By Julie McLaughlin
A LOCAL woman received recognition at the 2026 Northern Ireland Learning Disabilities and Autism Awards in Belfast last month for her work with a Downpatrick charity.
Kayleigh Hughes is an assistant manager with Mainstay DRP, who is based at Rathdree Supported Housing in Downpatrick. She was Highly Commended in the award category of Breaking Down Barriers.
Newcastle native Kayleigh, who now resides in Dromara, said she was “delighted” to receive this honour.
“I support a large team to deliver person-centred, rights-based care for adults with intellectual disabilities,” she said.
“My focus is always on promoting independence, autonomy and real choice for the people we support.
“Being nominated for such a meaningful category was an honour in itself, but receiving Highly Commended feels incredibly special,” she added.
“I’m really proud to see social care continuing to move in a direction where people with learning disabilities are recognised, valued and given the same opportunities to live full, meaningful lives.
“Being part of that work every day is genuinely a privilege – having the opportunity to design and lead the measures that genuinely make a difference in someone’s life is what makes this role so meaningful.”
Announcing Kayleigh’s success in the Breaking Down Barriers category, the awards organisers praised her “exceptional leadership and unwavering advocacy”.
They added: “Kayleigh consistently champions individuals’ rights, ensures their voices are heard and reinforces that they matter and are capable.
“Through her determination to challenge traditional approaches, she creates opportunities that empower individuals to develop independence, gain valuable life skills, and achieve their full potential.”
Mainstay DRP CEO Sarah-Jane Mowbray said her fellow staff members were “absolutely delighted” to see Kayleigh being honoured.
“Kayleigh is passionate about helping people realise their potential and live the lives they choose for themselves,” Sarah-Jane said.
“Every day, she goes above and beyond to support people to build confidence, gain independence and achieve goals that may once have seemed out of reach.
“What makes Kayleigh special is the genuine care she has for the people she supports.
“She believes in them, champions them and celebrates every success alongside them.
“We are incredibly proud of her and thrilled to see her dedication and hard work recognised at a regional level,” she said.
Sarah-Jane herself was a finalist in the Individual Making a Difference Award category.
Mainstay DRP was also a finalist for two other awards: the Employer Award and the Support Worker Award (Sabrina Ghosh).
