Friendship, fun and giving back – all in a day’s work for Noel

Keeping busy… Noel McLaughlin, a participant in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust’s Day Opportunities programme.

Noel McLaughlin is rarely found with a quiet moment. Between volunteering at a local luncheon club, attending drama classes, and spending time with friends at Magherafelt Base, his week is filled with friendship, fun, and community spirit.

Noel is a participant in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust’s Day Opportunities programme – a long-running initiative that supports adults with a learning disability to lead fulfilling, independent lives.

Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, the service has changed countless lives, including Noel’s.

Reflecting on his journey, Noel said:

“I recently started volunteering at the Luncheon Club in InVOLve House through Mid Ulster Volunteer Centre.

“I really enjoy it as it gets me out of the house and I get a nice hot meal. After the Luncheon Club I am able to make my way to Magherafelt Base to finish the afternoon catching up with my new friends. I really enjoy both as I get to meet my friends and have a bit of craic.”

His volunteering role is part of a partnership between the Trust and the Mid Ulster Volunteer Centre, offering meaningful engagement in the community. Every Tuesday at the Forever Young Project’s Luncheon Club, Noel plays an essential role — from setting up the room to helping in the kitchen.

Claire from the Forever Young Project praised Noel’s dedication:

“Noel is doing great work as a volunteer, and he plays a crucial part in ensuring everything runs smoothly.

“Volunteering has enabled him to develop his skills and increase his knowledge and experience in hospitality — he is a real asset to the team.

“We all want to say well done to Noel for everything he has achieved. Everyone at the club is very grateful to him for his time, commitment and hard work.”

Noel has also recently completed a ten-week performing arts programme, culminating in a joyful stage production at the Burnavon Theatre in Cookstown. He played the character Sneezy and learned Makaton – a form of sign language – for the song “You’ve Got a Friend in Me.”

“We had 10 drama classes and then we put on a show. My character was called Sneezy. Jacqueline from Day Opportunities helped me learn Makaton for a song, ‘You’ve Got a Friend in Me’. This was a new skill. I had not done this before,” Noel said.

“I also helped to paint some of the props. I went on stage with signs to get the audience to boo for the wicked queen. It was great fun. I would like to do more in the future.”

Jacqueline Rock, Day Opportunities Coordinator, was delighted to see Noel embrace the experience:

“Noel has been incredibly welcoming to me, and the way he has got involved with drama and took on the task of learning Makaton has been amazing to be a part of.

“He has a wonderful laugh and a great sense of humour which made learning the song a lot of fun! It has been great to see Noel try a new opportunity and get so much enjoyment out of it.

“He always keeps me updated about how he is getting on and I look forward to this because it always comes with a joke!”

Not stopping there, Noel also joined a summer scheme at Northern Regional College – his first time taking part. From baking mug cakes and doing PE to getting creative with arts and crafts, it’s another chapter in a life filled with exploration and enthusiasm.

His story is being highlighted as part of the Trust’s Opportunities For All series, marking two decades of the Day Opportunities service and its impact across Northern Ireland.

Through the programme, Noel has gained independence, purpose and new friendships. As he continues to embrace every opportunity with a smile and a joke, Noel is a shining example of what’s possible when support meets ambition.