National Autistic Society Northern Ireland

11/06/2026

When we opened our Randalstown Centre in March, it was about creating a space where autistic people and families feel understood and supported.

In this blog, Shirelle Stewart shares how the centre has been shaped directly by the voices of those who will use it – from flexible support that grows with families, to spaces designed to feel calm, safe and enabling.

Shirelle Stewart, our National Director for Northern Ireland, explains how our Randalstown Centre has been shaped by what matters most to local autistic people and their families.

10/06/2026

Meet Rory! 🌟
We’re delighted to welcome Rory to the team as our new Team Leader for National Programmes in Randalstown.
Rory brings great enthusiasm and passion to the role, and we can’t wait for you to get to know him. Take a moment to watch the video below and learn a little more about him 👇
Please join us in giving Rory a very warm welcome!

09/06/2026

✨ Celebrating Oisin ✨
This week marks Oisin’s last week with us in our Juniors Club 🥳
Oisin has been part of the National Autistic Society NI family since he was around 5 years old, taking part in many of our programmes over the years. It has been truly wonderful to watch him grow, develop and step into adulthood.
We feel so proud to have been part of his journey and are excited to see what the future holds for him.
Wishing you all the very best, Oisin, you’ll always be part of the National Autistic Society NI family!

08/06/2026

✨ Celebrating the end of our TeenLife Online sessions! ✨
On Wednesday evening, we wrapped up our latest block of Online TeenLife sessions. Joanne and Tracy thoroughly enjoyed getting to know all of the parents and carers, and learning more about your young people 💬
We hope you’ve taken something positive and supportive from the past six weeks to help you along your journey.
A huge well done to each and every one of you for your commitment and for completing the TeenLife programme, you should all be incredibly proud! 👏

05/06/2026

We’re delighted to share that we will be attending this fantastic community event hosted by Ballynahinch Community Collective! 💛
Join us at this FREE information and support session. It’s a great opportunity to connect, learn, and find out more about the support available in your local area.
📅 10th June 2026
⏰ 10am – 12pm
📍 Ballynahinch Community Centre
Joanne will be there to meet families, offer guidance, and share information about our services – we’d love to see you there! 💬

04/06/2026

As Volunteers’ Week comes to a close, we want to take a moment to say a heartfelt thank you to all of our incredible volunteers, past and present 💜
Your time, dedication and kindness make a real difference every single day. We are so grateful for everything you have done, and continue to do, to support our community.
You truly help make what we do possible, and we couldn’t do it without you 🌟

03/06/2026

✨ Meet the Team: Bronagh ✨
We’re delighted to introduce Bronagh, our new Team Leader for Charitable Programmes in Randalstown. Take a moment to get to know her a little better 👇

1. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?
Hi, I’m Bronagh, and I’m from Randalstown. I have worked with autistic young people and adults in assessment and treatment facilities, residential homes, and respite services for 15 years. Outside of work, I am a mum to three boys who certainly keep me busy and on my toes! I am also currently studying part-time for a degree in Software Development and Data Science. When I’m not studying or doing assignments, I enjoy a good Netflix murder documentary to help me settle down to sleep 🤣

2. What is your current role at NAS NI, and what does your day-to-day work involve?
I have recently been appointed Team Leader for Charitable Programmes at NAS NI. My role involves leading programmes for young people with high support needs, alongside delivering open family sessions. Day to day, I work with families, participants, and colleagues to ensure our programmes are engaging, meaningful, and tailored to the needs of those we support.

3. What inspired you to join NAS NI, and how did you come into this role?
What drew me to NAS NI was its wraparound approach to supporting not only autistic individuals but also their entire family network. This is something that means a lot personally to me, as two of my sons are autistic, alongside other family members. I understand the importance of having the right support available and wanted to be part of an organisation that helps create brighter futures for autistic people and their families. Since receiving my sons’ diagnosis, I’ve felt passionately about advocating for autistic individuals, and this role felt like the perfect fit for doing so.

4. What has stood out to you most about your experience at NAS NI so far?
The thing that has stood out most is the incredible knowledge, passion, and dedication within the team. Everyone is committed to delivering person-centred support and ensuring the needs of individuals and families remain at the heart of everything we do. The support from colleagues has been fantastic, and I have felt welcomed and valued from the very beginning.

Please join us in giving Bronagh a warm welcome!

02/06/2026

🌟 Join Our Team in Carryduff! 🌟
We’re excited to be recruiting for our Carryduff Adult Day Service and are looking for compassionate, dedicated individuals to join our team.
We currently have opportunities available for:
✨ Bank Support Workers
✨ Support Workers
If you’re passionate about making a real difference in the lives of autistic people and want to be part of a supportive, inspiring team, we’d love to hear from you!
👉 Apply today:
🔹 Bank Support Worker role https://jobs.autism.org.uk/jobs/job/Bank-Support-Worker/359
🔹 Support Worker role https://jobs.autism.org.uk/jobs/job/Support-Worker/204

Jobs and careers with National Autistic Society - The National Autistic Society is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and adults who use our services. Successful applicants will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks. Join Us as a Support Worker The...

29/05/2026

🌞🎉 Summer Fun is Coming to Randalstown! 🎉🌞
We are delighted to launch our brand new Summer Activity Group at our Randalstown centre
Perfect for young people in mainstream secondary education (Year 8 – age 17), this group is all about fun, creativity and trying something new every week! 🙌
📅 Starting 19th June
🌟 What’s in store?
Each week brings a new adventure, including:
🧱 Lego building
🐾 Animal visits
🎨 Arts & crafts
🧁 Baking
🥋 Martial arts
✨ A fantastic opportunity to make friends, build confidence and enjoy a brilliant summer together!
📩 Want to join the fun?
Email [email protected] to request your application form today
⚡ Spaces are limited, don’t miss out!
🎉

28/05/2026

🌟 Volunteers Wanted Across Northern Ireland! 🌟

Our branches are on the lookout for passionate volunteers ready to make a real difference in their local communities.
Whether you’re interested in leadership, organisation, or simply lending a helping hand, there’s a role for you.
Could you spare a few hours each week to support autistic people and their families?

👉 Explore our current opportunities below:
📍 South Belfast
• Branch Chair Volunteer Northern Ireland (South Belfast Branch)
• Branch Treasurer Volunteer Northern Ireland (South Belfast Branch)
• Branch Volunteer Northern Ireland (South Belfast Branch)
📍 Ballymena
• Branch Treasurer Volunteer Northern Ireland (Ballymena Branch)
• Branch Volunteer Northern Ireland (Ballymena Branch)
📍 Armagh
• Branch Volunteer Northern Ireland (Armagh Branch)
✨ Your time, skills and support can help create inclusive spaces and meaningful opportunities for autistic people and their families.

If you are interested in Volunteering for any of the above opportunities please contact [email protected]
📢 Please share with anyone who might be interested in giving back to their community!