Generated by Rank Math SEO, this is an llms.txt file designed to help LLMs better understand and index this website. # My WordPress: Assisted Living Northern Ireland ## Sitemaps [XML Sitemap](https://mainstaydrp.org/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages. ## Posts - [Growing Something Good](https://mainstaydrp.org/gardening-activities-for-adults-with-learning-disabilities/): Blueberries grown at Poly’s Place travelled from the Community Hub garden to the kitchen, where Emma used them to make scones. Discover how gardening and cooking help clients build practical skills, confidence, teamwork and pride in what they achieve. - [Quiz Night 26th September](https://mainstaydrp.org/quiz-night-26th-september/): A fun night out for a good cause. Gather your friends and join us for Quiz Night on Saturday 26th September 2026. Every £5 donation helps support the Silent Cuts Pay It Forward Fund and its work to make sensory-friendly hair appointments more accessible. - [Residential in Pictures August 2026](https://mainstaydrp.org/residential-in-pictures-august-2026/): Residential in pictures August 2026 - [Community Hub in Pictures August 2026](https://mainstaydrp.org/community-hub-in-pictures-august-2026/): Community Hub pictures August 2026 - [Ardcora in Pictures August 2026](https://mainstaydrp.org/ardcora-in-pictures-august-2026/): Ardcora in pictures August 2026 - [Short Breaks in Pictures August 2026](https://mainstaydrp.org/shortbreaks-in-pictures-august-2026/): Short Breaks in pictures August 2026 - [Rathdree in Pictures August 2026](https://mainstaydrp.org/rathdree-in-pictures-august-2026/): Rathdree in pictures August 2026 - [Growing a New Generation of Environmental Champions](https://mainstaydrp.org/growing-a-new-generation-of-environmental-champions/): See how Mainstay DRP clients built their environmental knowledge, skills and confidence through Northern Ireland’s first climate action training programme designed specifically for people with a learning disability. - [A Little Extra Time Can Make All the Difference](https://mainstaydrp.org/a-little-extra-time-can-make-all-the-difference/): For someone who has struggled with haircuts, having extra time, privacy and support can make all the difference. Discover how Silent Cuts’ Pay It Forward Fund is making sensory-friendly appointments more accessible, and how Anthony’s skydive is helping. - [Residential in Pictures July 2026](https://mainstaydrp.org/residential-in-pictures-july-2026/): Residential in pictures July 2026 - [Community Hub in Pictures July 2026](https://mainstaydrp.org/community-hub-in-pictures-july-2026/): Community Hub pictures July 2026 - [Ardcora in Pictures July 2026](https://mainstaydrp.org/ardcora-in-pictures-july-2026/): Ardcora in pictures July 2026 - [Short Breaks in Pictures July 2026](https://mainstaydrp.org/shortbreaks-in-pictures-july-2026/): Short Breaks in pictures July 2026 - [Rathdree in Pictures July 2026](https://mainstaydrp.org/rathdree-in-pictures-july-2026/): Rathdree in pictures July 2025 - [Breaking Down Barriers: Recognition for Kayleigh Hughes](https://mainstaydrp.org/breaking-down-barriers-recognition-for-kayleigh-hughes/): Breaking Down Barriers: Recognition for Kayleigh Hughes. Congratulations to Kayleigh, who received a Highly Commended recognition at the Northern Ireland Learning Disabilities and Autism Awards 2026...  - [Celebrating Staff Learning and Development](https://mainstaydrp.org/celebrating-staff-learning-and-development/): Celebrating Staff Learning and Development, Congratulations to our colleagues who have achieved new qualifications and milestones in their professional development. Their dedication to learning strengthens the support we provide and reflects Mainstay's commitment to investing in our people.  - [Formal Pictures June 2026](https://mainstaydrp.org/formal-pictures-june-2026/): Formal Pictures June 2026 - [Mainstay DRP Annual Formal 2026 Celebrates Friendship, Achievement and Community](https://mainstaydrp.org/mainstay-drp-annual-formal-2026-celebrates-friendship-achievement-and-community/): Mainstay DRP Annual Formal 2026 Celebrates Friendship, Achievement and Community. A night of friendship, achievement and community, Mainstay DRP's Annual Formal 2026 brought people together to celebrate success, inclusion and the power of belonging.  - [Celebrating Volunteer Week 2026](https://mainstaydrp.org/celebrating-volunteer-week-2026/): Celebrating Volunteer Week 2026. Kindness in action. Meet the volunteers whose dedication is helping Mainstay clients build confidence, develop skills and enjoy meaningful experiences every week. - [One Jump. One Cause. One Big Difference.](https://mainstaydrp.org/one-jump-one-cause-one-big-difference/): One man. One skydive. One powerful reason to give back. Chef Anthony 'Reco' is taking a leap from 15,000 feet to help more people access the calm, supportive experience Silent Cuts provides every day.  - [A Step Forward: Celebrating Silent Cuts’ First Training Group](https://mainstaydrp.org/a-step-forward-celebrating-silent-cuts-first-training-group/): A supportive salon. New skills. Growing confidence. Silent Cuts’ first training group has completed their journey — building confidence, practical skills, and experience for the future along the way.  - [Community Hub in Pictures April-May 2026](https://mainstaydrp.org/community-hub-in-pictures-may-2026/): Community Hub pictures March-April 2026 - [Residential in Pictures April-May 2026](https://mainstaydrp.org/residential-in-pictures-may-2026/): Residential in pictures April-May 2026 - [Ardcora in Pictures April-May 2026](https://mainstaydrp.org/ardcora-in-pictures-may-2026/): Ardcora in pictures April-May 2026 - [Short Breaks in Pictures April-May 2026](https://mainstaydrp.org/shortbreaks-in-pictures-may-2026/): Short Breaks in pictures April-May 2026 - [Rathdree in Pictures April-May 2026](https://mainstaydrp.org/rathdree-in-pictures-may-2026/): Rathdree in pictures April-May 2025 - [Caring for Our World](https://mainstaydrp.org/caring-for-our-world/): Through the Caring for Our World programme, adults with learning disabilities are learning how to protect the planet, build confidence, and become environmental champions in their everyday lives. Small changes can make a big difference . - [GrowAbility Project: Improvements Coming to the Mainstay DRP Garden](https://mainstaydrp.org/growability-project-improvements-coming-to-the-mainstay-drp-garden/): GrowAbility is helping adults with learning disabilities build confidence, independence, and new skills through gardening. With new funding to improve accessibility, even more people will be able to take part, grow their own food, and experience the pride of seeing something flourish. - [Short Breaks in Pictures Mar-Apr 2026](https://mainstaydrp.org/shortbreaks-in-pictures-april-2026/): Short Breaks in pictures March-April 2026 - [Residential in Pictures Mar-Apr 2026](https://mainstaydrp.org/residential-in-pictures-april-2026/): Residential in pictures March-April 2026 - [Community Hub in Pictures Mar-Apr 2026](https://mainstaydrp.org/community-hub-in-pictures-april-2026/): Community Hub pictures March-April 2026 - [Rathdree in Pictures Mar-Apr 2026](https://mainstaydrp.org/rathdree-in-pictures-april-2026/): Rathdree in pictures March-April 2025 - [Ardcora in Pictures Mar-Apr 2026](https://mainstaydrp.org/ardcora-in-pictures-april-2026/): Ardcora in pictures March-April 2026 - [Dragons’ Den Prize Helps Launch Mainstay DRP’s Pay It, Forward Fund](https://mainstaydrp.org/dragons-den-prize-helps-launch-mainstay-drps-pay-it-forward-fund/): For some people, these barriers mean a haircut can feel impossible. A quiet haircut can be more than a haircut. It can be a step towards confidence, independence and belonging. - [Stacey & Helen Achieve Their Self-Medication Goals](https://mainstaydrp.org/stacey-helen-achieve-their-self-medication-goals/): Stacey and Helen have