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Mainstay DRP We focus on ability not disability, we want to enhance the lives of the people we support.

Mainstay DRPโ€”Background

Downe Residential Project was established as a charity in 1990 by a group of committed parents and carers whose aim was to provide and develop a range of quality care and support services for people with a learning disability and also for their families and carers. The Projectโ€™s inception was a direct response to the lack of appropriate facilities in the area for people with severe learning disabilities, challenging behaviour or autism. In November 2010 the Project changed its name to Mainstay DRP, to reflect both its expansion in respect of the type of service delivered, now providing more than residential but also supported housing, day-care, respite and vocational training services, but also the fact that services were increasingly being provided to people from outside the Down District. The principal aims of Mainstay DRP are identified in its Mission Statement:

ยท To enable people with learning difficulties to live in a range of community settings which best suit their needs
ยท To facilitate carers and relations in their caring role.
ยท To provide consumer led responsive, quality services.

๐Ÿšจ DONโ€™T FORGET โ€” RECRUITMENT NIGHT IS COMING! ๐Ÿšจ๐Ÿ’™ COME ALONG & MEET US!๐Ÿ“… Wednesday 28th October๐Ÿ•• 6pmโ€“8pm๐Ÿ“ The Community H...
23/10/2026

๐Ÿšจ DONโ€™T FORGET โ€” RECRUITMENT NIGHT IS COMING! ๐Ÿšจ

๐Ÿ’™ COME ALONG & MEET US!

๐Ÿ“… Wednesday 28th October
๐Ÿ•• 6pmโ€“8pm
๐Ÿ“ The Community Hub, 1 Cumulus Heights, Downpatrick

Thinking about a career where you can make a real difference? Come along and see what weโ€™re all about.

20/10/2026

๐Ÿ’š Silent Cuts is one year old.

A year ago, Silent Cuts opened its doors in Downpatrick with a simple aim, to make hairdressing calmer, quieter and more accessible.

Since then, the salon has welcomed customers who simply prefer a quieter experience, as well as people who may need extra time, familiarisation, flexibility or a different approach to having their hair cut.
Over the past year, the team has grown, the service has developed, and most importantly, Silent Cuts has continued to listen to the people who use the salon.

We are proud to see how far Silent Cuts has come in its first year.

Thank you to every customer, family, supporter and organisation that has been part of the journey. ๐Ÿ’š

Suitcases out, holiday mode on! ๐Ÿงณโ˜€๏ธThereโ€™s plenty of excitement at Rathdree as everyone gets packed and ready for their ...
15/10/2026

Suitcases out, holiday mode on! ๐Ÿงณโ˜€๏ธ

Thereโ€™s plenty of excitement at Rathdree as everyone gets packed and ready for their holidays.

Suitcases are outbook, clothes are being packed and the holiday essentials are being carefully chosen. Everyone is getting involved in making sure theyโ€™re ready to go.

Thereโ€™s just one question...

Where do you think theyโ€™re off to? ๐Ÿ‘€

Weโ€™ve got some good news to share. ๐ŸŽ‰Weโ€™re delighted to have been awarded ยฃ5,000 in funding from the Public Health Agency...
14/10/2026

Weโ€™ve got some good news to share. ๐ŸŽ‰

Weโ€™re delighted to have been awarded ยฃ5,000 in funding from the Public Health Agency through the Clear Project to support Creative Minds: Express, Connect & Thrive, a new 12-week creative wellbeing programme.

๐ŸŽจ Creative Minds will use a range of creative activities, potentially including art, photography, music, sensory activities, printmaking and ceramics, giving participants different ways to express themselves, connect with others and support their wellbeing.

The programme is built around the Take 5 Steps to Wellbeing, Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning and Give. ๐ŸŒฑ

Over the 12 weeks, participants will take part in creative wellbeing sessions, community creative experiences and reflection activities, before coming together for a final exhibition and celebration of their work and achievements. โœจ
Supported by the Public Health Agency through the Clear Project.

14/10/2026

๐Ÿ’™ REMINDER! ๐Ÿ’™

Just a little reminder that our Mainstay DRP Recruitment Night is coming up!

