Mainstay DRP

01/09/2026

We're looking for a caring and reliable Support Worker to join our team.

If you're passionate about making a positive difference in people's lives, we'd love to hear from you!

🕒 Up to 39 hours per week
💰£13.04 per hour

About the role:
You will support individuals with their daily lives, encourage independence, promote wellbeing, and help them achieve their personal goals in a safe and supportive environment.

We Offer:
🌟Competitive pay
🌟Training & career progression
🌟Supportive Management Team

Follow the link below to learn more about the role and submit your application:

Here at Mainstay DRP, we really care about what we do – opening doors for adults with learning disabilities, and supporting them to achieve independence. Our

31/08/2026

💜 Staff Spotlight: Sabrina

In June, Sabrina was nominated for a Learning Disability Support Worker Award, recognising the dedication, compassion and professionalism she has demonstrated throughout 24 years of supporting others.

Her nomination highlighted her person-centred approach, commitment to promoting independence and the positive difference she makes to the lives of the people she supports and her colleagues.

Just a few weeks later, these qualities were demonstrated in extraordinary circumstances.

When a person Sabrina supports experienced a life-threatening medical emergency, Sabrina remained calm and acted immediately. Alongside the service manager and several clients, she provided CPR and used a defibrillator until the emergency services arrived.

Their quick response helped to save a life. The person has since returned home and is recovering well.

The courage and determination shown by the clients who helped during the emergency were also remarkable. Their confidence and willingness to act reflected the independence, practical skills and belief in themselves that Sabrina has helped them develop over many years.

What happened in July did not give us new reasons to recognise Sabrina. It brought to life the very qualities for which she had already been nominated: leadership, compassion, professionalism and a deep commitment to empowering others.

We are incredibly proud of Sabrina and everyone who responded that day. Their actions are a powerful reminder of what people can achieve when they are supported to build confidence, independence and belief in themselves. 💜

27/08/2026

🌟 New Training Group Starting at Silent Cuts 🌟
We’re getting ready to welcome a new group into our training programme at Silent Cuts 💚

This programme is for people with learning disabilities and/or autism to learn customer service and hairdressing skills in a real salon environment, at their own pace, with the right support.

Participants gain hands-on experience, building confidence, communication skills and independence, supported by our team in a calm, inclusive space.

💬 We have 4 places available for a 8-week programme:
• 2 places on Mondays
• 2 places on Tuesdays

This is part of our wider training and employability programme, supporting people to move towards future opportunities.

📅 Applications close Thursday 3 September.

If you, or someone you support, would like to apply or find out more, please complete the expression of interest form:
https://mainstaydrp.org/day-opportunities/

We’re looking forward to supporting the next group on their journey 💚

26/08/2026

August News & Stories 💜
Every month, we share the stories, achievements, and moments that make Mainstay DRP such a special community 💜
Sign up to receive our monthly News & Stories email:
🔗https://mainstaydrp.org/sign-up-to-our-newsletter/
This August, we're sharing:
🌱 A wonderful Poly's Place story, from homegrown blueberries to freshly baked scones
📸 Highlights in pictures from across five Mainstay DRP services
❓ Find out about our September Quiz Night in aid of Mainstay DRP’s Pay It Forward Fund
Sign up today and receive our August edition.

25/08/2026

QUIZ NIGHT IS COMING! 🧠🎉

Gather your friends and join us for an evening of trivia, laughter and friendly competition.

Every £5 donation helps support the Mainstay DRP Pay It Forward Fund, helping make sensory-friendly hair appointments through Silent Cuts more accessible.

📅 Saturday 26 September
🕗 8:00 pm
📍 The Lakeside Inn
👥 Teams of up to 6
💷 £5 donation per person
🏆 Winner's Prize
🎟️ Charity Raffle

👉 Book your team today:
https://mainstaydrp.org/quiz-night-26th-september/

18/08/2026

Everyday routines, personal interests and new adventures. Every part of the journey matters 💜

Kevin and Darryl picked up the weekly shop at Tesco in Newcastle, while Kevin also enjoyed browsing a charity shop and choosing some DVDs 🎬🛒

Stephen and Kieran worked together to clean out the chicken house, feed the chickens and collect fresh eggs 🐔🥚
Sean enjoyed one of his regular music therapy sessions 🎵

Rosie visited historic Struell Wells, Michael enjoyed the rides at Emerald Park, and Darryl had a dander around St John’s Point 🌿🎢🌊

Ardcora: “The right support at the right time” 💜

11/08/2026

🔥✨ Creativity Meets Technology at the Community Hub! ✨🔥

Our service users at the Community Hub had a brilliant time taking part in a Laser Engraving & CNC Workshop! 🪵💻

The workshop gave everyone the opportunity to see how digital designs and photographs can be transformed into amazing personalised wooden creations using laser engraving and CNC technology. 🤩

From personalised boxes and detailed portraits to birdhouses, jigsaws and even a fantastic new Mainstay DRP Honesty Box sign 🥚🥕🧁💐 — it was incredible to watch the designs come to life!

There was lots of interest, creativity and excitement throughout the session, and our service users really enjoyed seeing the equipment in action and the finished pieces they helped to create. 🙌❤️

A fantastic hands-on experience introducing new technology, creativity and practical skills in a fun and accessible way. 🛠️🧩✨

A huge thank you to Gavin & Gareth for such an enjoyable workshop — judging by the smiles, it was definitely a hit! 😊👏

💚

11/08/2026

Andrew shaped his Short Breaks stay around the things he loves! 🌱🍳🎬

He filled his weekend with gardening, spending time outdoors, cooking and a cheeky cinema trip to see the new Spider-Man film.
At Short Breaks, choice matters. Our team supports each person to enjoy a stay centred around their interests, build confidence and develop independence, while feeling safe, supported and well cared for.

Andrew’s family shared:
"Andrew’s weekends at Mainstay DRP Short Breaks are life-changing for Andrew and his family. Andrew loves his action, fun and food filled weekend. The team are so caring and motivated, and as a family it's a joy to see his sense of independence grow, and we can rest and rebuild our own energies”

Short Breaks: “More Than Just a Short Break”💜

06/08/2026

🦋 It looks like the butterflies are enjoying the sunshine at Poly’s Place Social Farm and Garden!

Brendan, Joanne, Adam, Darragh, Damien and Marie-Anne recently took part in the Big Butterfly Count, spotting Peacock and Small Tortoiseshell butterflies.

We’re incredibly proud of our budding conservation champions. By taking part, they are helping Butterfly Conservation learn more about how butterflies are faring across Northern Ireland, while championing biodiversity right here at Poly’s Place.

The Big Butterfly Count runs until Sunday 9 August, so there is still plenty of time to get involved.
💬 Which butterflies have you spotted this summer?

Find out how to take part using the link in the comments.

’sPlaceSocialFarm