News And Events

Dr Agnes Lunny OBE, Founder and Chief Executive of Positive Futures, to retire after over 30 years of dedicated service 

Positive Futures, the all-Ireland charity supporting those with a learning disability, acquired brain injury and autism, today announces that Dr Agnes Lunny OBE, Founder and Chief Executive, will retire at the end of this year, following 30 plus years of dedicated service. Agnes will remain in post until a successor is appointed as part of a planned, Board-led transition, ensuring continuity and a smooth […]

Positive Futures takes part in Northern Ireland’s only dedicated charity careers and volunteer job fair.

Now in its third year since launching in 2024, the fair has established itself as a key date in the third sector calendar and remains the only event of its kind anywhere in the UK and Ireland. This free to attend event provides the perfect opportunity for potential employees to meet Positive Futures staff, explore […]

Agnes Lunny responds to another delay in Muckamore Abbey Inquiry report.

Dr. Agnes Lunny OBE, Chief Executive of Positive Futures, has spoken of the deep disappointment and distress caused by further delays to the long-awaited inquiry report: 

“Families affected by the events at Muckamore Abbey Hospital deserve clarity, accountability and the opportunity to move forward.”

Positive Futures: 30 Years of Transforming Lives

What kind of life could you build – if the world had already decided your future for you? For so many people with a learning disability, autism or acquired brain injury, the answer used to be heartbreakingly limited. A place in a group home. A seat at a day centre. Maybe a hospital bed. A […]

Positive Futures and Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful Launch First-of-Its-Kind Climate Training in Northern Ireland for People with a Learning Disability

PRESS RELEASE 28 January 2026 Positive Futures and Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful Launch First-of-Its-Kind Climate Training in Northern Ireland for People with a Learning Disability Positive Futures and Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful today announce, “Caring for our World”, a partnership delivering free, accessible climate training to organisations supporting people with a learning disability. The training […]

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 […]

‘MY FAMILY’S 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 […]

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 […]

THINKING OF SOCIAL WORK? START HERE.

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 […]

Health Minister Sees Social Care Need At First Hand

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. […]