Autism Support Louth & Meath win Youth Award at National Lottery Good Causes Awards
Autism Support Louth & Meath, a parent-led group who provide information and support to families of children and adults affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder, won the Youth Award at Saturday afternoon’s National Lottery Good Causes Awards.
The support group, which was founded almost 20 years ago, won their category and will receive a cash prize of €10,000 in recognition of their extraordinary work.
In 2003, the group established the Drogheda ABACAS School for Children with Autism, now fully recognised by the Department of Education and regarded as an example of best practice in Autism Education in Ireland. The group also runs support group meetings, weekly youth clubs and summer camps (see photos above).
Funds raised by National Lottery players helped support their Social Drama project, where professionals with drama and technical expertise worked with the older youth club on a number of activities including short films, radio programming for Autism Radio, an award-winning short film as well as musical performances.
This project was hugely beneficial in helping develop real skills and uncovering talents, as well as fostering better self-esteem, confidence and friendships. The project resulted in public performances at community events and work with other local drama groups, all encouraging a positive attitude and awareness of autism in the community.
Jacinta Walsh, the Manager of the Autism Support Louth & Meath, told Drogheda Life she and all concerned with the club were delighted with the win.
Due to Covid, this year’s Good Causes Awards ceremony took place virtually with finalists tuning in from across the country. Grainne Seoige hosted the event live from the Round Room at the Mansion House in Dublin and was joined by an array of familiar faces to present each of the awards to the category winners.
Autism Support Louth & Meath streamed the awards ceremony live from the Mansion House in Dublin on a big screen in the ABACAS school hall with all the windows open for ventilation. The event was enjoyed immensely by all the club members, especially the part where Cliff Richards was played singing “Congratulations!”
Andrew O’Neill, who, along with Jacinta Walsh, represented the Autism Support Louth & Meath youth club at the judging panel interview and at the virtual awards ceremony.
Jacinta said the money was a lifesaver for the club because all of their usual fundraisers have had to be cancelled this year due to Covid-19.
“It means we can go ahead with our Summer programme” she said. “We haven’t finalised the plans yet but it will involve trips to places such as the Game of Thrones, a concert or perhaps a couple of days at the Carlingford Adventure Centre.”
The National Lottery Good Causes Awards honour the inspiring work and achievements of thousands of projects, clubs and individuals from all over Ireland who, with the help of National Lottery Good Causes funding, have had an extraordinary impact on their local communities.
Andrew Algeo, Chief Executive of the National Lottery said: “I would like to congratulate all of the team at Autism Support Louth & Meath as well as our other six category winners who have all had a tremendous impact within each of their communities.
“The past year has been a challenge for towns and villages all over Ireland and these groups have gone above and beyond for those around them. It is such an inspiration to see the amazing work being done in every corner of the country by such a variety of groups who benefit from Good Causes funding.”
The six category winners received €10,000 each, whilst the overall Good Cause of the Year, Lough Ree Lanesborough Angling Hub, received an additional €25,000.
This year’s National Lottery Good Causes Award winners are:
- National Lottery Good Causes of the Year and Health & Wellbeing winner: Lough Ree Lanesborough Angling Hub
- Heritage: Wildlife Rehabilitation Ireland.
- Sport & Recreation: Raphoe Community Sports Development
- Irish Language: Gaelphobal Thamhlachta
- Youth: Autism Support Louth & Meath
- Community: Immigrant Council of Ireland
- Arts & Culture: Graffiti Theatre Company