taken an inspiring step towards independence, learning to safely manage their own medication and building confidence for the future. - [Rathdree in Pictures Feb-Mar 2026](https://mainstaydrp.org/rathdree-in-pictures-march-2026/): Rathdree in pictures February-March 2025 - [Ardcora in Pictures Feb-Mar 2026](https://mainstaydrp.org/ardcora-in-pictures-march-2026/): Ardcora in pictures February- March 2026 - [Short Breaks in Pictures Feb-Mar 2026](https://mainstaydrp.org/shortbreaks-in-pictures-march-2026/): Short Breaks in pictures Feb-Mar 2026 - [Residential in Pictures Feb-Mar 2026](https://mainstaydrp.org/residential-in-pictures-march-2026/): Residential in pictures Feb-Mar 2026 - [Community Hub in Pictures Feb-Mar 2026](https://mainstaydrp.org/community-hub-in-pictures-march-2026/): Community Hub pictures February-March 2026 - [Salon Wins National Lottery Funding for Training and Jobs Programme](https://mainstaydrp.org/salon-wins-national-lottery-funding-for-training-and-jobs-programme/): Silent Cuts in Downpatrick has been awarded £15,791 from The National Lottery Awards for All to deliver a new training and employability programme for adults with learning disabilities and autistic adults. - [Residential in Pictures Jan-Feb 2026](https://mainstaydrp.org/residential-in-pictures-february-2026/): Residential in pictures Jan-Feb 2026 - [Short Breaks in Pictures Jan-Feb 2026](https://mainstaydrp.org/shortbreaks-in-pictures-february-2026/): Short Breaks pictures Jan-Feb 2026 - [Ardcora in Pictures Jan-Feb 2026](https://mainstaydrp.org/ardcora-in-pictures-february-2026/): Ardcora in pictures January - February 2026 - [Community Hub in Pictures Jan-Feb 2026](https://mainstaydrp.org/community-hub-in-pictures-february-2026/): Community Hub in pictures January-February 2026 - [Rathdree in Pictures Jan-Feb 2026](https://mainstaydrp.org/rathdree-in-pictures-february-2026/): Rathdree in pictures January - February 2025 - [A Morning of Celebration, Reflection and Community at Mainstay](https://mainstaydrp.org/a-morning-of-celebration-reflection-and-community-at-mainstay/): On 19 December 2025, the Mainstay community came together at the Burrendale Hotel for a morning of celebration, reflection and festive cheer – recognising achievements, honouring memories and celebrating the people at the heart of everything we do - [Christmas Fun-Day & Craft Fair – Thank You!](https://mainstaydrp.org/christmas-fun-day-craft-fair-thank-you/): We’re feeling incredibly festive and full of gratitude after our wonderful Christmas Fun-Day & Craft Fair, which raised an amazing £955 in support of Mainstay DRP 🎉💜 - [Ardcora in Pictures Nov-Dec 2025](https://mainstaydrp.org/ardcora-in-pictures-december-2025/): Ardcora in pictures November - December 2025 - [Rathdree in Pictures Nov- Dec 2025](https://mainstaydrp.org/rathdree-in-pictures-dec-2025-2/): Rathdree in pictures November - December 2025 - [Short Breaks in Pictures Nov-Dec 2025](https://mainstaydrp.org/short-breaks-in-pictures-december-2025/): Short Breaks in pictures November -December 2025 - [Residential in Pictures Nov-Dec 2025](https://mainstaydrp.org/residential-in-pictures-december-2025/): Residential in pictures November-December 2025 - [Community Hub in Pictures Nov-Dec 2025](https://mainstaydrp.org/community-hub-in-pictures-december-2025/): Residential in pictures November-December 2025 - [Mainstay Clients Begin Empower U Training](https://mainstaydrp.org/mainstay-clients-begin-empower-u-training/): We’re excited to share that eight Mainstay clients have been taking part in the Empower U: Developing the Best Version of You programme since 23rd September, marking an exciting step forward in building confidence, skills, and future job opportunities. - [Building Confidence & Independence: Scam-Awareness Training for Life](https://mainstaydrp.org/mainstay-working-towards-independence-scam-awareness-training/): Gain the confidence and skills to stay safe from evolving scams. Our