Combined community effort saves essential autism service

The service, provided by Autism NI and the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, had been under threat due to financial restraints placed upon the Trust.

MP Jeffrey Donaldson led a group of cross party elected representatives including Naomi Long MP, Margaret Ritchie MP, Peter Weir MLA, Michelle McIlveen MLA, Jennifer McCann MLA, Chris Lyttle MLA, Jim Shannon MLA and Alex Easton MLA, who in partnership with the Parents Autism Lobby (PAL) campaigned on behalf of the much needed service.

"Following the campaign by PAL, the Trust has agreed to retain the Family Support Service for the remainder of the current financial year to March 2011. While the funding is partly reduced, the Trust will endeavour to provide support to as many families as possible," said Mr Donaldson.

Claire Hughes Chairperson of the Lisburn Branch of Autism NI said: "I was delighted to hear the Family Support Service is to be partially reinstated. This reinstatement is however at a reduced rate and I would prefer to have seen the service fully funded and indeed expanded, so that all the families who are dealing with the pressures of a diagnosis of Autism for a loved one would receive this much needed service, at times when they need it. Other difficult times e.g. transition into secondary school or work, should also be better supported.

"I would have been so grateful to have a service like this when my two boys were diagnosed and at other times when I have found life difficult. I hope the expansion of the service into all areas of Northern Ireland becomes a reality this time next year so that all families will benefit, no matter where they live. "I also acknowledge the leadership, support and work shown by our elected representatives in supporting families affected by Autism and thank them for working with the Trust officials to get the Family Support Service returned to the families who were left bereft in June when it was taken away."