Stranger Things have happened! Asda funding saves group's Dungeons and Dragons session

AN Antrim charity that supports autistic young people and their families has been able to save its much-loved ‘Dungeons and Dragons’ sessions, thanks to a £1,000 grant from the Asda Foundation.

All About Us, which provides social, recreational and educational opportunities for autistic children, young people and adults has been forced to reduce its D&D sessions due to funding uncertainty across Northern Ireland, but the team will now be able to continue with the popular get-togethers.

Ashley Ritchie, Community Champion at Asda Antrim, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled that All About Us have been successful in securing a grant through the Asda Foundation Young Futures Fund.

“This £1,000 will go towards the charity’s Dungeons and Dragons programme that allows young people with autism to be benefit from a supportive, creative space that builds social skills, confidence, teamwork and emotional resilience through facilitated tabletop role playing.

“The All About Us team have created an amazing space and the work they do with young people in the community, as well as wider family groups, is phenomenal, and I’m delighted to support them in any way we can.”

Shannon O’Neill, Project Manager at All About Us, said: “This grant will be a fantastic help in allowing us to continue to provide the great service that we do for young people with autism.

“With the funding uncertainty in Northern Ireland, our Dungeons and Dragons sessions have had to be reduced, but thanks to this grant we will now be able to continue with them.

“The money will be used to provide the resources, mini figures and equipment to give our Dungeon Delvers the best experience possible. Thank you to the Asda Foundation and our wonderful Community Champion, Ashley.”