Celebrating two decades of success: Northern Trust’s Day Opportunities programme transforms lives

Garth Anderson with Day Opportunities service users in Coleraine who are taking part in a performing arts programme.

As the Northern Health and Social Care Trust marks 20 years of its pioneering Day Opportunities programme, the service reflects a powerful story of inclusion, progress and partnership — one that has empowered over 700 adults with a learning disability to lead more independent, enriched lives.

At the heart of this remarkable journey is Garth Anderson, Head of Service and visionary architect behind the model, who is set to retire later this year after nearly 40 years of dedication to learning disability services in Northern Ireland.

“Looking back, what stands out for me is the strength and value of co-production and partnership working, whether that is with the voluntary and community sector, with carers, Trust colleagues or our commissioners. And of course, at the centre, are our remarkable people with a learning disability who continue to inspire and motivate me in the pursuit of providing meaningful, socially inclusive, day time experiences,” said Garth.

A vision realised: From 2% to over 50% community involvement

Garth Anderson, who leads the Northern Trust’s Day Opportunities programme.

When the service was launched in 2005, just 2% of participants engaged in community-based activities. Today, that figure has grown to over 50%, reflecting a major cultural and operational shift in how learning disability support is delivered.

This progress was inspired in part by an educational visit to the United States, where Garth encountered a transformative approach called ‘Full Steam Ahead’, implemented in New York State. That model would inform his creation of the now-celebrated Railtrack Model.

“One strategy really struck a chord with me called ‘Full Steam Ahead’… From this, I developed an analogy of a train track with destinations aligned to the four directions of volunteering, further education, vocational and leisure with various ‘platforms’ of opportunity along the routes, creating what I called ‘The Railtrack Model,’” he explained.

The Railtrack Model, still in use today, has expanded over time to offer new “platforms” — including social farming and performing arts — launched just last year in direct response to service user engagement.

Co-production at the core

A defining strength of the programme is its commitment to co-production — involving service users in shaping the activities and services that matter most to them. This ensures the programme remains agile, inclusive, and genuinely reflective of individual needs.

Day Opportunities provide a wide menu of community-based daytime activities, supporting adults in areas such as paid employment, volunteering, education, social enterprise, sport, and leisure, as defined in regional health guidance:

“Day Opportunities are defined as a menu of community-based day time activities… These services should be discrete from traditional buildings-based Day Services… Day Opportunities should aim to empower individuals to access and participate in activities more independently.” (HSCB/PHA 2014)

Legacy and celebration ahead

Garth credits the programme’s success to the efforts of a passionate team and the inspiration drawn from the people it serves:

“I feel truly blessed to have led on four fantastic Day Opportunities Teams and worked with some wonderful colleagues and leaders over the past 20 years, but my true inspiration has always been the remarkable adults who have journeyed along our railtrack.”

As the Trust prepares for a major celebration event in September, it’s clear that the programme’s future is as dynamic as its past. Monthly stories shared throughout this anniversary year have highlighted the personal and community impact of the service.

“The programme has made a difference to so many… I know the service will continue to provide meaningful, inclusive experiences and ensure our learning disability community thrives within our local areas, where they live, work and play as our fellow citizens, and where difference and diversity are valued and respected.”