Born and raised in the city, Irvine is supported by Shaftesbury Lisburn. At 69, he is retired from his job as a postal worker at the British Army barracks and is keeping active by volunteering for numerous charities.
He spends much of his time collecting money on behalf of Marie Curie, the Lisburn Lord Mayor’s Charity, Air Ambulance and the Royal British Legion’s annual Poppy Appeal, among others.
For the last 10 years, Irvine has been working with Enabling Support Worker, Philip. The pair meet for three hours every week to support Irvine with shopping and administrative tasks. Once the chores are done, there’s usually time to enjoy a coffee together at the shopping centre.
“Everyone in the community knows Irvine. They see him collecting for charities at the Lord Mayor’s Show and the switching on of the Christmas lights. He’s a regular at church, he volunteers at the local drop-in centre and he sings with the community choir,” says Philip, who is also Minister of a church in Belfast.
The trust and companionship established between the pair over the past decade is a good example of Shaftesbury’s supported living model. The continuity enables Irvine to lead an otherwise independent, productive life, serving his community and doing all the things he enjoys.
At Shaftesbury, we use Life Sums to reflect a commitment to people-centred care, tailored to the unique needs and interests of the people we support. Irvine’s Life Sum includes charity work, community, Irish pipe bands, singing, and the country and western scene.
Every Sunday, you’ll find him at his church, serving tea and welcoming the congregation. He’s also a volunteer at the Downtown Centre in Lisburn, a community hub where all are welcome to drop in and socialise. This is an opportunity for Irvine to integrate with other local people, some of whom also have a learning disability.
As a member of our Changes for the Future Forum, Irvine attends monthly meetings as a representative of Shaftesbury Lisburn. This group exists to ensure the people we support are involved with decision-making about their care and remain at the forefront of all we do as a charity. A highlight for Irvine was travelling to England and meeting Shaftesbury’s Patron, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal.
Next up for Irvine is another weekend away, booked with support from Philip. As much as he enjoys his own community, he has the confidence and freedom to explore further afield.
For more on barriers faced by people with disabilities, visit our Opening Doors Christmas campaign pages at https://www.shaftesburygroup.org/open-doors