Positive Futures

21/06/2026

Do you see me?

On the final day of Learning Disability Week 2026, we are celebrating Brian, who has been a member of his local Men’s Shed for around 18 months🧰.

Men from Brian’s community come together there to take part in different activities, like woodwork. It’s a place where Brian can socialise, feel included, and spend time with others🤝. Being part of the group gives Brian the opportunity to build his independence and develop new skills, all while feeling like he truly belongs✨.

As Brian says:
"I like to go there to do some work and I enjoy chatting with my friends and having a wee cup of tea🫖."

This Learning Disability Week, it’s about recognising the importance of inclusion, in our communities, our spaces, and everyday life.

20/06/2026

“Shout about Shared Lives”

Celebrating the wonderful Lorraine and Florence from our Families Matter Shared Lives Service this Shared Lives Week 🥰.

Today for , we're sharing stories that show what makes Shared Lives unique. Shared Lives can include long-term support, day support, short breaks or occasional stays, shaped around what works for everyone involved.

Lorraine is sharing her experience of being a Shared Lives carer and why she wants more people to know that support doesn't have to be one-size-fits-all.

For the past 16 years, Lorraine has welcomed Florence into her home for a two-night break every other month through Positive Futures Families Matter Shared Lives Service.

When Lorraine first heard about Shared Lives, she realised it offered a way to continue spending time with Florence while fitting around her own life and commitments.

"I liked the sound of the flexibility Shared Lives offered."

Sixteen years later, they still enjoy meals out, cinema trips, weekends at Lorraine's family farm and plenty of laughter along the way.

"Giving someone the opportunity to have one-to-one time or experience family life is so rewarding. It can just be a weekend once a month or even less – it doesn't have to take over your life."

Read Lorraine and Florence's story: https://sharedlivesplus.org.uk/2026/06/19/i-feel-privileged-to-be-a-shared-lives-carer-why-lorraine-wants-to-shout-about-shared-lives/

20/06/2026

We had an incredible day on Monday launching Shared Lives Carers Week with a lunch for all our incredible Families Matter Shared Lives hosts.

We celebrated the incredible people who open their homes and their hearts to the people that we support. Our Shared Lives Carers are people who have time, compassion and sometimes space in their homes but above all a willingness to make a difference to someone's life.

In keeping with this year's theme, "Shout About Shared Lives" we challenged every body to tell at least 1 person about shared lives, and now it's up to you!

19/06/2026

Do You See Me?

This Learning Disability Week, we’re shining a light on Jonathan and the powerful impact that connection and community can have.

After a period of ill health that kept him at home and unable to work, Jonathan took a brave step by joining the Wednesday pool group at his local church, and the difference in his confidence has been like night and day.

What started as trying something new has grown into so much more. Through the group, Jonathan has built meaningful friendships, including with Cameron and Kevin (pictured), and found a real sense of belonging. 💬🎱

This week, Jonathan reached an incredible milestone by competing in the final of a Northern Ireland Special Pool Association League, a huge achievement considering he only started the hobby a few months ago!

This year’s theme, “Do You See Me?”, is about recognising people’s strengths, achievements, and unique journeys. Jonathan’s story is a powerful reminder of how important connection, opportunity, and community can be.

Jonathan, we see your strength, your growth, and everything you’ve achieved 👏.

Interested in joining the community.. contact: Northern Ireland Special Pool Association or Nipa Pool

19/06/2026

What a great day we had last week planting 30 trees to celebrate 30 years of Positive Futures at Mount Stewart National Trust NI 🌳🥰.

The partnership not only helps us work towards our Positive Green strategy but we also contributed to their Roots to Recovery project!

18/06/2026

Dr Agnes Lunny, OBE, CEO Positive Futures, reacts to the Muckamore Abbey Hospital Inquiry findings...

18/06/2026

Today marks a significant and important moment for our sector and people with a learning disability, with the long awaited publication of the Muckamore Abbey Inquiry report.

The report is considered the largest adult safeguarding investigation in UK history, and expected to lay bare the devastating scale of abuse experienced by people in the Muckamore Abbey Hospital, Co. Antrim.

Families have fought tirelessly for answers and accountability over many years. Their strength and determination have ensured that these voices are heard.

We recognise the trauma this process has caused for individuals and families, and the courage it has taken to pursue justice. This will be a heavy day for all of us. But Ashley's story is also a reminder of why change matters, and what is possible when people are supported with dignity, respect, and the right opportunities. Everyone deserves the chance to live a happy, safe, and fulfilling life, and that must be at the heart of what comes next.

17/06/2026

Our Families Matter Shared Lives Carers and Managers took part in a brilliant workshop delivered by Ineqe Safeguarding Group 🙌.

From social media trends to online gaming and chat apps, the session explored the very real risks people can face online, including exploitation, harmful content, and image-based abuse.
Most importantly, it gave our carers and staff the knowledge and practical tools to respond with confidence and support others effectively.

A big thank you to INEQE for such an insightful and empowering session 👏.

This is just one element of the support that Positive Futures delivers to the carers in our Shared Lives Service.

16/06/2026

Do You See Me?

This Learning Disability Week, we’re celebrating Cameron from our Ards Peninsula Supported Living Service and a moment that truly deserves to be seen!

Cameron recently went fishing for the very first time, and it’s safe to say he made quite the impression… because just 10 minutes after arriving, Cameron reeled in a fantastic carp 🐟😊!

What’s even more important is how Cameron approached the experience, showing care and respect by handling the carp gently and safely returning it to the water, making sure its wellbeing came first. The fish even stuck around long enough for a quick photo📸!

This year’s theme, “Do You See Me?”, is about recognising people, their talents, their achievements, and their individuality. Cameron’s story is a brilliant reminder of what can happen when people are seen, supported, and given the opportunity to try something new.
We see you, Cameron, and we think you’re amazing👏!

15/06/2026

30 years of opening hearts and homes 🏡

As we celebrate Shared Lives Week, we’re proud to launch with the story of the Mullan family, marking 30 years of making a difference through our Families Matter Shared Lives Service✨.

For over three decades, the Mullan's have opened their home and their lives, supporting people to grow in confidence, build independence, and feel a true sense of belonging. Their journey reflects what Shared Lives is all about; ordinary people doing something truly extraordinary🥰.

Shared Lives offers adults with a learning disability, autism or acquired brain injury the opportunity to live with, or be supported by, another family or individual. Whether it’s long-term care, short breaks or day support, it’s built on relationships, trust, and shared everyday moments💛.

Our Shared Lives Carers are people who have time, compassion, and sometimes space in their homes, but above all, a willingness to make a difference in someone’s life.

✨ Because sometimes, the most meaningful support doesn’t come from a service, it comes from being part of a home.

This week, we’ll be sharing more stories that highlight the life-changing impact of Shared Lives, and how you could be part of it.

📍 Interested in becoming a Shared Lives Carer in Belfast? Find out more 👉 https://ow.ly/TPjO50Zaxpe