Jump For LOFFA (Laois Offaly Families For Autism)

Hey There

We are Darren, Larina and Laura.we have decided to come together and join forces and

‘Jump for LOFFA’ .

We are leaving behind our comfort zones and doing a 10,000 foot skydive to raise as much as we possible can for LOFFA..

LOFFA(Laois Offaly Families For Autism) is a volunteer parent run support group for parents and families of children and young adults with a diagnosis of Autism.

LOFFA support their members in many different ways such as

. Social Outings

. Monthly meetings

. Coffee mornings

. Subsidy schemes to offset the price of private therapies.

They are a non profit organisation and registered charity( 20106997). They receive no funding and is entirely reliant on donations from the public..

This charity is very close to a lot of people’s hearts, as it is to Larina’s. Larina’s son Adam whom is 5years old has a diagnosis of Autism. We live with the ups, downs and the great love at the end of the day. LOFFA is always at the end of the phone for information or just a chat. Not to mention their subsidy scheme to off set the price towards private therapies. This is a major support to families alone. With the social outings organised for children and adults LOFFA go above and beyond to help this families in anyway they can.

Darren owns 'The Hair House' hair salon in Rathdowney.I have been hairdressing 16 years nearly.I have many kids and young adults that are on the spectrum and seeing first hand what Loffa do for these families is just amazing.i have been looking after these clients since I opened 4 years ago nearly.speaking to parents on many a different occasion who have children on the spectrum really wanted me to help more with this organisation.for me it's all about the child/young adult getting to know me and having the child comfortable in the surroundings when in salon so i have gotten some sensory toys in salon for when they are having their hair done as it's a calming measure for some.i got colouring books,crayons,and other toys if they preffered them. i also introduced time slots if a parent is worried about coming in with the child or young adult so they can be there on their own and have quiet time while getting their hair done..

Laura has been a hairdresser for the last
12 years and has looked after young adults and children who are on the spectrum and seeing them leave the salon smiling is so rewarding as their hairdresser to see the change in their faces after a haircut and style.
Laura also studied to be an SNA and is so passionate about helping young adults and children who have autism to guide them to a brighter healthier future.Laura hopes that in the near future that she will be able to work as a full-time SNA and do what she is so passionate about and making a change in so many lives . 

LOFFA do so much for so many families and we want to give back as much as we can and we want to raise as much as we can to alleviate any parents worries whether it be financially or emotionally with their child.it gives parents a chance to meet other parents with children whom are also autistic and growing a bond like no other.friendships for life.

We want to thank you so much for reading about LOFFA and a little about us..