Rosemary Gorman – Chair Person

Rosemary is a Special Needs teacher with over 30 years’ experience. She has lived abroad for over 10 years and on returning home became involved with Mainstay DRP. She is a founder member and is passionate about supporting Individuals with a Learning Disability to achieve their true potential and be as independent as possible. She is also a member of the Board of Governors of Knockevin Special School. Rosemary has seen Mainstay DRP grow from small beginnings to the great organization it is today.

Paddy Moore – Committee Member

Paddy was brought up near Downpatrick. He has been a committee member of Mainstay DRP since it started in 1992.He has always been interested in supporting individuals with a learning disability. Paddy’s late brother Dismas who had such a disability was an important part of his family. Paddy worked as a family GP and was able to use his knowledge to aid with the creation of the organisation with many others.

“It gives me great satisfaction to contemplate that from such small beginnings with Iniscora and nine residents to we have grown to what Mainstay DRP does now. It is very much a team effort. It would not have been possible without the dedication of our staff over the years.

I have now retired from practice, and I am able to spend more time helping. It is essential to support our clients to ensure that they have choice and as much independence as possible.”

Eoin Gorman – Committee Member

Eoin Gorman is a chartered engineer with broad experience of business and project management in many different countries.

He has been a director of several companies and has been involved with new start-up companies and the dissolution of companies.

He is a founding director and trustee of Mainstay.

Mary McCargo – Committee Member

Jayne Caven – Committee Member

Jayne has been a member of the committee of Mainstay DRP for 10 years. During that time she has seen Mainstay flourish and grow through many projects and fundraisers allowing the committee to provide the best experience for the clients.

Jayne worked as a Civil Servant in both Ordnance Survey within Down District Council and in the Department of the Environment Planning Service  as a Senior Professional and Technical officer. Jayne’s qualifications are in Planning, Surveying & Cartography. Jayne spent her working days dealing with Councillors, MP’s and the public, assisting with problems associated with the planning application process.

Jaynes interests are many and varied and include a lifetime involvement with Girl Guiding, working with young girls and women each week encouraging them to acquire necessary life skills.

“My life acquired and professional skills allow me to be motivated and a conscientious part of such a worthwhile organisation as Mainstay DRP.”

Philip Todd – People & Culture Sub Committee

 

Philip graduated from the University of Ulster with a Biology degree and also obtained a teaching qualification. He taught in a number of schools in Northern Ireland before moving to London in 1986 where he held a number of positions in the public sector, teaching, training and managing a variety of staff including volunteers. Since moving back to Northern Ireland he has spent the last 10 years working as a complimentary therapist ,having completed a two -year diploma course in Clinical Hypnotherapy.

Philip was keen to volunteer and utilise some of his professional knowledge and expertise so he joined the Mainstay committee in 2017. He currently sits on the People and Culture sub – committee.

Niall Farrell  – Finance Sub Committee

Niall, having qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2009, has over 20 years’ experience within the Accounting Profession.

Through this experience he has first-hand knowledge of the need for resolute financial planning and governance within Mainstay.

Niall is Chair of the Finance Committee and is keen to ensure that Mainstay continue to uphold the qualities and  relationships they have forged over the past number of years.

Join Our Committee

Mainstay is seeking to appoint Committee members who are committed to our mission and values, who can add value to the great work we already deliver, who can support us in growing our services and our offer to clients and who can supplement the existing Committees. People who can provide oversight of the delivery of Mainstay’s strategic plans and provide exemplary leadership in governance, business planning and Community development.

Main Committee

The Committee currently meets face to face at our central office in Downpatrick once per month, this is expected to change to bi-monthly in 2023/24. The Mainstay Committee is seeking up to four members with expertise in Governance, Human Resources, Business Development, Legal and/or Financial, Marketing and Communications.

Governance and Audit

The Governance and Audit committee is seeking members with expertise in professions aligned to compliance such as Law, Accountancy, Health and Safety or similar. They will meet face to face at our central office in Downpatrick or online once per month, this is expected to change to bi-monthly in 2023/24.

What we can offer you

These non-remunerated roles represent an opportunity to influence at the highest level and make a significant social impact. However, you will receive a committee induction, free training and events where you will get to spend time with our fantastic clients.

If you wish to discuss this opportunity, please contact our CEO Paula Quigley paula.quigley@mainstaydrp.org or on 02844 617184 for a confidential discussion and to arrange to meet with the Chair and some of the Committee members.

Applications are by CV and brief supporting statement and should be received by 31st of January 2023.

Volunteering

Mainstay DRP continuously fundraises in order to maintain the high quality of care and support we offer to people with autism or a learning disability, their families and carers. Fundraising within the community is carried out in various ways such as sporting and music events, bag packing at local supermarkets or flag days.
The charity is always looking for new volunteers to help make a real difference. Through volunteering, you can learn new skills while having fun meeting new people and making friends.

To enquire about volunteering opportunities, get in touch via the Contact page on our website or give us a call on 028 44 617184.

Leaving a Legacy

Leave a legacy after you die by including Mainstay DRP in your will and helping the charity to support adults with a learning disability in the Co Down area.

If you decide to remember the ongoing work of Mainstay DRP in your will, or name the charity as one of the beneficiaries of a trust you create, your gift would be received with extreme gratitude.

Your gift, whatever the size, can make a real difference to the lives of those with a learning disability.

Gifts In Memory

Making a donation in memory of a loved one is a positive way of commemorating a life, while helping us support adults with a learning disability in the our local area. Many friends and family have told Mainstay DRP of how setting up a fund dedicated to the memory of their loved one allowed them to positively focus of helping others during their time of grief.

‘In Memory’ Envelopes are an easy way to organise a special funeral collection to present to the charity. Each envelope contains information on Mainstay DRP, an option to donate by card or cheque and the opportunity to Gift Aid your donation. Family and friends can also include a message in memory of the deceased which the charity will deliver to the family.

To order envelopes, you can send us a message through the Contact Us part of the website, or give us a call on 028 4461 7184.

Regular Monetary Donations

Your regular donation, taken by Standing Order, means we can continue to provide the services and support for people with a learning disability that they deserve. Contact us via the website and request a Standing Order form.