We are delighted to announce that in November 2024, HYC became the FIRST Autism Champion in the Howth and Sutton area! Our Club was awarded the designation by AsIAm, Ireland's Autism charity, in association with the Howth-Sutton Autism Friendly Community, both of which focus on representing, connecting, coordinating, and unifying the autism community in Ireland.

Our staff underwent specialised training to better understand and accomodate the needs of individuals with Autism and other neurodivergent conditions; training that will continue to be implemented with team members and instructors coming into the sailing season. Our marketing team created "visual guides" of HYC for our website, and the Club now offers sensory kits for activities and events at the Club, and sensory spaces in our public areas. 

Howth Yacht Club is honoured to be a space that is more accessible for neurodivergent communities. Please see the below message from Howth-Sutton Autism Friendly Community Chairperson (and HYC member), Gillian Molyneux:

We at Howth-Sutton Autism Friendly Community would like to congratulate Howth Yacht Club on becoming the first Autism Champions in Howth and Sutton. You have led the way for other clubs and businesses in the area to become more inclusive to members of the community whose disabilities are invisible to others and are generally ignored. 

The Club achieved this award thanks to the 31 committed staff who gave up two hours of their day for a training programme to learn about what Autism is and how to support Autistic members and visitors to the Club. Whether in the main office, marina office, bar/restauant or housekeeping departments, the staff showed a remarkable engagement with the training programme and I personally have noticed a wonderful openness towards and acceptance of our Autistic community ever since. It is worth noting that approximately 4% of people in Ireland are Autistic.

So, if you are Autistic or have a family member who is, do not be afraid to let the staff know. You will find them to be very open and patient with a good understanding of what Autism is and that every Autistic person has different challenges and needs. They will show you where you can find a quiet space if you need to decompress, and they will offer you a sensory/self-regulation kit if you need one. In addition, to help you feel better prepared about what to expect at the Club and at different events and activities, they now visually communicate through their visual guides, which you can find on the website.

Well done Howth Yacht Club, and thank you for your commitment to better accommodating our Autistic families in the Club.

Our sincere gratitude to the Howth-Sutton Autism Friendly Community and AsIAm for their work and continued support. Please follow this link to see photos from the evening.