History of Afasic in Northern Ireland

1998: The then chair of Afasic, Madeline Starr, gave oral evidence to the N Ireland Forum for Political Dialogue outlining the incidence, services and needs of children and young people with speech, language and communication impairments.

May 1999: Afasic received 3 years funding from The National Lottery to employ a part time N Ireland Development Officer with a wide remit including:

• Enabling parents to become advocates for the needs of speech and language impaired young people
• Raising awareness to the needs of speech, language and communication impairments at local and strategic level
• Supporting children and young people their families and carers
• Supporting members and local groups
• Organising training for parents and professionals
• Organising regional conferences
• Raising Afasic’s profile in N Ireland

Afasic then received Executive Programme Funding for two years allowing the work to continue for another 2 years at a reduced level. Afasic has held 2 parents and professionals conferences and a number of training events in N Ireland.

2004/5: Maintained a presence in N Ireland 1 day a week.

2006: Afasic received 3 years Lottery funding from the Change UR Future Programme to deliver support to young people with speech, language and communication difficulties in Post Primary situations, schools and FE colleges. The grant Includes funding to support professionals working with these children and young people and most important direct support to those transferring from Primary to Secondary school, Activity Days, developing a youth web page, a youth forum and customising the Afasic Youth Handbook to ensure that it is relevant in N Ireland. While working on this those involved will be working towards a Youth Achievement Award.

May 2007: The Project was launched in the Long Gallery at Stormont