Call for Brighter Futures project to be reinstated in Fermanagh

Sinn Féin MLA Áine Murphy has called for answers from the Minister of Health, Mike Nesbitt on the correspondence from herself and DUP MLA Deborah Erskine regarding the Brighter Futures project.

The Lottery-funded initiative, which supported children with disabilities and their families, was widely praised as a model of best practice before its closure due to funding constraints.

In a written response, the Health Minister acknowledged the closure of Brighter Futures but stated that decisions on local commissioning and funding were the responsibility of local Health and Social Care Trusts.

He said: “I am aware that the Lottery funded pilot project, Brighter Futures, which supported children with disabilities and their families, is now closed. Decisions on commissioning and funding services at a local level are for HSC Trusts to meet the assessed needs of the population. In October 2024, I announced an additional £13 million for HSC services to support children with disabilities, releasing up to £2 million during this financial year. Family support services are within the scope of this funding and my officials have engaged with Western Trust to confirm the actions and services that will be delivered in the coming months.”

Despite these assurances, Deborah Erskine, DUP MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, criticised the Minister for failing to engage with those affected.

“I have been very frustrated and disappointed that the Health Minister has failed to meet with us regarding the Brighter Futures project,” she said.

“Áine Murphy and I met with the families when this project was set to be lost. We called on then-Minister Robin Swann and subsequently, Minister Nesbitt to meet with us and hear from those impacted. I have testimonies from service users that we wanted to present to the Health Minister to show the importance and need for the service.”

Mrs. Erskine described the lack of engagement as “stony-hearted” and expressed dismay that the project remains shelved.

“This project was hailed as leading the way by experts in the field of Autism and was classified as a model which should have been rolled out across Northern Ireland. It is too important to let go,” she added.

Miss Murphy also voiced her concerns, describing the project’s loss as a significant blow to local families.

“The Brighter Futures project provided vital support for children with learning disabilities and their families in Fermanagh,” she said.

“The loss of this service has been felt throughout the county, as there is no equivalent available for families.”

Miss Murphy emphasised the project’s cost-efficiency and unique ability to address the challenges faced by families in rural areas.

Citing research by Dr. Roy McConkey, she argued that the project had proven its value and called for its inclusion in future budgets.

“With the recent announcement of additional funding for children with complex needs, I would urge both the Western Trust and the Minister of Health to allocate resources to reinstate Brighter Futures,” she said.

Both MLAs vowed to continue working with parents, children, and former Brighter Futures staff to secure a positive outcome.

“Whilst the Health Minister has turned his back on Brighter Futures, I certainly won’t be lacking in raising the need for this service,” said Ms Erskine.

“It is too important to let go.”