Claire Forker has been an integral part of MACS since February 2014, bringing over a decade of experience and dedication to her role. Known for her energy, resilience, and unwavering commitment to young people, Claire’s approach exemplifies the values of MACS. Her passion for helping others shines through in her work every day, making a lasting impact on both her team and the young people she supports.
Can you tell us a little bit about your role at MACS and how long you’ve been here?
I am coming into my 11th year with MACS, having started in February 2014 when the newly established MACS Newry service was launched. I have been a manager at MACS throughout my time here.
What does a typical day look like in your role?
In 11 years, there has definitely been no such thing as a typical day at MACS. That’s what I love about the place—no two days are the same, and you’re never bored. There’s always something to do! You might come into work with a plan, but most days the plan doesn’t happen. One thing that’s consistent is that not a day goes by without at least one laugh—it’s just that kind of place.
What do you enjoy most about working with young people at MACS?
I absolutely love interacting with young people—they are fantastically funny and super creative once you unlock that part of them. They teach me so much every single day. I enjoy helping them navigate the world they’re faced with, sharing experiences, and being relatable rather than standoffish. Young people appreciate that approach, and it makes a real difference.
What challenges do young people face in your area of work, and how do you help them overcome these challenges?
The young people we support face daily challenges, many stemming from trauma of some kind. For some, it’s hard to even get out of bed. Others struggle with trust, building relationships, or even making a simple phone call.
Most of the young people face the harsh realities of turning 18, like navigating benefits, finding housing, and learning how to stand on their own two feet. At MACS, we help prepare them for these challenges by having ongoing, constructive conversations, taking them by the hand when necessary, and sticking with them until they’re able to manage on their own.
Most people have had a helping hand in life growing up. Many of the young people we work with haven’t had that. MACS becomes their helping hand.
Can you share a memorable experience or success story from your time at MACS?
We once supported a young person who had very complex needs and experienced multiple episodes of poor mental health. They had been let down by many people and professionals in their life and never had anyone they could truly rely on.
No matter what was going on for them, they always knew they could come back to MACS. Even when others let them down, they knew we wouldn’t. Eventually, they were able to reconnect with their family and were invited to spend Christmas with them one year.
However, they were incredibly anxious about going because they couldn’t afford to bring presents for their seven siblings or their mum. They were on the verge of cancelling, but I quickly went to B&M in town and picked up a gift for each sibling and their mum. You would have thought I had handed them a million pounds.
That Christmas, they walked into their family home with their head held high and had the most fantastic day.
What’s something you wish more people understood about the work you do at MACS?
I wish more people understood the importance of what we do and the lengths we go to for the young people we support.
Why do you think the service you provide (Supported Housing/Well-being/Floating Support/Participation) is so important for young people?
Without housing, where would these young people go? The housing crisis in this country isn’t going away, and supported accommodation is such a vital stepping stone. It gives young people the chance to live in a flat of their own and learn essential life skills before fully venturing out on their own.
How do you see MACS making a difference in the lives of young people?
We are unlike any other provider, in my opinion. At MACS, we stick with our young people like no other organisation. We’re not a “three strikes and you’re out” kind of place. If there’s a way to help, MACS will find it. We go above and beyond to make sure young people feel supported, no matter what.
What motivates you to keep doing this work?
I love that every day is different. Young people always bring something new to the table—sometimes it’s challenging, but it’s always rewarding. Knowing the difference we can make in their lives is what keeps me going.
Is there anything you’d like to say to people who might not know about MACS or the services we provide?
Get to know us! MACS does incredible work, and we’d love for more people to see the difference we’re making in young people’s lives.