Kinecx Energy names Autism NI as 2026 Charity of the Year

Pictured (L-R) is Lisa McCarthy (Kinecx Energy’s Transportation Services Business and Planning Manager, and chair of the Corporate Social Responsibility Committee), Jane Leatham (Kinecx Energy’s Regulatory Affairs Analyst), Sorcha Mathews (Corporate Fundraising Manager at Autism NI), Andy Booth (Business Analyst at Kinecx Energy) and Lorna Leese (Kinecx Energy’s HR Business Partner).

At a time when autism diagnoses continue to rise across Northern Ireland, a new corporate partnership is set to deliver vital backing for frontline support services.

Autism NI – Northern Ireland’s longest-running autism charity and a leading training provider for more than 35 years – has been selected as Kinecx Energy’s Charity of the Year for 2026.

The decision, voted for by company staff, will see fundraising efforts throughout the year directed towards the charity’s advocacy, support services and training programmes.

Early initiatives are already underway, including a Valentine’s Day breakfast and a Pancake Tuesday event, with further activities planned as the partnership gathers momentum.

Autism NI will formally launch the collaboration by hosting an information session for Kinecx Energy employees, aimed at deepening awareness of the charity’s work and the support available to autistic people and their families across Northern Ireland.

Autism NI’s Corporate Fundraising Manager Sorcha Mathews (front, centre) pictured at Kinecx Energy’s offices in Antrim. She is joined by Lisa McCarthy (KinecxEnergy’s Transportation Services Business and Planning Manager, and chair of the Corporate Social Responsibility Committee), Jane Leatham (Kinecx Energy’s Regulatory Affairs Analyst) and Kinecx Energy employees.

Kinecx Energy Chief Executive Officer, Niall Martindale, said:

“We are proud to welcome Autism NI as our Charity of the Year for 2026. Autism touches the lives of many individuals and families across Northern Ireland, and organisations like Autism NI provide essential support, information and advocacy for our community.”

He added:

“Our employees were deeply inspired by Autism NI’s commitment to improving, understanding and ensuring people can access support when they need it most. This partnership also aligns with our ongoing work to better understand and meet the needs of customers who may require additional support.

“We are looking forward to collaborating closely with Autism NI throughout the year to raise both funds and awareness.”

Founded in 1990 at a time when autism was far less understood, Autism NI has played a central role in shaping policy and public awareness.

The organisation was instrumental in lobbying for the Autism Act (NI) 2011 and the Autism Amendment Act 2022 — landmark legislation that strengthened rights and recognition for autistic people in Northern Ireland.

Funds raised through the Kinecx Energy partnership will contribute directly to Autism NI’s frontline services, including its Helpline, Early Intervention Service, Adult Support Service and Support Group Network. Each year, thousands of individuals and families turn to the charity for timely advice, advocacy and practical support.

The collaboration will also support delivery of Autism NI’s Strategic Plan 2024–2029, which sets out how the organisation will work with partners and stakeholders to build a more inclusive society through listening, supporting, empowering and influencing positive change.

Sorcha Mathews, Autism NI’s Corporate Fundraising Manager, said:

“We are absolutely delighted that Kinecx Energy has chosen Autism NI as its Charity of the Year for 2026. This partnership will make a meaningful difference, as all fundraising efforts will directly support our frontline services, including the Autism NI Helpline.

“Currently, one in seventeen children in Northern Ireland have an autism diagnosis, so the demand for our support has never been greater. Thanks to the help of Kinecx Energy, Autism NI can ensure autistic children, adults and their families can access timely advice, guidance and vital support.”

She added:

Corporate charity partnerships like this play a crucial role in enabling us to meet that need and work towards a more inclusive society where every autistic person is understood, valued and supported.”

With demand for services continuing to grow, the year-long partnership signals both practical financial support and a broader commitment to awareness — reinforcing the message that inclusion and understanding must remain a shared responsibility across communities and workplaces alike.