Communities Minister Gordon Lyons and Health Minister Mike Nesbitt have visited a family in County Down to see the positive impact of the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) on local households.

The ministers met with Anne-Marie Kelly, whose son Conor, who has a diagnosis of autism and learning disabilities, recently benefitted from bespoke home modifications in Downpatrick. Following a recommendation from an occupational therapist, the project included the addition of a ground-floor bedroom and bathroom, along with soundproofing to reduce external noise.

Minister Lyons noted that the scheme is vital for ensuring residents have access to safe, suitable housing. "In the last financial year, over 800 adaptations, worth more than £13million, were approved for homes across Northern Ireland through the Disabled Facilities Grant," he said. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt emphasised the importance of interdepartmental collaboration, stating: "Accessible housing is crucial to address health inequalities and improve people's quality of life and general mental and physical wellbeing." He added that the departments have produced a new inclusive home design guide, the first of its kind in Northern Ireland, specifically focused on the needs of individuals with cognitive and sensory impairments.

Reflecting on the changes to her home, Anne-Marie Kelly said: "The adaptations made to our home through the Disabled Facilities Grant have truly been life‑changing. They have given Conor a new sense of safety, confidence and reassurance that means the world to us as a family. Seeing the improvement in Conor's quality of life has given us such peace of mind, and as a family we are deeply grateful for the support provided by Conor's Occupational Therapist and the Housing Executive Grants Department through the Disabled Facilities Grant."

The Disabled Facilities Grant is administered by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive on behalf of the Department for Communities and provides financial support for adaptations recommended by an occupational therapist.

Minister Lyons confirmed that his department is currently leading a review of the grant scheme, with plans to bring forward proposals for public consultation later this year to further strengthen the administration of the grants and improve outcomes for those who rely on the service.