Summer Activities take place for young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Western Trust area
18/07/2012
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Families in the Western Health and Social Care Trust (Western Trust) area with young people between the ages of 14 to 19 years old have received support, as the summer holidays start, through a number of structured summer activities.
Those who participated are also part of the Western Trust’s Autism Spectrum Disorder project called ‘Turning the Curve Project.’ ‘Turning the Curve’ aims to help to equip young people in their later teenage years (14 to 19 years old) with the personal and life skills that can be carried into their adult lives. This project is funded by the European Union’s INTERREG IVA programme through Co-operation and Working Together (CAWT), the cross border health services partnership.
The funding enabled the Western Trust to provide an extensive programme of more than 65 family support activity placements across the Trust area to kick-start the summer for teenagers with autism.
Those in attendance participated in activities such as orienteering and other active outdoor activities, photography, DJ Workshop, arts and crafts and other projects.
Reflecting on the success of the summer activity programme, Kieran Downey, Western Trust Assistant Director of Children's Mental Health and Disability said: “It is important to provide this opportunity for young people to participate in summer activities that stimulate their minds, that helps them to stay physically active and that encourages them to develop new skills. This will help them grow and mature as independent individuals.”
He continued: “The Western Trust continues to remain committed to broadening and strengthening the range of support services for families living with Autistic Spectrum Disorder. The Trust is delighted to be able to make this provision for young people across the Trust area.”
Commenting, Edel O’Doherty, Deputy Chief Officer in CAWT said: “This summer activity programme is a great example of the practical impact that European Union funding can make at a local level. CAWT is delighted to have secured this additional funding from the EU’s INTERREG IVA programme for Western Trust clients and also for other areas along the border corridor.”
The summer activity programme was delivered in centres in Lisnaskea, Omagh and Derry city during the first two weeks in July 2012.