Charlene, for anyone new to Destined, how would you explain what it is and who it supports?

[Charlene] Destined can be hard to sum up because there are lots of different parts to it. The simplest way to explain it is that it’s an inclusive space offering recreational and social activities, along with education, training, and employment opportunities for people who are neurodiverse.

Neurodiversity is our specialism, and that’s one of the main things that makes Destined different. While some organisations focus on one specific need, we support people with a wide range of needs and experiences, including those with Down syndrome, autism, and learning disabilities. 

Every person is different so we don’t look at people’s needs in a one size fits all way. That’s why we support people in the way that works best for them. 

How did Destined first get started?

[Charlene] Destined was originally set up by a group of young people who had just left a local school in Derry called Belmont House. They had all turned 18, and had specialised needs, but at that time, there was nowhere for them to go. They were at home every day and evening, isolated and lonely, with nothing to do.

A few of them stayed in touch, but they had no space to come together. Back then, most people would have gone into traditional daycare, but that wasn’t the right fit for everyone. And further education or employment often wasn’t suitable either. So there was a group of people falling through the net, and that’s where Destined started.

The young people decided to approach a local community centre and ask if they could use a room one evening a week. Very quickly, it was inundated with people in the same position. And that grassroots, member-led approach is still at the heart of Destined today.

Are any of those original members still involved today?

[Charlene] Yes some of our founding members are still involved. They talk about how, back then, they spent evenings on their own with no real way to connect with others. There was no social media, so it was much harder to stay in touch or arrange to meet up.

It’s really powerful to still have those members here. They’ve seen just how far things have come.

What do you want people to feel when they come to Destined?

[Charlene] Our goal is to make people feel like they belong.

A lot of the people we support have been isolated and excluded in their lives, and they’ve never really felt like they fit in anywhere. Destined is about changing that, giving people a place where they are valued and belong.

It’s normal for people to feel anxious or unsure when they first come here, especially if they’ve been at home for a long time. But it’s great to see people come full circle, from being apprehensive at the start to feeling settled, confident, and part of our community.

Can you share an example of how Destined supports independence?

[Charlene] Daniel is a great example.

When he first came to Destined, he wasn’t sure about getting involved in classes. So we took time to understand his strengths and interests. He enjoys practical work, building, fixing, and staying busy,o we supported him into a maintenance role on site.

At the same time, Daniel made a huge personal step. He moved from his family home in a rural area into his own apartment in the city. That brought a lot of responsibility, managing a home, bills, and daily routines, and that has really supported the role he now has at Destined.

He often says he’d be lost without Destined, but the truth is we’d be lost without him too.

If you had to describe the ethos of Destined in one word what would it be?

[Charlene] It would have to be ‘sociable’. 

A big part of what we do is helping people connect with their community, whether that’s going out for a coffee, getting involved in local events, or just being part of what’s happening in the city.

For example, Destined has taken part in the Halloween Parade in Derry for years now, one of the biggest festivals in Europe.

We’ve also never been afraid to step outside the usual expectations. Whether that’s going out to a bar on a Friday night or meeting up at the weekends, those social moments are what really help build friendships and independence.

What would you say is unique about your approach at Destined?

[Charlene] We meet people where they are. Life doesn’t fit into a 9–5 schedule, and neither do we.

We support people in the evenings, at weekends, whenever that support is needed. It’s about what works for the individual, not what suits the organisation.

It all comes down to understanding. When people feel understood, they feel heard, and for many of our members, that hasn’t always been their experience.

What would say makes the team at Destined different?

[Charlene] Everyone here has a real passion for supporting people with neurodiverse needs and disabilities. 

Many of our staff also have personal experience, whether that’s a child, sibling, or family member with support needs. That helps build trust with families because they know you genuinely understand.

We’ve worked hard to create an environment where people feel known and supported. For many of our members, this is their main social outlet, so those relationships really matter.

What impact would you say Destined has on families?

[Charlene] For many families, Destined is a lifeline.

Without it, their son or daughter might be at home every day, which puts a huge strain on carers. What we provide gives families breathing space, support, and hope.

It allows individuals to build friendships, develop independence, and in some cases access employment. And we’ve seen that have a real positive knock-on effect for the whole family.

We also now support parents and siblings through dedicated groups and sessions. It’s about supporting the whole network around the individual.