About us
We understand because we’ve been there too
OUR STORY
Destined started in 2002, when a group of young people with learning disabilities left Belmont House School in Derry. They had turned 18, and suddenly all their support stopped. The options ahead were traditional daycare, further education or mainstream employment, but none felt right.
They wanted to take the next step in life but needed the right support to get there. Without it, they became isolated and lonely, with nowhere to go.
So they came together and took action. They asked a local community centre if they could use a room one evening a week. The centre said yes, and before long, it was full of young people in the same position, looking for support, friendship and somewhere to belong.
And so that’s where Destined began: created by young people who were falling through the net and refused to accept it.
That same spirit still guides us today. Some of our founding members are still involved, and every day we continue what they started: creating a place where people feel supported, respected and able to live the life they choose.
Through our two centres we provide support to hundreds of people across the North West of Ireland. Destined is based in The North-West Learning Disability centre in Derry City and has a second centre based in Feeny providing outreach services to people living rurally.
Our Mission
To build a welcoming and inclusive community where neurodivergent people and those with learning differences are supported to achieve their potential, feel connected, and live full and meaningful lives.
Our Vision
A world where every person is supported to achieve their potential and live a meaningful, independent, and fulfilling life.
“Our members have always been at the heart of the organisation, shaping what we do, guiding decisions, and sharing their lived experience. I think that’s a big part of why Destined has been so successful.”
Charlene Keenan, CEO, Destined
20+
years supporting our community
250
members currently supported
300
programmes and activities each year
7
days a week support available
450
family support sessions
Equality for everyone
We treat every person with respect, promote equal opportunities and value the different experiences, contributions and perspectives in our community.
Our Values
Empowering people
We help people build skills, confidence and pride, so they can play an active role in their community.
Always learning
We listen, reflect and evaluate what we do, so we can keep improving the quality of our support.
Open and accountable
We work with honesty, make decisions openly and take responsibility for the impact of our activities.
Positive collaboration
We work with partners and the wider community to create opportunities and achieve greater impact together.
Ethical approach
We make sure our activities are environmentally, socially and economically sustainable.
Meet the team behind Destined
Almost everyone on our team has a family member, or someone close to them, with neurodiverse needs or a learning disability. That lived experience is what draws them here. It helps build trust with our members and their families, because they know our team understands what they are going through, not from a textbook, but from real life.
We have worked hard to create a place where people feel they belong. And as much as Destined has grown, we have never lost that close connection with our members. We know every member by name, and those relationships really matter.
For many members, Destined is their main community. The connections with our team can be a lifeline, creating relationships and friendships that mean just as much to us as they do to our members.
Charlene Keenan
CEO
Grainne McNickle
General Manager
Building transparency in everything we do
ANNUAL REPORTS
Every year we publish an annual report so our members, families and funders can see exactly where we are, what we’ve achieved and where we’re heading next. It’s part of our commitment to being open and accountable in everything we do.
2024/25
Annual Report
2023/24
Annual Report