A popular autism support group serving families across the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough has closed with immediate effect after an unsuccessful effort to strengthen its committee left it below the legal minimum needed to continue operating.
The ABC Autism Group announced the decision on social media on Monday, August 10. The announcement was reported on August 12, 2026, after the group said it was making the decision with “regret and sadness”.
Committee shortage brings activities to an end
The group said its recent attempts to address an “unsustainable workload/manpower imbalance” had not succeeded. It also said members had believed they would have time to try to save the organisation, but that opportunity had been removed.
Although several formalities remain before the organisation is fully wound up, the remaining committee said that process could take a couple of months. In practical terms, however, the group said its activities were ending immediately.
The closure means a swimming session scheduled for Tuesday, August 11, and a trip to W5 planned for August 23 will not go ahead. The group said both events had been cancelled and that full refunds for any deposits paid would be issued to attendees in the coming days.
Families pay tribute to 11 years of support
The ABC Autism Group thanked everyone who had taken part during its 11 years, highlighting the friendships, connections and memories built through the organisation. The remaining committee members named in its farewell message were Kirsty, Warren, Karla and Charlie.
“Recent efforts to bolster our committee due to an unsustainable workload/manpower imbalance, have been unsuccessful and we have now reached the point where we are below the legal minimum we need to continue operations.”
One service user described the group as a “Godsend” for their family, while another said members were “absolutely gutted” but understood why the decision had been taken.
In a tribute, the service user praised the group for offering support without judgement and for treating people with understanding and encouragement at gatherings and special occasions. They recalled activities including bucket collecting, swimming, movie nights, silent discos, zoo trips, picnics in Lurgan Park and kite flying.
“This group has given such an amazing support with no judgement and has treated everyone with great understanding and encouragement throughout all get together and special occasions.”
The service user also remembered the group’s online support during the Covid days, including Zoom games and “blue tea”, and said the memories created over the 11 years would last a lifetime.
The committee ended its message by saying goodbye to the group’s members and expressing hope that it would see many of them again in the years ahead.