The Minister of Health, Mike Nesbitt, visited Cedar Foundation last week to hear directly from service users about the difference Cedar’s work is making in the lives of people living with disability, brain injury, autism, and physical and sensory disabilities.

As Northern Ireland’s oldest regional disability charity, Cedar will soon be celebrating 85 years of continuous service. In the past year alone, over 3,000 people have been supported to gain skills, build independence, and connect with others.

Cedar delivers a wide range of services across Northern Ireland, designed around the individual needs of each person. These services enable children and adults to live, work, learn, and connect in their communities.

(Pictured: Minister of Health Mike Nesbitt with Cedar staff and service users.)

Our Service Pathway

Cedar’s Service Pathway takes a lifespan approach, providing support through all of life’s transitions, from early years right through to older adulthood. Our services are designed to be specialist and tailored, ensuring that the individual needs of people with disabilities are met at every stage. By offering opportunities and choice, the pathway promotes greater inclusion and empowers people to shape the direction of their own lives. Crucially, services are co-designed in partnership with people with disabilities themselves, creating meaningful opportunities to Work & Learn, Connect, and Live in ways that reflect each person’s goals, strengths, and aspirations.

Service users share their stories

“Discovering the new version of me”

After sustaining an acquired brain injury, one service user explained that they struggled to adjust to the changes in their health and identity. With Cedar’s support, they gradually began to build new coping strategies, regain their independence, and reconnect socially.

They described the process as one of resilience and growth, finding a way to move forward positively while recognising their new challenges.

(Pictured: Minister of Health Mike Nesbitt with Cedar staff and service users) 

Another individual spoke about the difference Cedar’s housing support made in their life. Before coming to Cedar, they lacked the confidence to live on their own. Through supported living, they were able to take the step into independent living with the reassurance that help was there when needed.

“The support was incredible – it gave me the confidence to live independently.”

They said the service gave them both security and freedom: the ability to manage their own home while knowing support was only a call away.

A third person reflected on the long journey of coming to terms with their brain injury. They explained that, at first, they felt isolated and unsure about the future. Cedar’s support helped them understand the effects of their condition, rebuild confidence, and gradually return to social activities.

“Cedar gave me the confidence to re-join society – and now I share my story to help others.”

Today, they feel empowered not only to participate in community life but also to use their experience to support and inspire others.

Minister’s reflections

Commenting on the visit, Minister Nesbitt said:

“I was delighted to have the opportunity to visit Cedar and see first hand the important work it is delivering. I met quite a range of service users and what struck me is that each and every one of them spoke with huge passion about the life transforming nature of their engagement with Cedar.

“It is clear to see that Cedar has provided people with disabilities not only practical support but also the confidence to imagine a better lifestyle as they move forward with their lives.”

The Minister also met with Cedar staff to learn more about the organisation’s priorities and how its services align with and support health and social care decision-making.

Elaine Armstrong, Chief Executive of Cedar Foundation, said:
“We were delighted to welcome the Minister. The voices of our service users are central to everything we do, and we are proud they were able to share their experiences directly. Cedar is committed to working in partnership with health and social care to ensure people have the opportunities and support they need to live the lives they choose.”

The visit provided a valuable opportunity to highlight Cedar’s role in delivering services that make a real and lasting difference to individuals, families, and communities.

Published: 16/10/2025