congratulations from Power NI!”
The Brighter Communities funding was first established by Power NI in 2018 and has since helped numerous charities and groups including Special Olympics athletes, stroke recovery groups and wheelchair basketball players.
