New homes, new confidence: Ballymena supported living service Praxis celebrates double award success
Wednesday 07 October 2026
Nine people with learning disabilities and complex needs in Ballymena are enjoying greater independence in their own homes — with the service supporting them now receiving double award recognition just 18 months after opening.
Praxis Care’s Ballymena Supported Living Service received both the Co-production Award and CEO Award at the charity’s Annual Staff Awards, recognising an approach designed to give residents greater choice and control over their everyday lives.
Nine residents move into homes of their own
The Ballymena service opened in March 2025, when nine residents moved from shared accommodation into their own self-contained apartments.
Each person continues to receive personalised 24-hour support, but having an apartment of their own has allowed residents to develop routines, interests and levels of independence shaped around their individual needs and aspirations.
Praxis Care says the model reflects the wider direction of adult social care reform in Northern Ireland, with a growing emphasis on supporting people to live more independently while retaining the care they need.
Independence changing everyday lives
For Jordan, the move has helped him develop a more active and purposeful daily routine. He is now a valued member of a local football team, attending weekly training and regularly playing in matches.
His physical health and mobility have also improved significantly, with Jordan now choosing to walk or cycle to most places.
Patricia previously preferred spending time alone but now regularly joins activities including laughter therapy and Tai Chi, while continuing to enjoy the privacy and independence of having her own apartment.
James has also embraced a more active lifestyle, travelling around Northern Ireland to destinations including Carrick Castle, Portrush and the Dark Hedges. He also takes pride in looking after both his apartment and allotment.
Greater choice and confidence
Carol Breen, Praxis Care CEO, said:
“The Ballymena Supported Living Service demonstrates what can be achieved when people are given genuine choice, independence and the right support to live the lives they want. From the very beginning, the team worked alongside residents and their families to ensure they had a meaningful voice in shaping both the transition and their future.
“The progress made by the people living in their own apartments in Ballymena is a powerful example of what can be achieved when support is genuinely personalised and built around each individual. Their increased confidence, independence, and involvement in their local community is credit both to the residents and to the dedicated team who support them. We are delighted to celebrate this outstanding service and everyone who has contributed to its success.”
Recognition after 18 months
Praxis Care supports around 1,500 children and adults with mental ill health, autism, intellectual disabilities and dementia across the UK and Ireland.
For the nine residents in Ballymena, however, the impact of the service is measured in everyday changes — from joining a football team and exploring new places to taking part in activities and simply enjoying the privacy of a home of their own.
More information about Praxis Care and its services is available at praxiscare.org
