In 24/25 Positive Carrickfergus received underspend from the Royal Mencap Society’s My Community and along with funding from Carrick and District Mencap Society we continued legacy work from My Community and created a new project called ‘Accessible Communities’.

Over the years we have worked on – a monthly community conversation, supported an Inclusion Consultant and Development Coach to participate in community and council networking, were available as a point of contact for learning disability support work in the town, lobbying council for disability reference group and changing places toilets.

In 2025 we ran a taster and then Level 1 Makaton Training for parents and in 2026 we are offering Makaton Level 1 to practitioners. 

In year three of Accessible Communities, we are focussing on our partnership with Carrickfergus and District Mencap Society and supporting our Inclusion Consultant to be part of the new MEABC Lived Experience Disability Reference Group as well as attending and participating in his regular community meetings. 

Positive Carrickfergus will continue to remain a point of contact in the community and to support accessible works in the town. We will support our Inclusion Consultant and Development Coach, together lobbying Council on learning disability matters arising.

Lynn McKenzie