# Positive Futures | Northern Ireland Charity

> At Positive Futures, we’re positive about people. People with learning disabilities, those with acquired brain injury and people on the autistic spectrum.


## Posts

- [NI: Department of Health backtrack on funding to enable social care to become a Real Living Wage employer  ](https://positive-futures.net/2025/11/18/ni-department-of-health-backtrack-on-funding-to-enable-social-care-to-become-a-real-living-wage-employer/): DATE 17 November 2025   Mike Nesbitt, Minister of Health, NI announced this week that he would be breaking his previous commitment to provide sufficient funding for the Social Care sector to pay care workers the Real Living Wage.   Commenting on the announcement, our Chief Executive, Dr Agnes Lunny (OBE) said “This decision undermines trust and morale across the social care workforce. Our staff deserve recognition for their vital role, not broken promises.”  Positive Futures is a member of the Association for Real Change (ARC), a body representing the care sector providers, which has 59 members and was heavily involved in […]
- [‘MY FAMILY’S LIFE HAS CHANGED SO MUCH FOR THE BETTER WITH SUPPORT FROM POSITIVE FUTURES"](https://positive-futures.net/2025/09/23/my-familys-life-has-changed-so-much-for-the-better-with-support-from-positive-futures/): A woman whose son is supported by Positive Futures to live in his own home after 12 years in Muckamore Abbey has told the BBC that her family’s life has changed so much for the better as a result.  Dawn Jones, whose son Timothy now has his own bungalow near her home and lives with round-the-clock support, told the Good Morning Ulster programme on Radio Ulster that he had gone from “walking with his shoulders down and head bowed” to “walking upright” since he left hospital. Timothy enjoys outings with his staff and eating his favourite McDonald’s meal in the […]
- [THE ART OF CARING: MAC WINS CHARITY AWARD](https://positive-futures.net/2025/06/18/the-art-of-caring-mac-wins-charity-award/): The MAC, Belfast has won a charity award for providing a warm welcome for people with disabilities. The Positive Futures Welcome Award celebrates organisations that go the extra mile in creating a supportive environment for people with a learning disability, acquired brain injury or autism, and their families. Carers and people supported by our Family Matters Shared Lives Service have been attending the annual Christmas Show at the MAC for several years. Julie McDowell, Service Manager for the Families Matter Shared Lives Service said: ‘The Carers, staff and family members attend the relaxed performance which is specially adapted to meet […]
- [THINKING OF SOCIAL WORK? START HERE.](https://positive-futures.net/2024/12/09/at-positive-futures-were-supporting-the-campaign-by-the-northern-ireland-social-care-council-niscc-to-encourage-more-people-into-social-work/): At Positive Futures, we’re supporting the campaign by the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC) to encourage more people into social work. So what does a social work career involve, and what are the rewards? To find out, we asked Christine, a social worker in our Families Matter Shared Lives Service, which provides opportunities for carers to have a break from their caring responsibilities. Why did she choose a life in social work? “I wanted a career in which I could work with people who, through no fault of their own, find themselves on the margins of society, and make […]
- [Health Minister Sees Social Care Need At First Hand](https://positive-futures.net/2024/10/09/positive-futures-welcomed-health-minister-mike-nesbitt-and-prof-rafael-bengoa-who-led-a-major-review-of-health-and-social-care-in-northern-ireland-to-one-of-its-services-in-north-belfast-today/): Positive Futures was delighted to welcome Health Minister Mike Nesbitt and Prof Rafael Bengoa, who led a major review of health and social care in Northern Ireland, to one of its services in north Belfast, today. Our Wheatfield Short Break Service offers residential short break support to allow families a break from their caring duties. The purpose-built facility can accommodate up to five people at any one time. The Minister and Prof Bengoa met members of our staff, volunteers and carers and people supported by the Wheatfield Short Break Service, Families Matter Shared Lives Service and the Arches Family Support […]
- [Career Progression in Social Care](https://positive-futures.net/2024/08/28/career-progression-in-social-care/): At Positive Futures we take pride in the number of people that work for us who have progressed through the social care career pathways and realised their ambitions, many of whom are now in senior positions within the organisation. We know It’s not for everyone and, we have plenty of dedicated staff who love providing support directly to people every day and that’s what they wish to continue doing but, for individuals who would like to pursue a career at a higher level in social care we try hard to enable people to achieve their dreams. As part of the […]
- [Shauna Steps Out to Raise Money For Positive Futures](https://positive-futures.net/2024/07/16/shauna-steps-out-to-raise-money-for-positive-futures/): And she’s off! Shauna, who’s raising money for our Autism Outreach Service on a marathon 3-day walk with her friend Mairead, set out from our Enniskillen office on July 12. Chief Executive Agnes and Executive Director Paul joined them. Shauna’s husband Michael also lent his support. You can sponsor Shauna at https://www.justgiving.com/page/shauna-falconer-1719947989304.
