Who are GAP?
GAP started as a small online group, progressing to support meetings and family outings. At one of these meetings in 2011, Galway Autism Partnership was officially formed by a group of parents and autistic adults and became a registered charity in 2012.
In Autumn 2012, GAP found a home in Tigh Ronain, 36 Laurel Park, Newcastle, Galway city.
Tigh Ronain is the ideal location for GAP activities, featuring large rooms for play, music, arts & crafts, a large back garden with playground equipment and our ever popular sensory room.
The house and garden are secure and safe for children and adults with additional needs. GAP’s office staff are also based at Tigh Ronain.
What does GAP do?
GAP aims to try and ‘Bridge the Gap’ between the needs of our community and existing health, social and education services. Our hope is to make Galway more a more friendly and welcoming place for neurodiverse people of all ages and their families. As a small charity, all of our activities are subject to resources – both money and people.
Our primary activities are:
- Parent and Carer support (group, in-person, via phone and email)
- Social and special interest clubs and camps
- Mental health supports including therapy and counselling
- Autism Awareness and Acceptance campaigns
- Education and information including the delivery of ”Autism: What is Unique is Wonderful” in Primary and Secondary schools
- Organisational training ”Creating autism-friendly workplaces and businesses”
GAP is a self-funded charity; this means that we do not receive multi-annual state funding from any source. We rely heavily on the generosity of our community and fundraising to keep the doors open. If you would like to support GAP in it’s activities, please visit our iDonate page to donate.
GAP has an entirely voluntary Board of Trustees who support the full time Coordinator and part-time Finance Accountant to carry out the charities activities. In addition to our office staff, GAP employs expert Facilitators for clubs and camps. Each GAP club or camp has a Facilitator supported by a number of volunteers.
If you need any information about GAP please contact our office at 091-588899 – we would be delighted to help you in any way we can.
