CAPS - Providing an outlet for families

MEET THE FINALISTS: BEST NOT FOR PROFIT

Cavan Autism Parents Support (CAPS) group was founded in 2011 by the late Bernie Nelson who noticed that there were no outlets for her son Líam who has autism. Setting out on a mission to bring more activities for people with autism, Bernie’s right-hand woman in those initial days was her niece Triona Boylan, who helped her with the IT side of the organisation.

While Bernie passed away in 2023, the idea she developed 14 years ago has since helped countless families in Cavan, Monaghan, Leitrim and across the border.

There are currently 124 people with autism availing of the services provided by CAPS.

“It’s growing and growing and it will be a service that will keep on growing,” Triona said.

The group aims to help has many families as possible. They provide all of their services through fundraising and grants and give an outlet for children and adults with autism and their families.

These supports include day-time camps, social mornings, a Saturday club with activities such as play and art and therapy, and a computer club on a Friday. They also give the opportunity for their members to attend day time excursions such as trips to the Share Centre or Jump Zone.

They are in the process of expanding their offering with drama, music and dance workshops for their members, while they also aim to run more family fun days in the future. Each activity is run with the support of volunteers.

“A lot of our camps, the kids just come to the camp and it’s just respite for families to do other things but we want to branch into doing more family orientated events.”

Monthly social event

CAPS also provides support and advice to parents with their monthly morning social event which takes place on the first Tuesday of each month in Teach Oscail.

“A lot of parents face challenges and they just don’t know where to go or what to do next, we’re all about linking families together. Sometimes parents feel isolated. “We also have WhatsApp groups for our parents to share advice with each other or to ask questions.”

Regarding waiting lists for services such as Speech and Language Therapy or Occupational Therapy, CAPS provide aid to parents to source services.

“There’s just such waiting lists everywhere that unfortunately it’s through us doing other activities within our organisation that we are able to help,” Triona said, describing how they don’t have therapists of their own.

CAPS is currently looking for a permanent base in the town, as they are now renting spaces for their workshops. Initially set up as a charity, CAPS is a company limited by guarantee with Triona the sole employee, while it continues to be a registered charity.