The Northern Adult Autism Advisory Service (NAAAS) provides an open/self-referral system for autistic individuals aged 16yrs and over and/or their parent or carers who live in the Northern Trust Area.

What is the service?

The Northern Adult Autism Advisory Service is a network of organisations that work together to support autistic individuals.  The service offers a monthly drop in facility at different venues across the Northern Area.  We also offer monthly virtual education sessions.

How does it help?

The drop in service provides person-centred advice, support and signposting in relation to employment, education, benefits, housing and autism services.  These sessions are held on the first Tuesday of every month from 1.30pm-4.30pm at different location across the Northern Trust area.

The virtual educational sessions relate to specific topics such as transitions, emotional health and wellbeing, plus life skills.  These virtual sessions are held on the last Monday of each month (excluding Public Holidays) from 1.30pm-2.30pm.

Upcoming Monthly Sessions

March 2023

Monday 27 March 2023 (1:30pm-2:30pm) – Who, Why, Where and How
Virtual Session 

Zoom Meeting ID: 883 6041 8534, Passcode: 768940

This session is run by Specialisterne NI, a community interest company which supports autistic and neurodivergent people to get ready for, secure, and progress in rewarding careers.

The session will cover:

• Changing the dialogue around being autistic
• Connecting with each other over shared interests
• Experiences and encouraging each other
• Aiming towards building a sense of confidence
• Identity and a feeling of resilience

Facilitator: Sharon, Founder and Managing Director of Specialisterne NI

April 2023

Tuesday 4 April 2023 (1:30pm-4:30pm) – Careers Moving On
Face to face drop in session (Ballyclare Town Hall)

Facilitators:
Anna Bradley, Ulster University
Emma Porritt, (Northern Regional College
Nicola Elder, Northern Health and Social Care Trust

Monday 24 April 2023 (1:30pm-4:30pm)
Virtual Session

Zoom details to follow.

May 2023

Tuesday 2 May (1:30pm-4:30pm) – Internet Safety/Personal Safety
Face to face drop in session (Carrickfergus Town Hall)

Facilitator:  Nicola Elder, Northern Health and Social Care Trust

June 2023

Tuesday 6 June 2023 (1:30pm-4:30pm) – Travel Skills
Face to face drop in session (Sheskburn Recreation Centre, Ballycastle)

Facilitators:
Chris Bolton NOW Group
Eileen Traynor – Department for Communities
Nicola Elder, Northern Health and Social Care Trust

Monday 26 June 2023 (1:30pm-4:30pm)
Virtual Session

Zoom details to follow.

July 2023

Tuesday 4 July 2023 (1:30pm-4:30pm) – Organisational Skills
Face to face drop in session (Cookstown Library)

Facilitators:
Victoria McAuley, NOW Group
Nicola Elder, Northern Health and Social Care Trust

Monday 31 July (1:30pm-4:30pm)
Virtual Session

Zoom details to follow.

August 2023

Tuesday 1 August 2023 (1:30pm-4:30pm) – Careers Session
Face to face drop in session (Larne Library)

Facilitators:
Brian McGettrick, Careers Service, DfE
Nicola Elder, Northern Health and Social Care Trust

September 2023

Tuesday 5 September 2023 (1:30pm-4:30pm) – Habits and Routines
Face to face drop in session (Antrim Library)

Facilitators:
Helen McGahan, USEL
Nicola Elder, Northern Health and Social Care Trust

Monday 25 September 2023 (1:30pm-4:30pm)
Virtual Session

Zoom details to follow.

October 2023

Tuesday 3 October 2023 (1:30pm-4:30pm) – Sensory Processing / Sensory Kids
Face to face drop in session (Draperstown Workspace, 50 High street)

Facilitator: Nicola Elder, Northern Health and Social Care Trust

Monday 30 October 2023 (1:30pm-4:30pm)
Virtual Session

Zoom details to follow.

November 2023

Tuesday 7 November 2023 (1:30pm-4:30pm) – Interview Techniques
Face to face drop in session (Northern Regional College, 400 Shore Road, Newtownabbey)

Facilitators:
Helen McGahan, USEL
Nicola Elder, Northern Health and Social Care Trust

Monday 27 November 2023 (1:30pm-4:30pm)
Virtual Session

Zoom details to follow.

December 2023

Tuesday 5 December 2023 (1:30pm-4:30pm) – Housing
Face to face drop in session (Northern Regional College, 2 Coleraine Road, Ballymoney)

Facilitators:
Paddy Hargan, Northern Ireland Housing Executive
Lynsey O’ Neill, Northern Ireland Housing Executive
Nicola Elder, Northern Health and Social Care Trust

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Follow up materials from other sessions

Follow up materials from Monday 27 February 2023
Facilitator: Nicola Elder – Adult ASD Practitioner within the Adult ASD Service, Northern Trust.

Feedback

Feedback link: https://consultations2.nidirect.gov.uk/hsc/468419ea/