- [Dancers Delight Postive Futures](https://positive-futures.net/2024/07/16/dancers-delight-postive-futures/): Two country dance groups from Lisburn and Hillsborough have put a spring in our step with a £3,200 donation. Boots’n’Buckles and Hillsborough Hoedowners raised the money through a number of events, including a monthly charity club night. One regular attendee is David Brown, who we support. He and his Support Worker Beryl Hunter accepted the cheque on behalf of Positive Futures.  Our Chief Executive Agnes Lunny said: “I want to thank Boots’n’Buckles and Hillsborough Hoedowners for this fantastic fundraising effort which will go directly to supporting our children and families service in Lisburn, providing opportunities for children to engage in […]
- [Just the Job for Orlaith](https://positive-futures.net/2023/12/14/just-the-job-for-orlaith/): As the UN publicises its International Day of People with Disabilities, we’d like to share the story of Orlaith Jackson. The UN event – on Dec 3 – is highlighting people’s access to work and the people who support them to find a job. Orlaith, who’s 28, has recently started work with SuperValu near our NAHVI service in Dublin and is enjoying it very much. She originally had 12 weeks of work experience, but the supermarket had no jobs to offer at the end of it. However, they soon called her and offered a contract until the end of January […]
- [Fun on the Farm Leads to Charity Award](https://positive-futures.net/2023/12/14/fun-on-the-farm-leads-to-charity-award/): Fermanagh Fun Farm in Lisbellaw is the latest recipient of our Welcome Award for its inclusive attitude towards the young people we support. Winners of the award are entitled to display a window sticker so that people with a learning disability know they will receive a warm welcome. Previous recipients include the BBC and Belfast International Airport. Pauline O’Hagan, Manager of our Brighter Futures Project, said: “Fermanagh Fun Farm have been so warm and welcoming to the children who have visited with Positive Futures. The staff have made the children’s experiences memorable ones. Nothing was too much trouble. Staff thought […]
- [Social Care Organisations Appeal to MLAs to Save Sector from Collapse](https://positive-futures.net/2023/12/14/social-care-organisations-appeal-to-mlas-to-save-sector-from-collapse/): Leaders of social care organisations have won the backing of members of the former Assembly Health Committee as they battle to save the sector from collapse because of staff shortages. Five organisations – Positive Futures, Praxis, Camphill Community, Inspire Wellbeing and the Cedar Foundation – reported a catalogue of problems caused by underfunding, including difficulties recruiting and retaining staff and the need to hire agency workers at increasing expense. They met MLAs at Parliament Buildings as members of ARC NI (Association for Real Change), which is the umbrella body for social care providers. Participating MLAs Colm Gildernew (SF), Deborah Erskine […]
- [Learning Disability Pride](https://positive-futures.net/2023/06/14/learning-disability-pride/): Learning Disability Pride is set to make a spectacular return to Carrickfergus this summer. The event is taking place on Saturday 24 June to raise awareness of learning disability and will commence with a noon carnival parade from Taylor’s Avenue along the seafront to Carrickfergus Castle.  The parade will be led by Oscar winning actor, James Martin, who entered the Guinness Book of Records this year as the first person with Down Syndrome to win the award.  Positive Futures has previously participated in this event, and we are delighted to be taking part again this year, with around 40 people […]
- [Agnes Lunny, Interviewed on BBC Radio Foyle About Muckamore Abbey Hospital](https://positive-futures.net/2018/12/19/agnes-lunny-interviewed-on-bbc-radio-foyle-about-muckamore-abbey-hospital/): Download Agnes Lunny interviewed on BBC Radio Foyle about Muckamore Abbey Hospital

## Pages

- [Our Trustees](https://positive-futures.net/about-us/our-trustees-2/): Alan Kendal (President) Alan began working in childcare in 1966 and was Director of Development with Barnardos when he retired in 1994. He was a founder member of Positive Futures and was Chair of our Board of Trustees from 1995 – 2005 before becoming President. Miriam Somerville (Honorary Vice President) Mary Bryce (Trustee) Mairead Mitchell (Trustee) Peter Woodhead (Trustee) Peter is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. He has a breadth of experience across local authorities, the charitable sector and the private sector, currently working as a valuation surveyor. He enjoys finding the right property for the […]
