Breaking Down Barriers: Recognition for Kayleigh Hughes
We are delighted to celebrate the success of Kayleigh Hughes, who received a Highly Commended recognition in the Breaking Down Barriers Award category at the Northern Ireland Learning Disabilities and Autism Awards 2026.
The Breaking Down Barriers Award recognises individuals and organisations who work to ensure people have access to clear information, opportunities to contribute their views and experiences, and the support needed to live more independent and fulfilling lives.
The awards were also a proud moment for Mainstay DRP, with the organisation receiving four nominations across this year’s National Learning Disability Awards. Alongside Kayleigh’s Highly Commended recognition, Mainstay was shortlisted for the Employer Award, while Sarah Jane Mowbray was also shortlisted for the Making a Difference Award and Sabrina Ghosh for the Support Worker Award.
As Assistant Manager within Rathdree, one of Mainstay’s supported housing services, Kayleigh has dedicated the past three years to helping people with learning disabilities develop the skills, confidence, and independence needed to achieve their personal goals.
Through highly personalised support, Kayleigh has worked alongside service users to build skills across all areas of daily living, including health, finances, employment, medication management, and independent living. Her approach focuses on empowering individuals to make choices, develop confidence, and achieve outcomes that are meaningful to them.
As a result of this support, individuals have progressed towards greater independence, including:
- Moving into their own homes and receiving reduced levels of support
• Developing the confidence to self-administer medication safely
• Securing employment and building new opportunities within their communities
• Learning to manage their own finances and make informed decisions
Kayleigh has also developed clear pathways to support people moving into services and, importantly, moving on from them. By identifying goals, building skills, and encouraging independence, she has helped many individuals achieve outcomes that once seemed out of reach.
Alongside her work with service users, Kayleigh has built a dedicated staff team who share her vision for person-centred support and empowering people to live the lives they choose.
Receiving a Highly Commended recognition is a testament to Kayleigh’s commitment, leadership, and the positive impact she has made on the lives of the people she supports.
“This recognition reflects the achievements of the people we support every day. Supporting someone to reach a goal they once thought was impossible is what makes this work so rewarding.” – Kayleigh Hughes
Congratulations, Kayleigh, on this well-deserved achievement.