Magherafelt Council ‘Light It Up Blue’

The Council is complying with the UN designation of World Autism Awareness Day on Tuesday, 2 April by participating in the Northern Ireland campaign of lighting up a Council building. ‘The Bridewell’ in Magherafelt will be illuminated in blue over the Easter weekend from Friday, 29 March to Wednesday, 3 April.

Last year over 100 prominent buildings and landmarks worldwide were lit up in blue. They included Chateau de Versailles near Paris, Tokyo Tower in Japan and the CN Tower in Canada.

Autism is a lifelong disability which affects the social and communication centre of the brain. Autism affects the way an individual relates to people, situations and the immediate environment. There is no known cure, but there are many ways to help!

The numbers of children and adults being diagnosed with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) in Northern Ireland is increasing and membership of the local Autism NI Mid Ulster Branch has grown to approximately 300 families living with autism. Over 100 new families have joined the Branch within the last year; some families have more that one child on the spectrum.

If you are a parent or a professional and you would like to join the local branch of Autism NI please contact the Chairperson, Mrs Mary Margaret Love (Tel: (028) 7941 7974.