Autonomie

05/06/2026

✨ Together We Make a Difference ✨

Every hour given, every activity supported, every conversation shared contributes to something bigger.

Our volunteers help create opportunities, build confidence, encourage independence, and support young people to achieve their goals.

Thank you for the impact you make every single day. 💜

Volunteer Now

05/06/2026

04/06/2026

🌟 Celebrating Our Board Members 🌟

As part of Volunteers' Week, we'd like to recognise our dedicated Board Members.

They volunteer their time, knowledge, and expertise to help guide Autonomie, ensuring we continue to grow and provide the best possible support for our young people and families.

Thank you for your leadership, commitment, and belief in our mission. 💜

Volunteer Now

04/06/2026

We started the day with a cuppa and a chat before enjoying a fun "Hot Air Balloon" icebreaker activity. Everyone got involved and had a great time working together before splitting into groups.

Our groups were busy cleaning and organising the kitchen cupboards, completing our upcycling project, and finishing some beautiful finger-knitting blankets 🧶✨.

Lunch was a tasty choice of sausages, fried eggs, beans or spaghetti with toast or bread 🍳🌭🍞. Everyone showed great independence by clearing away their dishes and loading the dishwasher.

The afternoon was spent cleaning and reorganising our rooms, with everyone demonstrating excellent teamwork, helping each other move furniture, tidy spaces, and clean the kitchen 🧹👏.

We finished the day with some social time and bus ticket rewards, celebrating everyone's hard work and positive attitude 🎉😊.

04/06/2026

🌟 𝐖𝐞’𝐫𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠! 🌟

Are you passionate about supporting young people with additional needs?

Autonomie is seeking 2 SAIL Social and Independent Living Project Support Workers to join our fantastic team.

The SAIL Project delivers fun, interactive and practical services for young people with additional needs, helping them build confidence, independence, life skills and social skills in a safe and supportive environment.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of young people as they transition from adolescence into adulthood.

We’re looking for people who have experience working with young people with disabilities, enjoy being part of a positive team, and are passionate about helping others grow in confidence and independence.

Applications from both male and female candidates are welcome.

📍 Find out more and apply here:
https://www.communityni.org/job/sail-social-and-independent-living-project-support-worker-x-2

03/06/2026

💭 What Does Volunteering Mean to You?

Every volunteer has their own reason for getting involved, and every story matters.

Whether you've volunteered for a few months or many years, we'd love to hear what being part of Autonomie means to you.

Share your favourite memory or experience in the comments below! 💜

Volunteer Now

03/06/2026

🌟 Has your young person left school and looking for more independence, friendships and opportunities? 🌟

The SAIL Programme at Autonomie supports young people aged 16–30+ with additional needs or disabilities to build confidence, independence and social connections in a fun, safe and supportive environment.

💫 SAIL helps young people to:
✅ Build confidence
✅ Make friendships
✅ Learn life skills
✅ Gain independence
✅ Access community activities
✅ Enjoy new experiences

From social outings and group activities to cooking, travel training and everyday life skills, SAIL supports young people as they move into adult life.

✔ Suitable for young people aged 16–30+
✔ Available to those receiving Direct Payments
✔ Self-funding spaces also available

We understand how important it is for families to find trusted support, meaningful opportunities and positive experiences for their young person — and that’s exactly what SAIL aims to provide 💙

📩 Message us to find out more or discuss suitability.

03/06/2026

💜 The Heart of Autonomie 💜

Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do.

Through friendship, encouragement, and support, our volunteers help create opportunities for young people to build confidence, develop independence, and make lasting connections.

Thank you for helping to create a welcoming and inclusive community where everyone can thrive.

Volunteer Now

02/06/2026

We kicked off the session with a drink and some time to relax, chat, and settle in before getting started. ☕😊

The group had some brilliant discussions about community relations, sharing their thoughts and ideas with confidence. 💬💡 They also put their research skills to work on the laptops, gathering information and inspiration and coming up with some really creative ideas! 💻✨

🍽️ Lunch was a big hit with delicious lasagna and garlic bread. Afterwards, everyone pitched in to clear away dishes and load the dishwasher, showing great teamwork and responsibility. 👏🧽

🌿 In the afternoon, we enjoyed a lovely walk to and around the Botanic Gardens. The young people interacted positively, enjoyed the fresh air, and made the most of the beautiful surroundings. 🚶‍♀️🌳🌸

🍦 To top off a great day, we stopped at the shop on the way back to Lilac House for an ice cream treat! Smiles all round and the perfect way to end the session. 😋🎉

Well done to everyone for your enthusiasm, teamwork, and positive attitude throughout the day! 💙

🍦🌟

01/06/2026

🌟 Volunteers' Week 2026 🌟

Today marks the start of Volunteers' Week, a chance to celebrate the amazing people who give their time, skills, and energy to support Autonomie.

From volunteers who work directly with our young people to our Board Members who provide guidance and leadership behind the scenes, every contribution helps make a positive difference.

Thank you for your commitment, passion, and support. We look forward to celebrating you all this week! 💜