| USEL HELPS DEAN INTO EMPLOYMENT |
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Dean from Cookstown joined the New Deal for Disabled People Programme in October 2008 after being referred by Anne Marie O’Kane, Day Opportunity Coordinator in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust.
Dean has a disability and is a wheelchair user. His disability had led to extreme difficulties in employment and he suffered from low self-esteem and experienced problems communicating with people.
Dean was assigned to USEL’S Employment Support Officer, Siobhan Quinn who worked with Dean to explore different employment options. Dean expressed an interest in working in the hospitality trade and Siobhan provided the necessary encouragement to seek employment in this area.
A vacancy arose in local public house “The Brewery Bar” for a customer services assistant, which Siobhan encouraged Dean to apply for. Dean was successful in his application and Siobhan and Anne Marie worked closely with him to ensure he settled into his new employment.
His manager, Stephen Conway has quickly recognised the contribution Dean makes to his business. Stephen commented “Dean is an asset the bar, he is friendly and helpful with the customers, and they in return have built a very strong friendship with him”.
The social side of his employment has allowed Dean to develop his work skills, increase his confidence and overcome any communication difficulties.
Siobhan has witnessed a great change on Dean from his initial registration on the NDDP Programme. Siobhan commented “Dean is like a new person. I have seen his confidence grow and grow - his communication skills and confidence have improved immensely”.
Since Dean began his employment with Brewery Bar he has been given additional duties and is now responsible for booking taxis for customers and is aware of all the taxi firms in the local area.
Siobhan regularly visits Dean in Cookstown to review his progress and provide any assistance if needed. The support provided by USEL through the NDDP Programme has been invaluable in helping Dean return to employment.
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| Katherine Redpath |
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