The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) Rt Rev Dr Trevor Gribben, has told a special event at PCI’s Aaron House in Dundonald’s Ballybeen Estate, on the outskirts of Belfast, that “Good things happen when good people decide to get things done.”
Dr Gribben was speaking at fun day for residents, their families and friends, current and former staff, who had come together to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the opening of the residential care home for people with profound learning disability. The ‘good people’ he referred to were the original members of the Currie Community who opened Aaron House in 1995 and managed it until 2009, when they handed over to PCI. Four members of the original Currie Community Committee attended the fun day.
Today, the church’s Council for Social Witness (CSW), PCI’s social care arm, manages Aaron House in partnership with Choice Housing, who maintains the building. CSW also manages the denomination’s residential, nursing, supported housing, respite and day care provision, alongside a number of community-based programmes.
Home to 15 residents, including several who moved there 30 years ago, Aaron House also supports around nine people in its day care centre, and has one room available for respite care. Speaking to around 100 people who had come to the special event, Dr Gribben said, “If it hadn’t been for the vision and dedication of a small group of parents, supporters in the Currie Community and the first committee that established this place, we wouldn’t be standing here today,” Dr Gribben said.
“Aaron House is a special place. It was badly needed then and it is still needed today, and I want to thank the original members of the Currie Community for pursuing Aaron Currie’s vision, and for having the confidence in the Presbyterian Church in Ireland to pass the baton to us when the time came.”
The Moderator continued, “People matter to God, all people matter to God, and it is places like Aaron House that prove that, and as a result, they make a huge difference in the lives of many. That wouldn’t be possible without the care, dedication and professionalism of everyone who works here – and some have been here from day one – and the Social Witness team in Assembly Buildings. Thank you for what you’re doing in making a difference in the lives of those who call Aaron House home. If this was cricket, it would be thirty not out, and the innings just beginning.”
As a social care provider, the Council for Social Witness looks after over 300-plus people across its many sites, including Lee-Ann, who has lived at Aaron House for about nine years and says that “it is the best.” Her mum Carol agrees, “For many years Lee-Ann fell under the radar, until we got a GP who was not only interested in her, but wanted to do something. That was when things began to change and she was able to come here,” Mrs Nesbitt said.
A single mum after her husband died, Carol said that it was difficult to cope as she had no support. “Aaron House was, and still is a ‘God Send’, and Lee-Ann loves it here. She goes to the day centre, loves to garden and comes home to me at weekends saying ‘I’m so happy I have two homes.’
“For that moment, it makes the decision to bring her to Aaron House easier, because it was such a hard decision, which I know all parents agonise over. It is a great place and really friendly, it gives you peace of mind – especially if you are not getting any younger, like me. When I am gone, I know Lee-Ann will have a good home, which is also a huge worry for many mums and dads,” she said.
Also attending the fun day was Dermot Parsons, the Secretary to the Council for Social Witness, who along with the Moderator, praised the staff who care for all the residents who call Aaron House home. “We are blessed with an incredibly dedicated team of individuals, some of whom have been here since it opened, with many others working here for 10,15 and 20 years.
“At Aaron House, and all our homes and community-based programmes that we manage, we put our faith into practical action as an example of simple Christian caring. It has been said before, but it is a powerful social witness of the gospel as we seek to provide care within a specifically Christian ethos. It is about providing a safe, caring, and comfortable environment for those we look after, but you don’t need to be a Christian to work for us, or to live here. All we are doing is demonstrating the love of Jesus,” Mr Parsons said.
Speaking about the day, which included a petting zoo, cake and a BBQ, Kelly Wilson, who has been the manager of Aaron House since early 2025, said, “Today has really been a special moment in the life of Aaron House and everyone who makes this place special, namely our residents and the staff. For me, it is special, it is not like ‘coming to work’, it has become my second home.”
“I came here as a care assistant 25 years ago and out of the 40 or so colleagues who work with me, three have been here since Aaron House opened, and 10 or more are approaching 20 years’ service, which speaks volumes about the kind of place that it is. It was a lovely day.”
