LOFFA was established in 2001. The main objective under our current constitution is to support families in the Laois and Offaly areas affected by ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) by way of subsidised therapy, advice, information and advocacy.

LOFFA is made up of an elected committee of 8 volunteer parents and a membership of 100 plus families. The committee welcomes DMs, emails and phone calls from members and potential members seeking advice and assistance. We have daily engagement with our members through our private and public Facebook pages. We support our families through a generous subsidy scheme, to offset the cost of private therapy. This is achieved with the assistance of our dedicated Therapy Panel. These include occupational, play, speech and behavioural therapy. We also provide counselling services.

As a non-profit registered charity (RCN 2016997) LOFFA receives no public funding. We rely totally on our own fundraising efforts and every cent raised goes directly back to our members.

We have been very fortunate to do what we do and this is due to the generosity of the people of Laois/Offaly and beyond who have always supported us and we hope will continue to do so in the future.

LOFFA received Runner Up in our Category at the Offaly County Council Volunteer Group awards 2022 for our work during the pandemic.

Pictured L to R: John Taylor, Vice Chairperson LOFFA; Catherine Bracken,  LOFFA Fundraising and Events Manager (Offaly); Cllr Declan Harvey, Cathaoirleach O.C.C.; Orlaith Kerrigan, Secretary LOFFA and Breda Murray Chairperson LOFFA

LOFFA Committee for 2022

Chairperson:  Breda Murray

Vice Chairperson:  John Taylor

Secretary:  Orlaith Kerrigan

Assistant Secretary:  Emily Mahon

Treasurer:  Rafel Hubsch

Vice Treasurer:  Jane McManus

Laois Events & Fundraising Manager:  Roisin Conroy

Offaly Events & Fundraising Manager:  Catherine Bracken