- [Welcome Award Holders Register](https://positive-futures.net/get-involved/welcome-award/welcome-award-holders-register/): Our Welcoming Places Register lists all the businesses and organisations which have signed our What About Me Welcome Award pledge thereby showing their commitment to providing great service to people with a learning disability, acquired brain injury or autism.
- [Welcome Award](https://positive-futures.net/get-involved/welcome-award/): The Positive Futures Welcome Award recognises and encourages great service by businesses and organisations towards people with a learning disability, acquired brain injury or autism across a wide range of sectors, from retail and leisure through to public and financial services. It’s a Positive Futures “seal of approval”, so you can see at a glance how inclusive a business or organisation is. The Award is a public endorsement of the quality of the welcome and service that businesses or organisations offer to disabled people and their carers. The three principles of the Award are: Respect, Inclusion and Accountability. Participating businesses / […]
- [Get Involved](https://positive-futures.net/get-involved/): Volunteer with us, help us raise funds, recommend a business for one of our Welcome Awards, or if you are a business, nominate yourself and tell us how you provide a welcoming environment for people with a learning disability, acquired brain injury and autism. There’s lots of ways to get involved and make a difference.
- [Adult Services](https://positive-futures.net/what-we-do/adult-services/)
- [The Advisory Board](https://positive-futures.net/about-us/the-advisory-board/): Our Advisory Board is made up of people who have personal experience of learning / intellectual disability, acquired brain injury or autism. In other words, they have a unique insight into the services needed to achieve the dreams and transform the lives of those in a similar position. The Board meets 4 times a year and provides feedback, advice and support to our Directors and Trustee Teams on key issues that impact on the lives of people we support. The Advisory Board ensures that we put the people we support at the heart of everything we do. Here’s some of […]
- [Data Protection Regulation](https://positive-futures.net/about-us/general-data-protection-regulation/): Data Protection and Positive Futures Positive Futures stores and uses personal data on the people we support, our staff and volunteers as well as others.  We take great care to ensure that we have suitable systems in place so that personal data is held securely and is processed fairly, lawfully and in a transparent manner. This is detailed in our Data Protection Policy, which is available for download here. Privacy Notices Positive Futures respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal data and being transparent about how we collect and use it.  Our Privacy Notices explain how we use […]
- [News And Events](https://positive-futures.net/news-and-events/)
- [Downloads](https://positive-futures.net/downloads/)
- [Children and Families Services](https://positive-futures.net/what-we-do/services-for-children/): Family Support Services Autism Outreach Service Our Autism Outreach Service is for autistic children and young people (aged 4–18) who live in the Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT) area. The service supports children and young people to help realise their dreams and ambitions including participating in community activities. In so doing, parents get a break from their caring responsibilities. The Brighter Futures project does this through:
- [Careers](https://positive-futures.net/careers/): Our Job Opportunities
- [Contact Us](https://positive-futures.net/contact-us/)
- [FAQs](https://positive-futures.net/faqs/): What is a learning disability? “Learning disability” is an all–encompassing term referring to people’s inability to process information, thus leading to difficulties at school, at work, or in social situations. Generally speaking, learning disabilities last a lifetime and affect a person’s ability to read, communicate, calculate mathematical problems and build social relationships. But learning disabilities are often combined with other physical and mental difficulties. For example, some people also have complex physical needs or have challenging behaviour. So the term “learning disability” refers to a much more complex range of issues and conditions than you might expect. Across much of […]
