Team Aspie

Public benefits

The benefits that flow from this purpose include the provision of practical support to teenagers from the ages of 11 to 18, as well as their families and providing an advice and signposting service to those individuals and families affected by Aspergers and who may require information and support. In Team Aspie, we have both kids and parents

contributing to the design and delivery of our services and activities. Team Aspie was established as it identified a gap whereby children and families affected by Aspergers were being failed by both the Health & Education systems in Northern Ireland, and particularly by education services at referral stage in terms of the length of the diagnosis process and most significantly by the provision of aftercare support- a child had to reach crisis point either mentally or behaviourally before adequate provision is made and by that stage considerable damage is done to that child’s psyche, self-esteem, relationships and access to their education. Team Aspie offer a niche community social outlet which is currently non-existent for this age group and condition. Team Aspie is committed to the relief of those in need within our community. Further benefits include increased participation in community based education, courses and initiatives. We provide a safe space in which our users can undertake meaningful activities including training, and recreational activities. It allows our users to build relationships and helps improve their physical and mental health. It helps to develop their own quality of life. Participants benefit from opportunities to up-skill and are given the opportunity to access to training and development programmes in a wide range of areas and in turn can utilise these skills through their everyday lives. They will also gain confidence, improved self-esteem and benefit from the social interaction with other peers. The direct benefits also includes decreasing the sense of isolation so many people experience as a result of being diagnosed with Aspergers, reducing distress, depression, anxiety and fatigue by providing an environment that our beneficiaries can talk openly and honestly about their feelings, improving the confidence, self esteem and social skills of the teenagers, allowing better integration in the community and improving their employment opportunities. All of our work can be demonstrated by feedback from users. We provide regular opportunities for our users (both the kids and their siblings & parents) to articulate feedback on all aspects of what we do. Our numbers attending our workshops, activities and events continue to grow, which is an indicator of the need we are meeting. We have regular meetings with MLA’s, elected public representatives and Statutory bodies on issues of concerns to us as an organisation, specifically around the difficulties that our young people have in dealing with the health, education and justice systems in Northern Ireland. Events are advertised widely and we always encourage new members to come forward and to get involved in our activities. There is no harm flowing from our purposes. Primary beneficiaries are teenagers with Aspergers but also their parents/guardians. The only incidental benefits which may arise is where Trustees also have family members who benefit from the service provided and this is incidental and necessary. This is not an issue as they do not receive any preferential treatment in any way from any other users of the service. We have identified only an incidental benefit which is where Trustees and volunteers are provided with training opportunities in terms of Child Protection, Governance and fundraising. This may have positive benefits from the personal and professional development of trustees and volunteers. This is however critical to their role within the charity and ultimately benefits the users of our service.

What your organisation does

Team Aspie meets on at least a weekly basis. The members take part in a number of activities including music workshops, art worskshops, surfing schools, etc to name but a few. Team Aspie also provides advice and a signposting service to those seeking information.