Day Opportunities in the Northern Trust – a model of success

Reflections from Head of Service Garth Anderson

The Northern Health and Social Care Trust’s Day Opportunities programme has come a long way over the past 20 years.

From humble beginnings and a vision to provide opportunities for all, over 700 service users now benefit from its wide-ranging remit.

Offering vocational training, further and higher education and supported employment, recreational facilities, social farming, performing arts and volunteering, it’s all about empowerment, independence and ensuring a life well lived for all, in line with current policy.

Head of Service Garth Anderson has been there from the start, initiating the service we now know. As he looks towards retirement later this year coming up on 40 years within learning disability services, after devoting almost 40 years to learning disability services he’s been reflecting on all that has been achieved so far.

“Looking back, what stands out for me is the strength and value of co-production and partnership working, whether that is with the voluntary and community sector, with carers, Trust colleagues or our commissioners. And of course, at the centre, are our remarkable people with a learning disability who continue to inspire and motivate me in the pursuit of providing meaningful, socially inclusive, day time experiences,” he said.

Progress

In 2005, only 2% of the day services population was involved in activities within the community. Today, the same figure stands at over 50% – a clear indicator of progress.

An educational exchange visit to North America provided the catalyst to explore a new approach, which would pave the way for this turnaround.

He said: “I had worked within learning disability housing and vocational services in the voluntary and community sector for some 15 years prior before joining the health service, and it was during this time that I took part in the visit which was eye-opening to say the least.

“One strategy really struck a chord with me called ‘Full Steam Ahead’ which was implemented in educational transition services in Buffalo, New York State. From this, I developed an analogy of a train track with destinations aligned to the four directions of volunteering, further education, vocational and leisure with various ‘platforms’ of opportunity along the routes, creating what I called ‘The Railtrack Model’.

“This was launched along with the Day Opportunities service in 2005 where we piloted many of the new community based services in the Mid Ulster area.

“I’m delighted to say that The Railtrack Model is still used today, with even more platforms of opportunities and scope for further future development.”

Definition

Garth is also hugely proud of the Northern Trust’s contribution to a regionally agreed definition and understanding of Day Opportunities, and the Trust’s commitment to upholding this understanding through its delivery:

“Day Opportunities are defined as a menu of community-based day time activities which will engage and support adults with a learning disability in areas such as: paid employment; accredited further and higher education; volunteering; social enterprise activity, opportunities to meet and make friends, use sport and recreational facilities and pursue other interests.  These services should be discrete from traditional buildings-based Day Services and access to day opportunities should be in non-segregated general transport provision. Day Opportunities should aim to empower individuals to access and participate in activities more independently.” (HSCB/PHA 2014)

Today, with a growing focus on co-production, service users play a key role in shaping the Day Opportunities offerings, which ensures the service remains agile and flexible to their specific needs. The addition of performing arts and social farming platforms last year came about through this kind of valuable engagement, highlighting the service’s ongoing commitment to providing a range of opportunities, along with The Railtrack Model’s ability to keep up with demand.

Inspiration

For Garth, it always comes back to those who inspired his work:  “I feel truly blessed to have led on four fantastic Day Opportunities Teams and worked with some wonderful colleagues and leaders over the past 20 years, but my true inspiration has always been the remarkable adults who have journeyed along our railtrack.

“I wish all of them, and the service overall, many more successful years of growth. We have much to be proud of as we countdown to our celebration event in September which will bring together service users, their family members, our programme partners and past and present colleagues.

“The programme has made a difference to so many, reflected in our wonderful monthly stories published throughout the year as part of our anniversary celebrations. I know the service will continue to provide meaningful, inclusive experiences and ensure our learning disability community thrives within our local areas, where they live, work and play as our fellow citizens, and where difference and diversity are valued and respected.”

Read other stories from our 20th anniversary celebrations series.

 

 

 

 

30th June 2025