Autism and additional needs charity Sólás has hosted a musical extravaganza at Belfast’s Ulster Hall to raise for a new purpose-built community facility.
Among the young performers on the night was Violet Allen (11). The whole of the Allen family, who live in Castlereagh, have forged a close relationship with the team at Sólás. Violet’s younger brother Jacob (10) began visiting Sólás on the Ormeau Road in 2020, at first taking part in their annual summer scheme, before then attending regularly during the week and on Saturday’s.
“We found that everywhere we took Jacob, he was being turned away” explained Jacob’s mother Lynsey. “The clubs we took him to were doing their very best but just simply weren’t equipped to cater for his needs. Jacob had become very quiet, communicating verbally less and less. But then we found Sólás. After that initial summer school, he was like a different little boy. He came out of his shell and we felt so reassured that from then on, he had a place he could go where he was accepted for who he was.
Following this, Violet joined the charity’s siblings group with whom she will be singing at the upcoming concert in the Ulster Hall. Now mum Lynsey also visits the centre regularly to spend time with other parents and guardians who care for young people on the autistic spectrum.
“Sólás has now also become a lifeline for my husband Chris and I. It hasn’t always been easy helping Jacob find his place and the charity has helped us immeasurably in dealing with our thoughts and feelings as parents. For Violet, as a young carer who helps to look after brother, it’s also been invaluable. She’s met others experiencing the same things, learned more about how brother sees the world and now is an advocate amongst her peers – sharing what she knows with others at school and beyond.”
The musical concert in aid of the autism and additional needs charity has been organised by fellow Sólás parent India Chapman-Webb and will help the organisation strive towards their goal of building a tailor-made community facility in Belfast.
“Music is a huge part of my life” explained India. “I regularly perform with NI Opera and I wanted to share that passion with the young people and parents from Sólás, celebrate everything the charity does and try and help give back as much as we can.”
The line-up for the concert included The Cross Border Youth Orchestra, Hard Rain Soloist Ensemble; M’ANAM; The Ulster Consort Foundation and Northern Ireland Opera; as well as the children and youth of Sólás who performed a new piece by local composer Matthew Owens. The programme was introduced by local broadcasting legend Noel Thompson who is also a keen supporter of the charity.
“The Ulster Hall has proved to be the perfect place for us,” India continued, “not only because of the rich musical heritage associated with the space but because the team there have been able to accommodate us with tailored spaces around the building to help our young people feel settled and all our musical acts. It was a thrill to see so many supporters join us for a wonderful celebration of music and our special community.”
Learn more about the work of Sólás on the organisation's website: solasbt7.com.
