Autism charity is backed in search

Autism charity is backed in search

5 August 2015

COUNCIL officials have been urged to help a leading Downpatrick charity which caters for children and young adults with autism find a new home.

The Children And Parents And Autism (CAPAA) organisation revealed last week it has to vacate its current base at the Downshire Hospital site within the next few weeks and has admitted its search for a new home is “getting desperate.”

Charity officials have identified Down Council’s former building control offices at the Strangford Road in Downpatrick and are keen to secure approval to be allowed to use them.

They say it’s important they secure alternative accommodation as soon as they can, given that they have to vacate their current base at Ward 24 at the Downshire by August 20. 

Rowallane councillor Billy Walker, who has praised the work of the autism charity, hopes council officials will be able to secure a new home for the group.

He said while a previous approach to use the former building control office was not successful as a result of the rent the council was seeking, he hopes the issue can be overcome and that the new super council can help an organisation which plays a significantly important role for children and young adults with autism and their families.

“The building control office is located on land which forms part of the proposed new Down High School site, however, the new multi-million pound campus will not open until 2020. There is no reason why CAPAA could not use the former local authority premises in the meantime and allow the organisation breathing space to work with other bodies to secure a permanent base.

“I have nothing but the highest regard for this charity and its hardworking volunteers and sincerely hope its long search for a permanent home will soon come to an end. I fully understand its need for a place of its own as the children it provides a service for do not like change as a result of their condition. They like to know where they are and where they are going to,” said councillor Walker.

The Rowallane councillor said the charity is staffed by a very committed team of volunteers who deserve praise for all the work they do. He said CAPAA’s search for a new home deserves the help and support of a number of agencies, including Newry, Mourne and Down Council.

He added: “Charity officials believe the former building control department would meet their needs and I hope this can happen. They are also planning to address the new council and I hope my fellow councillors will weigh in with their support for this organisation and allow the charity much-needed breathing space to continue delivering a valuable service and its search for a permanent home.

“CAPAA’s volunteers are among the unsung heroes of this district and I believe we all have a duty to support them in any way we can and allow the charity to plan for its immediate and long-term future.”