Meaningful Lives
We want people to have a full, busy, meaningful life in their community.
Engaging in meaningful activities are important.
It helps to:
- build relationships
- develop life skills and independence
- improve health and wellbeing
- and be part of the community.
Health and Social Care Trusts must provide social welfare services for people with a learning disability, including activities like games, outings, and recreation, based on their needs.
These services were traditionally offered through buildings-based day care but separate from regular public services. Recently, there has been a move towards community-based Day Opportunities, which focus on more personalized activities, community involvement, and independence.
However in Northern Ireland, Health and Social Care spends six times more on buildings-based day care than on community-based Day Opportunities for people with a learning disability. So more effort is needed to expand community-based services.
And more work by all Government Departments is needed to enable the social inclusion of people with a learning disability, autism and other support needs.
Barriers to Citizenship – Experts By Experience
Having a Meaningful Life – TILII
Meaningful Lives and Citizenship
The term ‘meaningful lives and citizenship’ refers to active participation in community life through meaningful daytime activities, friendships, employment, education, and leisure. According to the Social Care Institute for Excellence, having a “good day” includes:
- Engaging in purposeful activities
- Being in everyday community places
- Doing things that suit your interests and abilities
- Receiving the right support
- Connecting with local people and building friendships
People with a learning disability, autism, and other support needs can access various services that promote a fulfilling life, including:
- Community-Based Day Opportunities – Local programmes offering activities, education, and community involvement.
- Building-Based Day Care – Structured support and skill development provided in a day centre.
- Universal Community Services – Public services like leisure centres, cinemas, and parks open to everyone.
- Volunteering, Advocacy and Further Education – Ways to get involved, have a voice, and keep learning.
Supported Employment
Supported employment is a model that helps people with a learning disability and other support needs access and maintain real jobs in inclusive workplaces. It focuses on personalised support—such as job coaching, training, and workplace adjustments—to help individuals find roles that match their interests and strengths. Employment is a key part of feeling valued, building independence, and improving wellbeing. With the right support, people can thrive in work, gain financial independence, and build social connections in their community.
Choice and Control
Having choice and control over how we live our lives is fundamental—and people with a learning disability and other support needs are no exception. However, systems and support can sometimes limit these choices. Self-Directed Support offers more flexibility by letting individuals decide which activities and services best meet their assessed health and wellbeing needs, and how to use Health and Social Care funding to achieve personal goals.
ARC NI advocates for and works towards
More choice and control through Self Directed Support.
Better information and signposting around meaningful activities.
Equitable access to day opportunities in rural areas.
Fair pay for adults with a learning disability in the workplace.
Better understanding of learning disability by the general public.