(Ireland) Inishowen: Local autism support gets €200,000 [$233K] for support
- The end of childhood
- Sep 4
- 2 min read
Sept 4, 2025, Derry Journal: iCARE to receive €200,000 [$233K] per year from HSE to support autism services in Inishowen
The welcome funding will enable iCARE’s delivery of support services to children and young people with autism and their families in the Inishowen area.
iCARE Board of Management chairperson Doreen Friel pictured with Minister of State Charlie McConalogue and Edel Quinn, Head of Disability Services, HSE
It was secured based on iCARE’s service development needs as identified to the HSE.
iCARE Ltd was established in September 2000 by a group of dedicated parents to support autistic individuals and their families in the Inishowen area.
The organisation focuses on providing support, training, and information to the autism community.
Ms Doreen Friel, Chairperson of the Board of Directors, commenting on the funding allocation, stated: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this substantial additional funding from the HSE. It is a huge endorsement and a very welcome recognition of the work we do here in iCARE.
"This funding will allow us to further increase our reach to families and young people who find themselves isolated.
“We intend to be creative and strategic in supporting more families across Inishowen. I would like to thank my fellow board members and our fantastic staff for their hard work and continued determination to support our autistic community. A massive thank you to Edel Quinn and her team for their support. We look forward to strengthening our partnership through collaboration and a shared vision. We are indebted to Minister Charlie McConalogue for his support with this submission and to our other public representatives for their ongoing advocacy and work on our behalf. If you think iCARE can be of support to you please do contact us on 083 095 6007 or call to our centre at Looking Glass Brae, Buncrana.”
Key milestones for iCARE over the past 25 years include the establishment of the iCARE centre in 2007 in Buncrana, Sonas Youth Club in 2013, and the iADULT Day Service in 2020.
The iCARE centre offers a safe and nurturing space where autistic children and young people can learn, grow, and connect with others. . . .
iCARE also hosts a Parent Support Group which is held weekly during term time. This group offers a platform for parents to share experiences, gain support, and access valuable resources and information.
The iADULT Day Service, which is fully funded by the HSE, provides person centred supports to autistic individuals aged 18 to 65 years through a range of activities and programs that promote independence, social skills, employment opportunities and community involvement. . . .
iCARE had identified to the HSE that it needed increased government support to continue providing critical services for children and teenagers with autism. The rising number of autistic individuals and the growing demand for its programs were not sustainable without additional core funding from the HSE. . . .
The additional €200,000 funding allocation per annum from the HSE will support iCARE to: increase and stabilise its workforce; expand the range of programs delivered and improve accessibility to its services for people from across the Inishowen peninsula . . .
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