News And Events

30 years transforming lives: From Crisis to Progress: Building the Health and Social Care Workforce of the Future 

A couple of years ago, the picture across our frontline services was a difficult one. Vacancy rates sat at around 36%, our recruitment systems were creating obstacles for applicants, and our approach to recruitment marketing was not attracting the candidates we needed. For an organisation based in Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland whose people sit at […]

News: Celebrating Success at the Learning Disabilities & Autism Awards 2026

Positive Futures Northern Ireland is proud to celebrate an inspiring evening of achievement at the Learning Disabilities & Autism Awards 2026, with recognition for our Chief Executive, our Positive Behaviour Support team and one of our dedicated support workers. As a leading Learning Disability Charity Northern Ireland, we are passionate about creating opportunities for people […]

Positive Futures plants 30 trees to mark 30 years transforming lives 

All Ireland learning disability, acquired brain injury and autism charity, Positive Futures, continues to celebrate its 30th anniversary with a special tree planting event at Crom Estate National Trust in Fermanagh recently.  Thirty native trees, donated by the National Trust, were planted to symbolise three decades of supporting people to live the lives they choose. The event brought together staff and people supported by the charity, with Councillor Debbie Coyle, Chair of Fermanagh […]

News: Dr Agnes Lunny, OBE, CEO Positive Futures, reacts to the Muckamore Abbey Hospital Inquiry findings:

We recognise that this is a difficult day for all impacted families, especially those who have given evidence to the inquiry.  Whilst the publication of the report is welcomed, as the Chair (Tom Kark KC) himself noted, this is the closing of one chapter but the opening of another – the work that now needs […]

News: Positive Futures gets ready for growth in Bangor

We have announced that we are splitting our existing East Coast Supported Living Service into two Supported Living services in Bangor: Castle Supported Living and Marina Supported Living. The expansion marks a significant milestone for our organisation, in the city where we opened our very first Supported Living service 30 years ago. As demand for […]

30 years transforming lives: Three decades of person-centred support, person-centred by design 

By Paul Roberts, Executive Director, Positive Futures  I sometimes feel as though I’ve spent more than thirty years trying to unpick the meanings of words most people take for granted. “Care.” “Support.” “Service user.” Words that slip off the tongue yet carry assumptions about the people they describe and those doing the describing.  My journey into social […]

News: Dr Agnes Lunny OBE, Founder and Chief Executive of Positive Futures, to retire after over 30 years of dedicated service 

Positive Futures, the all-Ireland charity supporting those with a learning disability, acquired brain injury and autism, today announces that Dr Agnes Lunny OBE, Founder and Chief Executive, will retire at the end of this year, following 30 plus years of dedicated service. Agnes will remain in post until a successor is appointed as part of a planned, Board-led transition, ensuring continuity and a smooth […]

News: Positive Futures takes part in Northern Ireland’s only dedicated charity careers and volunteer job fair.

Now in its third year since launching in 2024, the fair has established itself as a key date in the third sector calendar and remains the only event of its kind anywhere in the UK and Ireland. This free to attend event provides the perfect opportunity for potential employees to meet Positive Futures staff, explore […]

News: Agnes Lunny responds to another delay in Muckamore Abbey Inquiry report.

Dr. Agnes Lunny OBE, Chief Executive of Positive Futures, has spoken of the deep disappointment and distress caused by further delays to the long-awaited inquiry report: 

“Families affected by the events at Muckamore Abbey Hospital deserve clarity, accountability and the opportunity to move forward.”

30 Years of Transforming Lives

What kind of life could you build – if the world had already decided your future for you? For so many people with a learning disability, autism or acquired brain injury, the answer used to be heartbreakingly limited. A place in a group home. A seat at a day centre. Maybe a hospital bed. A […]