- [Fundraise](https://positive-futures.net/get-involved/fundraise/): We believe that the people we support have the same right as anyone else to pursue their dreams and transform their lives, living in, and contributing to, their local community. Your fundraising efforts can make this happen! We need people like you to join our fundraising effort to bring much-needed support to people with a learning disability, acquired brain injury or autism. Whether you want to take on a sponsored challenge, organise an event or ask for donations instead of presents for that special celebration, there are plenty of ways you can help. We’ll support you along the way to […]
- [Volunteer](https://positive-futures.net/get-involved/volunteer/): If you prefer to work behind the scenes in roles like administration, marketing, fundraising, or driving, you can still make a big difference to the lives of the people we support and we would be delighted to hear from you, too. If you’ve got a skill and the commitment to volunteer, talk to us!  If you are interested in volunteering with Positive Futures, please click on the button below and complete our brief Volunteer Expression of Interest Form and someone will be in touch with you to discuss available options. If you want to find out more about volunteering, contact us […]
- [Self Directed Support](https://positive-futures.net/what-we-do/direct-service-provision/): Self Directed Support is a change to the way the social care system operates to give individuals who are eligible for social care services choice, control and flexibility over the support they receive. This means individuals and their families can choose the way they want their support to be provided – it is personalised to suit a person’s unique needs and circumstances.
- [What We Do](https://positive-futures.net/what-we-do/): This is where the people we support meet Positive Futures. The support we provide is individually tailored so that it enables people to have as much choice and control over what they do as possible. Because those we support live in local communities, they have the opportunity to play a full role in society. Going to the local leisure centre, using public transport, shopping or going to church may sound like everyday activities, but for some they can be life–changing experiences. We have a range of services which include:
- [Our Approach](https://positive-futures.net/about-us/our-approach/): Everything we do is tailor made for individuals, because we know that no two people are the same. Our aim is to make hopes and dreams a reality. At Positive Futures, we respect and value the uniqueness of each individual and tailor our support to meet these unique needs.  Our philosophy is that everything is possible. When we’re told something is impossible, it may take us a little longer, but we’ll do that, too.   This approach is what makes us different.    Helping people live the life they want Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is a person centred, values-led approach that […]
- [Governance](https://positive-futures.net/about-us/organisation-structure/): The day-to-day running of Positive Futures is the job of our team of Directors. Their work, in turn, is overseen by our Board of Trustees – a group of people with wide experience in a broad range of disciplines.  The Trustees are responsible for the strategic oversight of the organisation and meet four times a year. The Board has two sub-committees. One looks after Finance and HR and; the other Operations, Quality, Audit and Risk Management.   The Chief Executive reports directly to the Chair and Board of Trustees. The Senior Leadership Team, which comprises our Heads of Department and our […]
- [Our Senior Team](https://positive-futures.net/about-us/our-senior-team/): Our Senior Team
- [Our Vision, Mission and Values](https://positive-futures.net/about-us/our-mission-values/): Our Vision A force for change, enabling real choice and control Our Mission Positive Futures for people with a learning disability, acquired brain injury and autism – working together to achieve dreams and transform lives. Our Values
- [About us](https://positive-futures.net/about-us/): Since our establishment in 1995, we’ve provided a wide range of innovative services for children and adults with a learning / intellectual disability, acquired brain injury or autism, and their families.  We support people to live as equal citizens in the community, and to achieve their hopes and dreams.  
- [Home](https://positive-futures.net/)


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