Supporting Young People When They Need It Most: Meet Jack
At MACS, our staff work every day alongside young people facing homelessness, helping them find stability, confidence and a path forward.
In this staff spotlight, we hear from Jack, Floating Support Team Leader for Downpatrick and Newry. Since joining MACS as a placement student in 2020, Jack has played an important role in supporting young people to secure housing, build independence and reach their goals.
1. Can you tell us a little bit about your role at MACS and how long you’ve been here?
I first joined MACS as a placement student in 2020 while studying for my Community Youth Work degree, and I’ve been here ever since.
I’m now the Floating Support Team Leader for Downpatrick and Newry. I also work as a Practice Teacher, supporting Youth Work students who come to MACS on placement and helping them gain experience working with young people.
2. What does a typical day look like in your role?
There isn’t really a typical day. One of the things I love about MACS is that things are always evolving.
My main focus each day is making sure our staff and young people receive high-quality, person-centred support. I also spend time networking with statutory and voluntary organisations to raise awareness of MACS Floating Support Services and ensure young people who need support know where to find us.
3. What do you enjoy most about working with young people at MACS?
The best part is seeing the journey young people go on while they’re being supported by MACS. Watching them achieve goals they once thought were impossible is incredibly rewarding.
It’s a privilege to play even a small part in that journey, and we’re always so proud of the young people we work with.
4. What challenges do young people face in your area of work, and how do you help them overcome these challenges?
In both Newry and Downpatrick there is a lack of social housing and limited support services for young people, which can make it very difficult for them to move forward.
Our role is to help young people secure tenancies and provide practical and financial support where possible. We work alongside them to build stability and give them the best chance to overcome the barriers they’re facing and sustain their tenancy.
5. Can you share a memorable experience from your time at MACS?
One young person I supported became homeless after the death of their parents and had no family support to rely on.
At just 18, they suddenly had to find accommodation and navigate adulthood much earlier than most. We were able to help them secure accommodation close to their place of study, and they remained committed to finishing their A-Levels.
When they later secured a place to study Law at university, it was one of the proudest moments of my six years at MACS.
6. What’s something you wish more people understood about homelessness?
I wish more people would challenge their assumptions about homelessness in Northern Ireland.
Stigma and judgement can stop people from seeking support when they need it most. At MACS we provide a non-judgemental space where young people are supported, valued and believed in.
7. Why is floating support so important for young people?
For some young people, working with Floating Support is the first time they’ve ever had consistent support in their lives.
It’s important that they know they are not alone and that they have someone in their corner. Floating Support can be a lifeline, providing guidance and encouragement during some of the most difficult periods in a young person’s life.
8. How do you see MACS making a difference?
MACS makes a difference through support, advocacy and simply being there.
Consistently showing up for young people and standing alongside them sends a powerful message that they matter and that they deserve support.
9. What motivates you to keep doing this work?
It’s the young people’s stories.
Seeing their resilience and determination pushes me every day to keep working towards better outcomes for them.
At MACS, we believe every young person deserves support, stability and someone in their corner.
If you are a young person aged 16–25 who is experiencing homelessness or struggling to keep your accommodation, support is available.
Our team provides practical help, guidance and a safe space to talk.
👉 Find out more about MACS services or get support