Rathmoyle Resource Centre in Ballycastle has marked its 50th anniversary, celebrating half a century of providing support, opportunities and friendship for adults with learning disabilities across the local area.

Service users, families, staff, volunteers and supporters came together for the occasion to look back on five decades of care, inclusion and achievement, while setting out ambitions for the years ahead.

Established as a traditional day service, Rathmoyle has developed into a modern, person-centred resource that places independence, confidence, choice and inclusion at its core.

Today, the centre provides a broad programme of activities designed to help people build skills, make friends and play an active part in their communities.

Recent years have seen significant transformation, including major refurbishment and redevelopment to create modern, accessible facilities. The addition of The Base on the Rathmoyle site has further enhanced provision by co-locating services and deepening links with the wider community.

At the celebration, Pat Brown, Manager of Rathmoyle Resource Centre, said: "Marking 50 years of Rathmoyle is an opportunity to reflect on where we have come from while celebrating the people, achievements and community spirit that have made Rathmoyle such a special place over the years." Rathmoyle's offer now extends well beyond conventional day services, with activities such as arts and crafts, music, gardening, cooking, fitness programmes and community projects promoting wellbeing, personal growth and social inclusion. Sport also features strongly, with service users enjoying success in snooker competitions.

The centre has also served as the pilot site within the Northern Health and Social Care Trust for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Joint Award Initiative, enabling participants to work towards nationally recognised awards, gain practical skills, volunteer locally and increase confidence.

Pat added: "We are proud to be a place that continually embraces new opportunities for the people we support. Becoming the pilot site for the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Joint Award Initiative reflects our commitment to ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to achieve their full potential, regardless of ability."

During the anniversary event, tributes were paid to the dedication of staff, the backing of families and carers, and the commitment of volunteers who have contributed to Rathmoyle’s success over five decades. Attendees also took time to remember former service users, staff, volunteers, relatives and friends who helped shape the centre’s history.

Pat said: "Our greatest strength has always been our people. We are fortunate to have dedicated staff, supportive families, committed volunteers and a welcoming community who work together to create opportunities and enrich lives every day. Their contribution has helped make Rathmoyle the special place it is today."