Over £34,500 raised for 2015 Charities of the Year

Pictured above: Ashley McCausland BL, Ashleigh Jones BL, Sinead McKeagney BL, Sophie Laverty BL, Dr Philip McGarry (Threshold), Gerry McAlinden QC, Grainne Close (Autism Initiatives), Bobbie-Leigh Herdman BL, Rachel Bergin BL, Fiona Fee BL

The Bar of Northern Ireland Charity Committee recently presented a donation of just over £34,500 to the 2015/16 Charities of the Year, Threshold and Autism Initiatives.

Dr Philip McGarry, Chairman of Threshold and Grainne Close National Director of Autism Initiatives accepted their cheques from the Chairman of the Bar Council Gerry McAlinden QC and Chair of the Bar of Northern Ireland Charity Committee Sinead McKeagney BL at afternoon tea overlooking the Royal Courts of Justice.

Speaking at the event Sinead McKeagney BL said it was a pleasure to work with nominated charities and to see how the money would help people in Northern Ireland.

“I want to thank all our members for their fundraising efforts and recognise their support in making this donation possible. I know it will help the charities achieve their goals.”

Autism Initiatives has expanded rapidly since opening their doors in Northern Ireland in 2002. They work in close partnership with families and service users as well as other voluntaryorganisations and colleagues in the statutory sector. Autism Initiatives offer a number of health and activities programmes as well as a practical floating support service for people with Autism.

Threshold has been working in Northern Ireland for over thirty years and is a key provider of specialist therapeutic services for children, adolescents, adults and the elderly who suffer from mental health problems.