๐Ÿ“… Wednesday 28th October
๐Ÿ•• 6pm โ€“ 8pm
๐Ÿ“ The Community Hub, 1 Cumulus Heights

If youโ€™re thinking about a career with us, come along, meet the team and find out more.

Weโ€™d love to see you there! ๐Ÿ’™

๐Ÿ’œMore Than Just a Short Break | A Little Brotherly TeamworkBrothers Colin and Michael enjoy spending a few nights each m...
13/10/2026

๐Ÿ’œMore Than Just a Short Break | A Little Brotherly Teamwork

Brothers Colin and Michael enjoy spending a few nights each month at our Short Breaks service.

During their latest stay, they were busy helping each other with everyday household chores. A bit of brotherly teamwork while practising the skills that help build confidence and independence. ๐Ÿ‘

With the jobs done, Colin headed to the shop to choose a well-earned treat. Sometimes it's hard to decide, but you can't go far wrong with a Coke and a walk in the fresh air! ๐Ÿฅค

That's what Short Breaks is about. Time to enjoy yourself, make your own choices and build everyday skills, with support when you need it.

๐Ÿ’œ๐Ÿ’š WE NEED VOLUNTEERS! ๐Ÿ’š๐Ÿ’œWould you like to make a real difference in your community? ๐ŸŒŸMainstay DRP is looking for volunt...
12/10/2026

๐Ÿ’œ๐Ÿ’š WE NEED VOLUNTEERS! ๐Ÿ’š๐Ÿ’œ

Would you like to make a real difference in your community? ๐ŸŒŸ

Mainstay DRP is looking for volunteers to join us at The Community Club in Downpatrick!

Come along, meet our team, get to know the people we support and help create meaningful opportunities for adults with learning disabilities.

๐Ÿ“… Thursday evenings
โฐ 6.30pm โ€“ 8.30pm
๐Ÿ“ The Community Club, 1 Cumulus Heights, Downpatrick

๐Ÿ’š Whether you want to gain experience, meet new people or give something back, weโ€™d love to hear from you!

๐Ÿ‘‰ Express your interest via link in the comments.

Help us make a difference โ€” we look forward to hearing from you! ๐Ÿ’œ

โšฝ A brilliant result for Stephen and the Mainstay DRP team!There was plenty to celebrate at the Orchardville Inclusion C...
07/10/2026

โšฝ A brilliant result for Stephen and the Mainstay DRP team!
There was plenty to celebrate at the Orchardville Inclusion Cup, with Stephen being named Sportsman of the Tournament! ๐Ÿ†

It was also a great day for the whole Mainstay DRP team, who finished 4th in the Inclusion Cup.

Beyond the results, days like this are about being part of a team, getting involved, building confidence and enjoying some friendly competition together.

A big congratulations to Stephen on being named Sportsman of the Tournament, and a huge well done to Patrick, Brendan, Robert, William, Matthew and Adam, who represented Mainstay DRP on the day. ๐Ÿ‘โšฝ

Thank you to Orchardville for bringing everyone together for such an enjoyable day of football and inclusion.

Could this be the job that makes a difference โ€” for you and for someone else? ๐Ÿ’™Weโ€™re opening our doors at Mainstay DRP a...
07/10/2026

Could this be the job that makes a difference โ€” for you and for someone else? ๐Ÿ’™

Weโ€™re opening our doors at Mainstay DRP and inviting you to come along, meet our team and find out what itโ€™s really like to work alongside adults with learning disabilities.

Our Recruitment Night is a chance to:

โœจ Meet the team
๐Ÿค Chat with the people we support
๐Ÿก Experience our welcoming community for yourself
๐Ÿ’ฌ Find out more about working with us
๐Ÿ“ And, if you like what you see, complete an application and even interview on the night!

๐Ÿ“… Wednesday 28th October 2026
๐Ÿ•• 6pm โ€“ 8pm
๐Ÿ“ The Community Hub, 1 Cumulus Heights

You donโ€™t need to have years of experience. Whether youโ€™re already working in social care or youโ€™re looking for a career where you can make a genuine difference every day, come along and meet us.

Your next opportunity could start with one conversation.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Join us on the night
Weโ€™d love to meet you! ๐Ÿ’™

Address

2 CUMULUS HEIGHTS, BALLYVANGE
Downpatrick
BT306WT

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 3:30pm

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