Dots Social Enterprise marked one year of operations in Mid and East Antrim. The group started with a home and life assistant supporting the first client in Ballymena.

In that period, Dots created employment for nine people in age-friendly roles. Staff delivered 1,202 hours of support services and carried out 861 home visits for local clients.

The enterprise works under Agewell to help older people live independently at home. It uses a model that reinvests profits into community services.

Jenny Marshall, Executive Director for Community Programmes and Social Enterprise Lead at Agewell, said the group felt proud of the achievements. She noted that Dots began with a goal of offering jobs while meeting community needs, and the team's work brought positive results for clients.

Anne Bell, Chair of Agewell, called Dots an example of innovation and compassion creating change. She said the service supports older people and benefits the broader community.

Several organisations aided Dots in its first year, including Vivenza Foundation, Gallagher Trust, NI Accident Management, Community Finance Ireland, Go Succeed, McCall Foundation, and the NIHE Social Enterprise Fund. Their funding helped expand services to more people.

Dots plans to grow its reach and continue person-centred support in the next year.