Newry could be set to introduce Autism Friendly Swim Sessions to the local leisure centre to ensure opportunities for all to enjoy the facility.
This comes following a successful pilot scheme at Downpatrick Leisure Centre and approval at a recent Active and Healthy Communities ‘ meeting to make this a permanent arrangement.
Council has been requested to now look at introducing Autism Friendly Swim Sessions in Newry Leisure to ensure that all of our citizens have the opportunity to enjoy the facilities.
This request was made by Sinn Féin Councillor Liz Kimmins, who said: “There has been an extremely positive response to the introduction of this scheme in Downpatrick with a high uptake and I know this is something that would be hugely beneficial to children and young people with a diagnosis of Autism in the Newry area.
“The council have agreed to go away and examine at the current schedule for the swimming pool and see when would be a suitable time slot for these sessions”.
She added: “I will continue to push this initiative to get things up and running as soon as possible.
“My colleague Cllr Sean Doran has also requested the same for Kilkeel swimming pool and we are hopeful that this will eventually be rolled out across all of our facilities”.
