Positive Futures

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Positive Futures Positive Futures: Achieving Dreams. Transforming Lives. Charity for people with a learning disability Registered Charity Number NIC101385

Moving into adulthood is a significant milestone, and at Positive Futures we understand that successful transitions are ...
11/10/2026

Moving into adulthood is a significant milestone, and at Positive Futures we understand that successful transitions are about much more than practical support. They are about ensuring people continue to feel connected to the relationships and friendships that matter most.

Recently, there was a very special reunion for Ian and Andy, two young men supported by Positive Futures, whose journeys have been closely connected for many years. Ian and Andy spent a lot of their childhoods living in the same children's home and developed a strong friendship during that time. Last year, at the age of 17, both young men successfully transitioned into their own individual homes with support from Positive Futures. Although they moved to different locations and services within the organisation, their friendship has remained important to them.

Pictured here are Ian and Andy enjoying tea and buns together in Ian's forever home🏡. It was a genuinely heartwarming moment that highlighted the importance of maintaining meaningful relationships and connections during periods of significant change✨.

Their reunion is a wonderful example of the positive outcomes that can be achieved when people are supported to transition successfully into adulthood while continuing to nurture the relationships that matter most to them💕.

A huge well done to the teams in both Willows Supported Living Service in Coleraine and Magherafelt Supported Living Service for working together to make this visit happen.

07/10/2026

Last week, National Trust NI , Positive Futures and Belfast Hills Partnership members of EY’s R&D team in Belfast for a fantastic day of collaboration at our Windermere Supported Living Service in Lisburn.

Together, we created three “Forests in a Box” planters; an innovative National Trust project designed to engage communities in growing native trees and supporting local biodiversity🌳.

Over the next 12 months, these planters are expected to produce between 1,000 and 2,000 native tree seedlings, helping to create a greener future for generations to come. Once established, many of the saplings will be nurtured further through the National Trust’s tree nursery programme before eventually being planted across National Trust sites in Northern Ireland 🌱.

The day was a brilliant example of what can be achieved when organisations come together with a shared purpose. We are proud to have played a small part in a project that will leave a lasting environmental legacy while creating meaningful opportunities for connection, learning and collaboration 🤝.

Thank you to everyone involved for making the day such a success ✨.

Our Arches Family Support Service has been spook-tacularly busy recently 😉🎃We’re delighted to share that our Arches Fami...
03/10/2026

Our Arches Family Support Service has been spook-tacularly busy recently 😉🎃

We’re delighted to share that our Arches Family Support Service Bangor/Lisburn were invited to create a scarecrow for this year’s Scarecrow Parade at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens 🧑‍🌾.

The group chose to make a fisherman, as fishing is an activity they all enjoy together... and we think their creation looks fantastic🎣👏.

It was a wonderful opportunity for the people we support, their families and staff to come together for a fun and creative workshop with artist Shauna McGowan on the grounds of the magnificent castle and gardens.

📍 The scarecrow will be on display in the Walled Garden from 10 October – 8 November.

A special well done to everyone involved.. it looks amazing👏!

30/09/2026

As we share Gordon's story, we also bring our 30 Years Transforming Lives series to a close.

Over our 30th year, these stories have reminded us of something that has always been at the heart of Positive Futures: we see the person first 🥰.

Each story has highlighted the importance of listening, building relationships, and working closely with families and loved ones to create the right circle of support around every individual ✨. Because no two people are the same, and every person deserves support that reflects their unique strengths, aspirations and goals 🙌.

This series has given us the opportunity to reflect on the real impact of our work. It's not just celebrating a person achieving a dream, it's also asking the question: what's next?

It has also been a reminder of the incredible role our staff play at every stage of a person's journey. From that first referral to the everyday conversations about what comes next, their dedication helps ensure every voice is heard and every person is empowered to shape their own future 📢.

To Gordon, and to everyone who has shared their story, thank you for helping us celebrate 30 years of transforming lives and achieving dreams.

Watch the full series on our website and watch this space for lots more behind the scenes stories now we venture into year 31 🎂🥳!

https://ow.ly/OPEY50ZT1XU

25/09/2026

It's International Week of Deaf People, and we wanted to share the wonderful way in which Rosie, who is deaf, communicates with her support worker Bernie.

At Positive Futures, our staff take the time to know the person they are supporting and discover the best ways to communicate with them. For Rosie, who uses her own version of Makaton, her support team will make sure they learn on the job, even when Rosie introduces a new word!

Shout out to or neighbours ParklifeBangor for being great supporters and welcoming to the people we support.

If going that extra mile and building a relationship with somebody with an intellectual disability, acquired brain injury or autism sounds like you, we have support worker positions available across our services.

Click the link for more info on latest vacancies👉 https://ow.ly/Ooxw50ZQY5l

This International Day of Sign Languages, we're celebrating the incredible efforts of 13 members of our team who recentl...
23/09/2026

This International Day of Sign Languages, we're celebrating the incredible efforts of 13 members of our team who recently completed Makaton training with Nuala McAlinden from The Makaton Charity 🫶.

We believe being truly person-centred begins with listening to what people we support have to say. Every sign learned is a step towards breaking down barriers to being heard and building meaningful connections with the people we support, allowing us to communicate with them in a way that works for them✨.

20/09/2026

✨ This week, Positive Futures announced who will take the reins as our next CEO in late 2026. As an organisation committed to inclusion 🤝, it was important that the people we support were part of the recruitment process.

🎙️ Hear from Amy, who is supported by our Supported Living service in Donabate, as she shares her experience of helping recruit our incoming CEO, Kevin Doherty.

💬 Because everyone deserves a voice in decisions that shape their future.

At Positive Futures, we are not just inclusive, we are taking proactive steps to educate and celebrate the diversity tha...
16/09/2026

At Positive Futures, we are not just inclusive, we are taking proactive steps to educate and celebrate the diversity that exists within our organisation✨

Earlier this year, colleagues and people we support came together for an International Food Day, designed to connect people from across our communities who might not usually meet through their day-to-day roles.

From delicious Indian and Asian dishes to classic favourites, a Tayto taste test and even a turn on the bagpipes, the afternoon was full of laughter, conversation and shared experiences.🌍

Which wins your Tayto taste test?

Read more about our position on inclusion, equality and respect here: https://ow.ly/Ik0750ZMFbw

✏️ Annual Consultation Exercise 2026We've been listening to the people who matter most and the feedback speaks volumes.⭐...
14/09/2026

✏️ Annual Consultation Exercise 2026

We've been listening to the people who matter most and the feedback speaks volumes.

⭐ 100% of families and stakeholders said they're happy with our support.
⭐ 99.2% said our support helps people feel safe.
⭐ 99.3% of people we support said they feel safe with Positive Futures staff.
⭐ 99.4% reported being fully or partially satisfied with their support.

This year, 49 people we support took part in 9 focus groups across Northern Ireland and Ireland, sharing their experiences, hopes and ideas for the future.

One person told us:
💬"I can now live how I want and go shopping when I choose."

Another shared:
💬"When I first came to Positive Futures 22 years ago, I could not wash my own laundry and now I can do it with very little support."

Thank you to everyone who contributed to ACE 2026 and to our incredible staff whose commitment, kindness and person-centred support continue to help transform lives.

Read thoughts from Positive Futures Operations Director, Donna Johnson in our latest blog article 👉 https://ow.ly/m7C150ZMrca

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