Scam-Awareness Training empowers you to recognise threats, make smart choices, and protect yourself in everyday life. - [Rathdree in Pictures Oct-Nov 2025](https://mainstaydrp.org/rathdree-in-pictures-november-2025/): Rathdree in pictures October-November 2025 - [Ardcora in Pictures Oct-Nov 2025](https://mainstaydrp.org/ardcora-in-pictures-november-2025/): Ardcora in pictures October-November 2025 - [Short Breaks in Pictures Oct-Nov 2025](https://mainstaydrp.org/short-breaks-in-pictures-nov-2025/): Short Breaks in pictures October-November 2025 - [Residential in Pictures Oct-Nov 2025](https://mainstaydrp.org/residential-in-pictures-november-2025/): Residential in pictures October-November 2025 - [Community Hub in Pictures Oct-Nov 2025](https://mainstaydrp.org/community-hub-in-pictures-november-2025/): Residential in pictures October-November 2025 - [Community Hub in Pictures Sept-Oct 2025](https://mainstaydrp.org/community-hub-in-pictures-oct-2025/): Residential in pictures September-October 2025 - [Residential in Pictures Sept-Oct 2025](https://mainstaydrp.org/residential-in-pictures-oct-2025/): Residential in pictures September-October 2025 - [Short Breaks in Pictures Sept-Oct 2025](https://mainstaydrp.org/short-breaks-in-pictures-oct-2025/): Short Breaks in pictures September-October 2025 - [Rathdree in Pictures Sept-Oct 2025](https://mainstaydrp.org/rathdree-in-pictures-oct-2025/): Rathdree in pictures September-October 2025 - [Ardcora in Pictures Sept-Oct 2025](https://mainstaydrp.org/ardcora-in-pictures-oct-2025/): Ardcora in pictures Sept-Oct 2025   ⟵ Back to News & Stories - [Rosie Gains Confidence and Independence with Supported Living](https://mainstaydrp.org/mainstay-working-towards-confidence-independance/): Well done, Rosie, you’ve shown that with the right support and a positive mindset, you can continue to grow your confidence and independence. This marks a wonderful milestone for Rosie, who lives in one of our supported living services. - [Gregory’s First Hair Salon Visit Marks a Step Toward Greater Independence](https://mainstaydrp.org/mainstay-working-towards-independence/): We’re thrilled to share a heart-warming success story from our Ardcora Supported Living Service. Gregory, a gentleman with autism who joined our service in June 2025, has recently achieved a personal milestone that deserves celebration.Until now, Gregory had never attended a hair salon. Haircuts were always done at home, with a visiting hairdresser to help ensure his comfort. However, with gentle encouragement and support from our dedicated team, Gregory recently visited Silent Cuts, Mainstay’s brand-new inclusive hair salon on Scotch Street, Downpatrick — and had his hair cut in a public setting for the very first time.This achievement is more than just a haircut. It represents a significant step forward in Gregory’s journey toward independence, confidence, and community inclusion. The experience went smoothly, and Gregory left the salon not only looking great but feeling proud of what he had accomplished. - [Our Legacy, Our Future](https://mainstaydrp.org/our-legacy-our-future-2/): More than thirty years ago, a small initiative in Downpatrick began with a simple but powerful vision: to create meaningful residential support for people with learning disabilities. What started as the Down Residential Project has grown into today’s Mainstay DRP – a thriving charity with over 130 dedicated staff, supporting nearly 200 individuals across residential care, supported housing, short breaks, day opportunities, and social enterprises. - [Celebrating Gareth Baker – Highly Commended at the NI Learning Disability Awards](https://mainstaydrp.org/celebrating-gareth-baker/): We are so proud to share some wonderful news from our Rathdree Supported Living Service.Our very own Gareth Baker was shortlisted for The Award for Outstanding Contribution at the recent Northern Ireland Learning Disability Awards – and we are delighted to say he was highly commended for his incredible work! 