Hawthorns Adult Centre celebrates 50 years of supporting Carrickfergus learning disability community

Thomas Haighton, manager of Hawthorns Adult Centre in Carrickfergus, pictured with service users Julia, Lauren and Roy who between them have accumulated almost 150 years of attendance at the centre.

Five decades of friendship, opportunity and inclusion were celebrated this week as Hawthorns Adult Centre in Carrickfergus marked its 50th anniversary with service users, families and staff reflecting on a remarkable journey.

The centre, which first opened in July 1976, has supported generations of adults with learning disabilities, helping people develop skills, build friendships and live more independent lives.

The milestone was marked with a formal dinner at Carrickfergus Civic Centre, supported by the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Alderman Tom Gordon, followed by a celebratory disco in the Town Hall.

Celebrating five decades of change

Centre Manager Thomas Haighton said the anniversary was an opportunity to recognise how attitudes and services have evolved over the past half-century while reaffirming the centre’s commitment to the people it supports.

“This year marks an incredible 50 years of Hawthorns supporting people with a learning disability.

“A lot has changed in those years, from how services are delivered to promoting inclusion, independence and giving people more choice and control over their lives.

“While we have embraced the change, one thing has never changed: our commitment to the people we support.

“We have come so far over the past 50 years, and we are really excited about what the future holds.”

The celebration also highlighted the wider progress made in recognising the rights, independence and contributions of people with learning disabilities.

Speaking during the event, Thomas reflected on how society has changed since the centre first opened.

“When Hawthorns first opened, the world was very different. People with a learning disability were too often excluded or not listened to. Society has come a long way. Today, we talk about rights, choice, independence and inclusion. We celebrate what people can do, not what they cannot. We have made real progress, but we know there is still more to do.”

Nearly 150 years of dedication

Among those recognised during the celebrations were three long-serving service users whose combined attendance at Hawthorns spans almost 150 years.

Lauren has been part of the Hawthorns family since the centre welcomed its very first service users in 1976, making her the longest-serving attendee.

Although she remembers feeling nervous on her first day, she quickly settled in and became one of the centre’s most familiar faces. Knitting has become her favourite pastime, while trips to the Abbey Centre with friends remain among her happiest memories.

Julia joined Hawthorns as a 17-year-old and admitted she was initially apprehensive.

“I remember feeling a bit scared,” she said.

Looking back, she says the past 50 years have been filled with happy memories, including the many staff members she has met along the way.

Roy, who first arrived at Hawthorns in November 1977, also reflected on how much the centre has changed over the years.

Remembering his first day, he said “things are quite different now” and expressed gratitude for the opportunities the service has given him throughout his time there.

A celebration of the people at its heart

Thomas used the anniversary celebrations to thank everyone who has helped shape Hawthorns over the past five decades, while reserving his biggest tribute for the people who use the service every day.

“The biggest thank you must go to the people who use our service. This is your celebration. You are the reason we are all here tonight.

“Thank you for your smiles, your laughter, your talents and your friendship. You remind us what really matters. Hawthorns is Hawthorns because of you.”

As Hawthorns Adult Centre begins its next chapter, the anniversary stands as both a celebration of how far support for people with learning disabilities has come and a reminder of the continuing importance of promoting inclusion, independence and opportunity within the community.