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.

From the very beginning, our mission has remained constant: to ensure that every person we support – and their families – can live a life filled with purpose, belonging, and opportunity.

The name Mainstay reflects this commitment. Just as the mainstay on a ship provides strength and stability, our organisation has become a trusted foundation for the people we support, their families, and the wider community.

Looking Back
In the early 1990s, the first houses opened to provide residential support.
Over the years, new services were added – day services, respite short breaks and supported living.
Mainstay grew not just in size, but in spirit, always keeping people at the heart of what we do.

Looking Forward
Today, Mainstay is entering an exciting new chapter. Our vision remains clear: to enrich lives.
We will do this by:
Empowering individuals to unlock their potential.
Growing inclusive enterprises like our specialist hairdresser, cafés, and creative workshops.
Strengthening community connections through partnerships with local organisations, businesses, and schools.
Championing ability – always focusing on what people can do, not what they can’t.

A Living Legacy
The story of Mainstay DRP is one of resilience, compassion, and possibility. It’s the story of a community that came together to say: “You matter.”

As we look to the future, our commitment is to continue being that strong, steady presence – a Mainstay – for every person we support, and for generations to come.