East Coast Day Opportunities

Introduction

East Coast Day Opportunities, founded by Janine Patton and Llewellyn McClurg in Portavogie, provides essential day services for young people with autism, learning difficulties, and brain injuries. After 30 years at Tor Bank School, they saw a need for structured post-school support and took action to fill the gap. With help from Ards Business Hub and the Go Succeed programme, their vision became a reality.

What They Offer

Running five days a week from 9am until 3pm, East Coast Day Opportunities focuses on life skills, job skills, and community engagement. Activities include baking, arts and crafts, decision-making, business visits, and outdoor experiences. Their goal is to build independence, self-awareness, and confidence, enabling young people to become active members of their community.

Seeking Business Support

While experts in supporting young people, Janine and Llewellyn needed guidance on the business side. They found the Go Succeed programme online and sought advice from Ards Business Hub, which provided invaluable support in areas such as creating a business plan, VAT, corporate tax, and budgeting.

How Ards Business Hub Helped

Janine describes the support as ‘amazing,’ highlighting how it eased their concerns about unexpected costs and business management. “There were so many things we didn’t know, like managing VAT and corporate tax,” she says. The advisors not only provided clarity but also gave them confidence that their idea could succeed.

The Impact

Currently, East Coast Day Opportunities supports four young people, three of whom previously had no structured activities. Seeing their confidence grow has been incredibly rewarding for Janine and Llewellyn. “We want them to feel like this place is theirs, adding their own personal touches. It’s about empowerment,” says Janine.

Advice for New Entrepreneurs

Janine encourages others to seek support: “Go to Ards Business Hub, take the advice, and ask all the questions – there are no stupid ones. A business plan is incredibly useful and will guide you.”

Conclusion

East Coast Day Opportunities is more than a service, it’s a lifeline for young people, fostering growth and community involvement. With support from Ards Business Hub, Janine and Llewellyn have turned their vision into a transformative reality.