🎉 - [A Quiet Place With A Big Impact](https://mainstaydrp.org/a-quiet-place-with-a-big-impact/): The idea for Silent Cuts grew from a simple but important question: how do we make everyday experiences, like a haircut, accessible to everyone? For many, visiting a salon is a treat, a chance to relax and walk out feeling your best. But for some of the people we support, the noise, the small talk, the mirrors, and the pace of a traditional salon can be overwhelming. We wanted to change that. ## Pages - [About Silent Cuts](https://mainstaydrp.org/about-silent-cuts/) - [Silent Cuts](https://mainstaydrp.org/silent_cuts/): Silent Cuts is a sensory-friendly hair salon run by Mainstay DRP. It has been developed to support adults with learning disabilities and autistic people and is also open to anyone who prefers a quieter, more relaxed hairdressing experience. - [Sign Up To Our Newsletter](https://mainstaydrp.org/sign-up-to-our-newsletter/): Learn more about Mainstay DRP, our strategic priorities, volunteering and how to support us. - [Equality Form](https://mainstaydrp.org/equality-form/): Equality Form Whats is your gender?(Required) Male Female Prefer not to say Other What is your religious background(Required) Protestant Catholic Prefer not to say Other Applicant Name(Required) Submit - [Privacy Policy](https://mainstaydrp.org/privacy-policy/):  Our Privacy Policy - [Meet The Managers](https://mainstaydrp.org/meet-the-managers/): Residential Manager - [Work With Us](https://mainstaydrp.org/work-with-us/): Here at Mainstay DRP, we really care about what we do – opening doors for adults with learning disabilities, and supporting them to achieve independence. Our wonderful staff are the backbone to our success. - [Clients and Families](https://mainstaydrp.org/clients-and-families/): We are Mainstay DRP. - [Fundraising](https://mainstaydrp.org/fundraising/): Your donations and fundraising help us: - [Volunteering](https://mainstaydrp.org/volunteering/): You might not think of these as volunteering skills – but they are! - [Social Enterprises](https://mainstaydrp.org/social-enterprises/): We have recently launched a Community Interest Company to create meaningful opportunities for adults with learning disabilities and/or autism — and to help build a more connected, inclusive community. - [Day & Evening Opportunities](https://mainstaydrp.org/day-opportunities/): Our Day & Evening Opportunities service is about more than just filling time — it’s about helping people live richer, more fulfilling lives, one day at a time. - [Short Breaks](https://mainstaydrp.org/short-breaks/): Our Short Breaks service offers adults with learning disabilities the chance to enjoy time away from their usual home in a safe, friendly, and supportive environment. - [Residential Services](https://mainstaydrp.org/residential-services/): Our Residential Services give adults with learning disabilities a safe, welcoming home where they can live with dignity, choice, and independence. - [Our Story](https://mainstaydrp.org/our-story/): This is our story — and we’re still writing it, together. - [News & Stories](https://mainstaydrp.org/news-stories/): Stay up to date with the latest news and stories from Mainstay DRP - [Contact Us](https://mainstaydrp.org/contact-us/): We’re here to help – whether you’re looking for support, want to get involved, or simply have a question. - [For Funders, Public & Volunteers](https://mainstaydrp.org/for-funders-public-volunteers/): Learn more about Mainstay DRP, our strategic priorities, volunteering and how to support us. - [Accessibility statement](https://mainstaydrp.org/accessibility-statement/): Mainstay DRP is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for people with disabilities. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone and applying the relevant accessibility standards. - [Home](https://mainstaydrp.org/): We Have Volunteering Vacancies Available!