Providing a supportive environment for young people with autism

Westmeath Independent Community & Sports Awards in association with Westmeath County Council

Social Inclusion Award finalist: Infinity Friends

Infinity Friends is a social club for autistic children and youth in Thomastown, county Roscommon, serving Athlone and surrounding areas, supported by Youth Work Midlands.

The children are aged between 4 and 18 years old and the support provided through the club continues through to adulthood.

The club was originally set up by Claire Earley and Hilda Duignan in September 2022, with the aim of providing a safe and inclusive environment where members can be supported making friends.

Claire is a trained Special Needs Assistant (SNA) and Hilda has a degree in Early Childhood care along with SNA training. Hilda works as an AIM support worker in a local preschool.

There are now almost 100 children attending clubs over five days of the week with an active waiting list.

Infinity Friends is operated entirely by a team of dedicated volunteers who generously give their time and skills to support children and young people.

The organisation is community-led, non-profit, and built on values of inclusion, kindness, and participation. Volunteers undergo appropriate vetting and training and are supervised by the committee to ensure that children are supported safely and respectfully in all activities.

The club aims to promote confidence in the children's abilities and skills primarily through weekly club sessions. It also facilitates, when possible, participation in activities such as horseriding, swimming, bowling and cinema visits for example, throughout the year.

Infinity Friends marked a milestone in June 2025, when it officially opened its dedicated clubhouse, which features a large, secure outdoor area, a bright indoor environment, a state-of-the-art sensory room, and a dedicated OT space, ensuring every member has a place to thrive, explore, and feel at home.

Those who put Infinity Friends forward for nomination have said the organisation has "touched and connected so many people", as well as continually giving children and parents a safe place where they are "accepted for who they are" and where they can "meet their tribe".

The group's work has previously been recognised by Athlone Chamber when it was awarded a Community Group Of the Year award in 2023.

The Social Inclusion Award finalists are Athlone Drug Awareness Group, Athlone Meals on Wheels and Infinity Friends.

The Social Inclusion award is sponsored by Westmeath County Council.