‘He’s just my brother’: A sibling’s story of how Day Opportunities change lives

Stephen Fillis with his younger brother Jonathan.

For many families, navigating adulthood can be challenging. For those supporting a loved one with a learning disability, those challenges are often accompanied by uncertainty, concern and difficult questions about the future.

A powerful personal account from Coleraine is now shining a light on how the right support can transform not just one life, but an entire family.

Stephen Fillis has shared his family’s journey as part of the Northern Health and Social Care Trust’s Opportunities For All series, marking 20 years of its Day Opportunities programme.

At the heart of his story is his younger brother Jonathan, who has been supported by the service for the past 15 years.

Stephen Fillis and his brother Jonathan both grew up with a love of football.

“Day Opportunities has made a massive impact on Jonathan’s life and ours as a family.”

Jonathan, who was diagnosed with a learning disability in early childhood, is ten years younger than Stephen. While his early years were much like any other family’s experience, the challenges became clearer as Jonathan approached the end of primary school and began the transition towards adulthood.

Stephen reflects on how milestones many families take for granted — exams, careers, independence and relationships — can feel far less certain when a learning disability is involved.

“For our family, thinking of Jonathan, it was ‘what’s next?’, ‘what will he do all day/week?’, ‘how will he get there?’, ‘what if people take advantage of him?’, ‘he can’t be left alone’, how will we continue to work?’. It was a complete unknown.”

The Fillis family worked together to ensure Jonathan was included in all aspects of family life, from everyday activities to major life events.

Stephen describes how Jonathan was his best man at his wedding, travelled to football matches with him, and became a familiar and much-loved presence on the sidelines.

Stephen Fillis, his brother Jonathan and sons Jacob and Jonah, showing their support for Coleraine FC.

Football, in particular, played a defining role. Jonathan’s passion for the sport, nurtured through years of attending Coleraine FC matches, would later help him find what he now proudly calls his “dream job”.

After leaving school, Jonathan joined the Northern Trust’s Day Opportunities programme — a significant step for the family as responsibility shifted from home to community-based support.

Over the past 15 years, Jonathan has taken part in college placements, Alternative Angles, Base, volunteering in cafés and charity shops, and now volunteers at Coleraine Football Club, where he works in the club shop.

That journey has led to a remarkable growth in confidence and independence.

“From a boy who was stuck to our side at all times, to a young man who can now access the community independently, getting the bus to town, walking around shops and buying things for himself. Most importantly, making decisions for himself and living a meaningful and happy life.”

Stephen’s perspective is shaped not only by family experience but also by his own involvement in disability sport and volunteering. Inspired by his father’s long-standing role with Special Olympics in Coleraine, Stephen helped establish the town’s Special Olympics basketball team — an experience he says gave him a new outlook on life.

Jonathan Fillis on holiday with his family.

That path eventually led Stephen to his current role as a Day Opportunities Coordinator with the Northern Trust.

“I suppose I should mention that I am now a Day Opportunities Coordinator with the Northern Trust. It is a privilege to get to work with families and services users and help them through the same challenges we faced as a family.”

Today, Jonathan remains central to family life. He is a devoted uncle to Stephen’s two sons, Jacob and Jonah, stays with the family at weekends, and joins them on holidays and day trips.

This year, the Northern Trust is celebrating 20 years of its Day Opportunities programme, with the Opportunities For All series highlighting its development and the many success stories that have emerged over two decades.

The programme continues to support adults with learning disabilities to build skills, confidence and independence — enabling them to participate fully in their communities and live fulfilling lives.

More inspiring stories about achievement, empowerment and helping people reach their full potential are available at:

Northern Trust’s Day Opportunities Programme