Lisburn Bowl, Operations Manager, Aoife Loughran with Michael Byrne from Lisburn.

 Specialist support and training organisation, Stepping Stones NI, have launched a new campaign to highlight how people with learning difficulties are excelling in employment.

The campaign aims to tackle negative connotations of people with a learning difficulty and to highlight that with the right support people with a learning disability can excel in employment.  Targeted at employers, ‘This is Learning Difficulty at WORK’ will feature across billboards, buses, TV and online to showcase real beneficiaries of Stepping Stones NI achieving real success at work.

Thirty two year old Michael Byrne from Lisburn was supported by Stepping Stones NI to gain new skills and secure a work placement with Lisburn Bowl in 2017.  Michael impressed his employer so much that he was offered a permanent post as recreational assistant after a work placement organised by the charity and he is now regarded as a valuable asset to the Lisburn Bowl team.

Lisburn Bowl, Operations Manager, Aoife Loughran comments “Michael is a committed and dedicated member of our team.  We worked with Stepping Stones NI to make reasonable adjustments to working conditions and environments and Michael has excelled.  We have seen the true value of working with Stepping Stones NI as we have gained a valuable member of staff.  I would strongly encourage other employers to consider offering work placements in partnership with Stepping Stones NI.  The team are extremely knowledgeable and supportive of the people they support.  We are delighted to support the campaign and to supporting diversity in the workplace”.

Michael is excited to feature in the campaign and comments “I have gained so much confidence and I absolutely love my job at Lisburn Bowl.  It is great to feel part of a team and to work with brilliant people.  I feel responsible and independent through the support I have received from Stepping Stones NI and my manager Aoife. I hope that employers can see the potential of people with a learning difficulty through the new outdoor campaign as I am proof that it works”.

Employers are encouraged to register their interest in the campaign by logging onto the Stepping Stones NI website www.steppingstonesni.com or contacting the Employment Services team on support@stepping-stones.org.uk / 028 9266 6404.

Stepping Stones NI have been in operation for twenty years and work across Lisburn, Castlereagh, Downpatrick, Newtownards, Craigavon, Newry and Armagh.  The multi award winning charity provides specialist support to people with learning disabilities, learning difficulties, Autism, ADHD and Dyslexia to gain meaningful training, qualifications and employment. 

The service is part funded though the Northern Ireland European Social Fund Programme 2014 – 2020 and the Department for the Economy.