Galway Autism Partnership are seeking the public help to keep the doors open on this incredible service next year amid a crisis in funding.
GAP provides essential support for nearly 500 people around Galway city and county, but is in dire need as it receives no government funding, and currently only has the cash to stay open until Christmas.
A recent application for funding from the HSE under Section 39 of the Health Act for community agencies was unfortunately unsuccessful.
To try and find some way to keep services running next year, Galway Autism Partnership is holding a public meeting today at 7pm in its offices at Tigh Ronain, 36 Laurel Park, Newcastle.
In other efforts to raise funds GAP held a Lipsync battle on Saturday evening where local ladies Christine, Tanya, Shirley, Anna and Maria blew the crowd away with It’s Raining Men.
On top of that the GAP is holding a number of fundraising events in the near future including a sponsored climb of Croagh Patrick on December 2.
Galway Autism Partnership doesn’t provide therapeutic services but aims to ‘Bridge the gap’ between existing services and the community by providing a safe space for social clubs and activities at Tigh Ronain for people with a diagnosis on the spectrum.
Regular coffee mornings and support groups also help to connect families and individuals in similar situations to foster relationships that help support one another.
Starting off as a small online group, Galway Autism Partnership was officially founded in 2011 as a registered charity by a group of parents and adults on the spectrum.
The following year the group was able to purchase the house and garden at Tigh Ronain after a generous donation by Ramona Nicolas on the Secret Millionaire.
After six years of supporting people in our community with autism and their families, all that good work is at risk of coming to an end.
To inquire about volunteering with Galway Autism Partnership or holding a fundraising event call 091 588 899.
