Minister’s praise Stepping Stones at awards ceremony

Stepping Stones offers supported employment and training to hundreds of people with a learning disability or other learning difficulty. The event celebrated and recognised Stepping Stones trainees on their achievements over the past year in gaining qualifications or paid employment.

Addressing the event, the Minister acknowledged the collaborative role of Stepping Stones staff, parents, volunteers and local employers.

He said: “In this current climate with such a competitive labour market situation, local employers are the lifeblood for those people who want to work, but who need an opportunity to demonstrate what they have to offer. This is particularly relevant for people with a disability or other perceived barrier. I pay tribute to those of you here today who continually offer such opportunities and, in doing so, help change the lives of so many individuals and their families.

“My Department’s Disability Employment Service has introduced a new specialist employment programme, entitled Work Connect, which aims to deliver tailored pre-employment and in-work support for people with health and disability related barriers to employment. I would hope that many of you here today will benefit from this programme and the other disability specific programmes that my department has to offer.”

The Minister, who presented a number of Employment Awards on the day, continued: “I am proud that my Department is able to support this worthwhile project through the European Social Fund and the Disability Employment Service. I wish Stepping Stones, its partner organisations, supporters and, above all its participants every success for the future.”

The awards ceremony, which was also attended by Dame Mary Peters, celebrated the strength and determination that people with a disability constantly demonstrate in their efforts to overcome whatever barriers or hurdles they are presented with.

It also highlighted what is possible when organisations from various sectors combine their efforts to help create opportunities and employment for those most disadvantaged in our society.

Stepping Stones NI Ltd provides clients with learning difficulties/disabilities with the opportunity to access accredited training and assists them in gaining employment.