Mid and East Antrim strengthens autism-friendly commitment for World Autism Acceptance Month

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford pictured with DEA Officer Karen Brownlow for the launch of World Autism Acceptance Month.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is marking World Autism Acceptance Month this April by reaffirming its commitment to building a more inclusive and accessible community for autistic people and their families.

In partnership with the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, the council says it will continue to expand support through its Putting People First Community Planning Autism Friendly Borough initiative — an award-winning programme focused on improving accessibility, understanding and acceptance across the borough.

The initiative has already earned significant recognition, winning the Local Government Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award at the NI Local Government Awards 2025, underlining what has become a flagship inclusion project for the area.

Award-winning work across the borough

The council’s Autism Friendly Borough agenda, developed in partnership with the Northern Trust, has seen a number of key leisure and tourism sites achieve the Autism NI Impact Award.

These include:

• Carnfunnock Country Park

• People’s Park, Ballymena

• The Gobbins Visitor Centre

Staff working across parks, leisure centres, museums and visitor attractions have also completed autism awareness training, while autism-friendly signage is now in place across most council facilities.

To help families plan visits with confidence, the council has updated its website with detailed pre-visit guides and practical visitor information, including details on sensory-friendly spaces at People’s Park, Ecos and Carnfunnock.

Its arts centres and museums are also moving towards further accreditation by introducing dedicated sensory spaces, improved accessible signage and enhanced pre-visit resources.

Sensory spaces and quieter visits for families

In one of the most tangible changes for local families, the council has worked alongside the Mae Murray Foundation to create sensory-friendly spaces at People’s Park and Carnfunnock Country Park.

Funded by the Department for Communities, these spaces feature equipment designed for children of all abilities.

The council has also introduced Quiet Hour sessions in selected parks, creating calmer periods for families to visit without the disruption of machinery and maintenance activity — a move likely to be welcomed by many local parents and carers.

Dedicated Autism Champions are now in place across key departments, including parks, museums and leisure services, with trained staff on hand to help ensure services remain accessible and family-friendly.

Support for local businesses too

The Autism Team — a joint partnership between the council and the Northern Trust — is also delivering tailored autism awareness training for local businesses and organisations.

This training is designed to help businesses become more autism-friendly, with participants receiving certification on completion.

The council also continues to support the JAM Card initiative, a discreet card system that allows people with hidden disabilities, including autism, to ask for “just a minute” during interactions when they may need extra time.

Leaders praise progress

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, said:

“We are committed to supporting World Autism Acceptance Month 2026. Alongside our community planning partners, the Council is committed to championing inclusion - recognising the strengths, perspectives, and needs of our autistic community, and ensuring these insights guide how our services are shaped and delivered.”

He added:

“We are very proud of the progress made to date and remain dedicated to supporting the important efforts of the Autism Friendly Borough initiative.”

Jayne Colville, Public Health Autism Co-ordinator, NHSCT, said:

“The Northern Health and Social Care Trust continues to work in partnership with MEA Borough Council, supporting its Autism Friendly Borough efforts by actively promoting autism friendly practices, as well as ensuring an inclusive, accessible and welcoming environment for everyone.

“We are incredibly proud of our collective achievements to date and look forward to continuing this journey with MEA Borough Council.”

Why it matters locally

For families across Ballymena, Larne and Carrickfergus, the continued expansion of autism-friendly services represents more than a policy commitment — it means greater confidence in accessing parks, attractions, leisure services and community spaces.

As awareness and acceptance continue to grow, the borough’s approach is increasingly positioning Mid and East Antrim as a leading example of inclusive local government in Northern Ireland.

For more information, visit: www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/autismfriendly