Stories
Hear from young people and families whose lives have been changed by Autonomie's programmes across Northern Ireland.
"I Never Thought I Could Live Independently"
James joined the SAIL programme three years ago. At the time, he lived with his parents and relied on them for everything - cooking, cleaning, managing money.
"I wanted to be independent, but I didn't know where to start. I felt overwhelmed by everything I didn't know how to do. SAIL broke it down into manageable steps."
"The staff were so patient. They never made me feel stupid for not knowing something. They celebrated every small achievement with me."
Today, James lives in his own flat, cooks his own meals, manages his budget, and uses public transport independently. "SAIL gave me my life back. I'm not just surviving - I'm thriving."
- James, Age 24, SAIL Participant
More Stories
Every story is unique, every journey matters
Finding My People
"Before Freedom2Choose, I spent most weekends at home. I was lonely and felt like no one understood what it was like to be me."
"Now I have a group of friends who really get it. We go out together, try new things, and support each other. I'm not lonely anymore."
- Sophie, Age 18, Freedom2Choose
A Lifeline for Our Family
"As a parent of a child with disabilities, I often felt isolated and overwhelmed. The Family Voice Hub connected me with other parents who understood."
"I finally had people to talk to who didn't judge, who got it. Autonomie has been a lifeline for our whole family."
- Emma, Parent
Learning to Speak Up
"I used to let other people make decisions for me. I didn't think my opinion mattered. Through Autonomie, I learned that my voice is important."
"Now I speak up for what I want and need. I advocate for myself. That's changed everything."
- Connor, Age 21, SAIL
Discovering What I Love
"Freedom2Choose helped me discover I love art. I never knew I was creative until I tried it. Now I paint every week and I'm really good at it!"
"Autonomie gave me the chance to try things I never would have tried otherwise. I found something I'm passionate about."
- Rachel, Age 16, Freedom2Choose
From Dependent to Independent
"I used to rely on my mum for everything. Through SAIL, I learned to cook, clean, and manage my money. Now I help my mum instead of the other way around!"
"The feeling of being able to do things for myself is incredible. I'm proud of how far I've come."
- Michael, Age 19, SAIL
Support That Understands
"Other parents in the Family Voice Hub understand the challenges we face in a way that friends and family just can't. There's no judgment, just support."
"Knowing I'm not alone in this journey has made all the difference. We share advice, celebrate wins, and support each other through tough times."
- Sarah, Parent
In Their Own Words
"Autonomie helped me believe in myself. I can do things now I never thought I could do."
"I've made friends for life. We understand each other in a way other people don't."
"The staff really listen to what I want. It's not about what they think I should do."
"Autonomie gave me the confidence to speak up for myself and tell people what I need."
Start Your Own Story
Get in touch to learn how Autonomie can support you or your family.
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