Deputy Mayor Councillor Bréanainn Lyness and Health Minister Mike Nesbitt cut the ribbon, officially opening the new supported living apartments from Praxis Care in Ballymena
A landmark moment for Mid and East Antrim was marked yesterday as Deputy Mayor Councillor Bréanainn Lyness joined Health Minister Mike Nesbitt to officially open a new apartment complex in Ballymena, designed specifically for adults with additional needs.
The state-of-the-art facility, located in the Mount Street area, is the latest supported living service from Praxis Care, an organisation renowned for its transformative work across the UK and Ireland.
The grand opening event celebrated the arrival of 12 new residents, all adults with learning disabilities, who will now have the opportunity to live more independently while receiving tailored support from a dedicated team. The apartments represent a significant step forward in providing dignity, choice, and empowerment to individuals who might otherwise face limited options in adulthood.
Deputy Mayor Cllr Bréanainn Lyness expressed his pride and optimism at the event, highlighting the profound impact the new complex will have on both the residents and the wider community.
“I am delighted to welcome our new residents to the Ballymena Supported Living Apartments, their new home where, for the first time, they will experience independent living in a safe and supported environment,” he said. “Today is a proud day for our community.”
The councillor emphasised the reassurance this project offers to families, particularly parents who often grapple with concerns about their children’s future care. “For parents of children with additional needs, who often worry about what support their child will receive in adulthood, this project shows what the future can hold, a lifetime of dedicated care and independence,” Cllr Lyness added.
The apartments are more than just a housing solution; they are a gateway to a fuller, more autonomous life.
“This isn’t just housing. It’s a place of dignity, choice, and hope,” the Deputy Mayor remarked. “Here, residents will live as they choose, with the support they need from our dedicated team. The sense of empowerment this brings cannot be underestimated.”
The facility is designed to foster growth and development, enabling residents to acquire new skills and build confidence over time. “As they grow here, learning new skills and gaining confidence, they’ll prove that independence is possible,” Cllr Lyness continued. “This is their home, and we stand with them as they live life on their own terms.”
The opening of the Ballymena Supported Living Apartments comes as part of a broader push for inclusivity and improved quality of life for those with additional needs. Cllr Lyness voiced his strong support for expanding such initiatives across Mid and East Antrim and beyond.
“I wholeheartedly support rolling out more apartments like these across our community,” he said. “Everyone with additional needs deserves this quality of life, the safety, support, and opportunity to thrive.”
The Deputy Mayor also took the opportunity to commend the tireless efforts of Praxis Care, an organisation with over 40 years of experience in delivering life-changing support. “The dedication of staff, volunteers, and organisations like Praxis Care makes this possible,” he noted. “Their impact transforms lives, not just here in Ballymena, but across the UK and Ireland.”
The event concluded with a call to action, as Cllr Lyness urged continued collaboration to ensure a more inclusive future. “Let’s keep working together to build a more inclusive future for all,” he said. “Now, let’s celebrate this fantastic achievement!”
The Ballymena Supported Living Apartments stand as a testament to what can be achieved when communities, local government, and dedicated organisations unite with a shared vision.
For the 12 new residents, this is not just a new home—it’s the beginning of a new chapter, one defined by independence, support, and the freedom to live life on their own terms.