Our Lisburn Families' Service marked its 10th Anniversary by hosting a celebration event at Trinity Community Centre, Lisburn, on the evening of 3 June, during Volunteer Week.

Over 150 people, including families and staff from early years of the Service, attended the event which had two aims, as Service Manager Anne Murphy explained: "We wanted to celebrate the achievements of the young people, families and volunteers who have used and contributed to our Service over the last ten years. But we also wanted to look ahead by looking at the talents and aspirations of the people who use the Service today."

Pauline Ferguson, the first Manager of the Lisburn Families Service, presented certificates to past Service 'graduates', while the massive contribution of volunteers was recognised by David McMillen, Chair of our Board of Trustees, who presented certificates of achievement to current and former volunteers.

Turning to the present and future, the anniversary event was used to launch 'Independence', a DVD produced by young people from the Lisburn Families Service in partnership with Adapt NI and Colin Youth Development Inclusion Project. This gave four young people with a learning disability the opportunity to explain in their own words what independence means to them and how important it is for their future.

This was an inspirational evening which showed how, with the right kind of support, young people with a learning disability can achieve their dreams and take part in society on equal terms. This point was reinforced by Anna Jamison who entertained the large audience by singing, accompanied by Victoria Cahoon, a Positive Futures volunteer.

Pictured above: People from our Lisburn Families' Service with the anniversary cake supplied by the House of Vic-Ryn