About Mainstay DRP
Learn more about Mainstay DRP, why we exist, our strategic priorities and the difference we make.
About Mainstay DRP
Mainstay DRP is a Northern Ireland charity supporting adults with learning disabilities to live meaningful, independent and connected lives. Through residential care, supported living, day opportunities, short breaks and social enterprises, we work alongside individuals, families and communities to create opportunities, promote inclusion and help each person build confidence, purpose and belonging.
Our Story
More than 30 years ago, a group of local people in Downpatrick came together with a shared vision: to create meaningful support and opportunities for people with learning disabilities.
Originally known as the Down Residential Project, Mainstay DRP began as a small residential service and has grown into a charity supporting more than 200 people through residential care, supported living, day opportunities, short breaks and social enterprises. Today, more than 130 dedicated staff work alongside individuals and families to help people live meaningful, independent and connected lives.
The name Mainstay reflects who we strive to be: a steady, trusted source of support, encouragement and strength. We work alongside people to recognise their abilities, build confidence, achieve their goals and play an active role in their communities.
While Mainstay DRP has evolved over the years, our purpose remains unchanged: to create opportunities, promote inclusion and support people to live fulfilling lives filled with choice, belonging and possibility.
Our story continues — shaped by the people we support, their families, our staff, volunteers, partners and community.
Our Purpose
“We Enrich Lives”
Together, these values guide our commitment to creating opportunities, promoting inclusion and supporting people to live meaningful, independent and connected lives.
Our Values
Our values shape the way we work, the decisions we make and the relationships we build every day.
Empowerment – Supporting people to make choices, build confidence and shape their own lives.
Community – Creating connections and opportunities for people to belong and contribute.
Promote Purpose – Helping people discover meaningful roles, interests and goals.
Champion Ability – Recognising strengths, talents and potential in every person.
Compassionate – Working with kindness, respect and understanding in everything we do.
Pathway to Possibility
Pathway to Possibility is Mainstay DRP’s strategy for 2025–2030. It sets out a clear direction for the next stage of our work, building on more than 30 years of experience and the voices, ambitions and needs of the people we support. Guided by our values of empowerment, community, promoting purpose, champion ability and compassion, the strategy outlines our priorities for thoughtful growth, stronger inclusion and creating more opportunities for adults with learning disabilities and their families to live with purpose, independence and belonging.
Through this strategy, we will continue to develop services, partnerships and opportunities that help people build confidence, make choices, connect with their communities and realise their potential. It is our pathway for turning possibility into action — guiding how we invest, improve and work together to enrich lives now and into the future.
Our Impact
Every day, Mainstay DRP works alongside people with learning disabilities, their families and communities to create meaningful opportunities, strengthen independence and support people to live connected, fulfilling lives. Our impact is seen in the confidence people build, the choices they make, the relationships they form and the contribution they make within their communities.
- Supporting more than 200 people across our local communities
- More than 30 years of service, learning and growth
- More than 130 dedicated staff working across our services and social enterprises
Social Return on Investment
Our Social Return on Investment report, gives demonstrates a clear and accessible view of the wider value created through Mainstay DRP’s work. Developed using the Social Value Engine with independent support from Rose Regeneration, the report places a monetary value on the social and economic impact generated for individuals, families, communities and wider society.
The findings show that Mainstay DRP generated £15,985,019.55 of social value, with £3.13 returned for every £1 invested. In the UK, SROI results commonly sit within a range of around £2 to £4 for every £1 invested, placing Mainstay DRP high within that scale and demonstrating the strength of the outcomes achieved through our services.
Housing Support
Social Enterprises
Day & Evening Opportunities
Short Breaks
