Meet Ryan – Shared Tenancy Worker

Ryan is part of the MACS Shared Tenancy Service, supporting young people to access safe, affordable housing and build the confidence to live independently. Alongside his role, Ryan is also a passionate fundraiser for MACS, organising numerous events over the past few years that have raised vital funds to support young people across Northern Ireland.

1. Can you tell us a little bit about your role at MACS?

I work with the MACS Shared Tenancy Service. My role is to support young people to find suitable and affordable housing, working alongside the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and landlords. Shared Tenancy helps make housing more accessible, and I support young people throughout the process, helping them settle in and build the confidence and skills to live independently.

2. What does a typical day look like in your role?

No day is ever the same. One day I might be supporting a young person to move into their new home, and the next I could be helping someone take their next step towards independence or supporting them through challenges they’re facing.

3. What do you enjoy most about working with young people at MACS?

Getting to be part of their journey and seeing how far they come.

4. What challenges do young people face, and how do you support them?

The biggest challenge right now is the housing crisis, and finding affordable accommodation can be really difficult. Our role is to stay positive, support young people through the process, and help them find solutions so they can move forward.

5. Can you share a memorable experience or success story?

Alongside my role, I’ve organised fundraising events over the past two years which have raised vital funds for MACS. It’s been amazing to see people come together to support the young people we work with.

6. What’s something you wish more people understood about MACS?

It’s not just about housing. It’s about helping young people build stability, confidence, and a future. We support them with the things many people take for granted.

7. Why is your service so important?

Many of the young people we support feel isolated and don’t always have people around them. Having MACS there helps them feel supported and gives them the confidence to move forward.

8. How do you see MACS making a difference?

We are the only youth-specific homelessness charity in Northern Ireland, and we make a real difference by supporting young people at some of the most important moments in their lives.

9. What motivates you to keep doing this work?

Seeing a young person happy, settled, and knowing they’re not alone.

10. Anything you’d like people to know about MACS?

We might not always be visible, but the work we do changes lives.

Learn more about our shared tenancy service