West Mayo town becomes more autism friendly

Plans to make Westport a more friendly place in West Mayo for autistic people are taking a step closer this month, as Westport Autism Friendly Town launches their three-year initiative.

Their plans include collaborating with local groups and businesses such as Westport United, the W Cinema, and Portwest to encourage accessibility.

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Another initiative that WAFT is proposing is a sensory space for those in the community looking to comfortably celebrate the St Patrick’s Day parade in the town.

Maura Kiely is the chairperson of WAFT and has noted a significant change in the last year in the town.

“While the group may only be officially launching this month, the enthusiasm, energy, and support that we
have seen this past year has been both heartening and inspiring,” she stated.

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The advocate hopes that this launch can be a stepping stone to even greater efforts to implement a helping hand for those with autism in the community.

“It has been wonderful to see, and while we’re pleased to celebrate the milestone of our launch, it does not mark the end of this chapter – our work is only beginning.” 

Laura will be amongst those in attendance in Westport Town Hall Theatre on Friday, February 28, at 6.45 pm at WAFT’s launch. Westport man Brian Duffy, alongside an ensemble, will offer a ‘relaxed musical performance’ for those in attendance. There will also be performances by Ensemble Nezlamni (meaning: Ensemble Unbreakable) is a joint collaboration between
Westport Welcomes Ukraine and Ian Leslie, musician/music therapist/guided imagery and music practitioner.