Every year, Positive Futures carries out its Annual Consultation Exercise (ACE) to listen to the people who matter most: the people we support, their families, carers, health professionals and wider stakeholders.
The findings from ACE 2026 paint a positive picture of the quality, impact and person-centred nature of support delivered across Positive Futures.
This year saw the highest number of survey responses ever received, with 302 people taking part. Alongside this, 360 pieces of feedback were submitted through our What People Think tool, nine focus groups were held across Northern Ireland and Ireland involving 49 people we support, and 157 annual reviews were analysed.
Safety, Quality and Satisfaction
While these results are very positive, survey data can only tell us part of the story. What matters most is understanding people’s lived experiences by listening to their feedback, hearing their stories and seeing first-hand the impact our services have on their daily lives. We recognise the importance of engaging with anyone who may have experienced difficulties or challenges throughout the year to ensure we gain a balanced, accurate and meaningful picture of the support we provide and the areas where we can continue to improve.
The Difference Support Makes
Throughout the report, families and stakeholders shared powerful examples of the impact of Positive Futures support.
One family member said:
“You do not know how much I appreciate Positive Futures and what we have done for my son. I cannot believe how far he has come.”
Another highlighted the organisation’s commitment to person-centred practice:
“This Service is so person centred and it is evident through all that you do for the people we support.”
Voices of People We Support
The focus groups offered valuable insight into the experiences, aspirations and everyday achievements of people we support. They havce increased participation – but we need to do more for the next year to up the responses from the people we support. Any ideas most welcome!
Many spoke about the incredible Positive Futures staff in their lives:
“Love that staff make me feel important and welcome… like family!”
Others highlighted growing independence and confidence:
“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.”
People also described learning new skills, making friends, taking part in their communities and feeling safe with staff who understand and support their individual needs.
Turning Feedback into Action
Listening is only the first step. ACE 2026 findings are already helping shape improvements across Positive Futures across Ireland North and South, including strengthening accessible communication, expanding health promotion activities, enhancing person-centred approaches and developing further opportunities for participation and independence. We will be working with each service to action identified opportunities for improvement and build on areas of strength.
A sincere thank you to everyone who shared their views and experiences, and to our staff teams whose dedication continues to make such a positive difference in people’s lives every day.