The mission of the National Autistic Society Northern Ireland is to transform lives, change attitudes and create a society that works for around 18,000 autistic people in Northern Ireland.

The charity does this by providing targeted direct support to thousands of autistic people, family members and carers every year.

The Bar’s charity committee is planning an extensive range of fundraising events to support the charity in the coming year.

Mark Conlon BL, chair of the charity committee, said: “We look forward to supporting the vitally important work of the National Autistic Society Northern Ireland in the coming year. We know that our members will join us in getting behind this very worthy cause.”

Shirelle Stewart, the charity’s director, added: “We are absolutely delighted to have been selected to be the Bar of NI’s charity of the year.

“As a charity we are reliant on the support of organisations such as the Bar to raise vital funds to help us continue to provide more services and support for autistic people and their families and carers throughout Northern Ireland.”