Building purposeful days for adults with learning disabilities: Northern Trust marks 20 years of Day Opportunities

Staff, community partners, service users and family members pictured at a celebration event marking 20 years of Day Opportunities in the Northern Trust.

The Northern Health and Social Care Trust’s Adult Community Learning Disability Team (ACLDT) is marking two decades of shared progress, partnership and positive change through its Day Opportunities service — a milestone that reflects how support for adults with learning disabilities has evolved to place choice, independence and meaningful activity at its core.

For 20 years, the ACLDT has worked closely with individuals and their families to explore what Day Opportunities can offer, focusing on personal strengths, aspirations and tailored support.

From the very first conversation, the emphasis has been on listening and co-producing days that feel purposeful and fulfilling.

“Day Opportunities has always been about people, their choices and their potential,” said Kim Jackson, Manager of the Adult Community Learning Disability Team.

“From those first conversations, it’s about listening carefully and supporting individuals to build days that feel fulfilled and purposeful.”

Changing pathways, expanding possibilities

Day Opportunities service user Bethany Boreland.

Over the past two decades, the ways people choose to spend their time have changed significantly.

While many referrals once led primarily to traditional Adult Centres, around half now move into Day Opportunities pathways — a shift that highlights the service’s growth, diversification and responsiveness to changing needs and ambitions.

“That shift is something to celebrate,” Kim added. “It shows how responsive the service has been and how much trust people have in the range of opportunities now available.”

Today’s Day Opportunities landscape includes innovative options that did not exist when the service first began. Individuals are thriving in settings such as social farms, performing arts projects and social enterprises, where they can build skills, friendships and confidence in real-world environments.

Central to this evolution is the Railtrack Model, developed by the Northern Trust, which supports people to move from regulated day care into community-based settings in a safe, positive and inclusive way.

The model offers a range of ‘platforms’ aligned to volunteering, further education, vocational and leisure pathways, enabling individuals to progress at their own pace.

Human impact at the heart of the service

Service user Mason Kerr performing at a celebration event marking 20 years of Day Opportunities in the Northern Trust.

For those involved, the impact of Day Opportunities is measured not just in pathways and programmes, but in people’s sense of belonging and connection within their communities.

“Seeing people step into their communities, try new things and feel a real sense of belonging has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey,” said Kim.

“These opportunities have opened doors, expanded horizons and helped people feel more connected and valued.”

Reflecting on her own long-standing involvement, Kim highlighted the personal significance of the milestone year.

“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to be part of Day Opportunities from its early days, having managed the service and later worked alongside it through the Community Learning Disability Teams. Watching how much it has grown, and the impact it continues to have on people’s lives, has been incredibly rewarding.”

Looking ahead

Throughout the anniversary year, monthly stories have showcased the passion, creativity and commitment of those behind Day Opportunities, as well as the individuals whose lives have been shaped by it.

Together, they tell the story of a service that continues to evolve — grounded in partnership and driven by a commitment to supporting adults with learning disabilities to live rich, connected and meaningful lives.