News
Trainees Celebrate Success with The Cedar Foundation
Date Posted: Tuesday 01 November 2005
Over 45 Cedar Foundation trainees were honoured at a special Celebration of Achievement Event, in the beautiful surroundings of Malone House, in Belfast. These outstanding disabled individuals, from the Eastern Health Board Area, have completed their training with the Foundation this year and were today rewarded for their efforts.
The Cedar Foundation is a voluntary organisation whose aim is to deliver a range of services which empower and support people with disabilities to the fully included in their Communities and it is delighted to have been working in partnership with the European Social Fund, South & East Belfast HSST, North & West Belfast HSST, Down Lisburn HSST and Ulster Hospital and Community Trust for over 10 years. The Celebration event acknowledged and applauded the achievements of those who were involved in training programmes across the Foundation’s Training Services based in Belfast and North Down & Ards.
All trainee achievers were recognised through the presentation of certificates, by Patricia Gordon, Chief Executive of South & East Belfast Heath & Social Services Trust. The certificates summarised all qualifications and skills gained, work experience placements and other achievements realised during their training period.
Speaking after the formal presentation ceremony, Patricia Gordon paid tribute to the many success stories highlighted by the awards, commenting:
“The commitment of all those involved, the trainees and their teachers is an inspiration to us all. The success stories are outstanding. South & East Belfast Trust wishes to continue to support and be involved in this vitally important area of work.”
Awards for exceptional achievements were also presented by Ms Gordon, to four individual achievers, who were selected following nominations from staff across the training programmes.
Philip Brown, from Moira, won the Employment Awardrecognising progression to employment and contribution made to employers. The Commitment Award recognising excellence in education/training and achievement of qualifications was won by Beverley Layard from Bangor. TheCommunity Award recognising benefit provided to the community by the individual was won by Anne McAleer from Belfast and The Challenge Award recognising achievement of individual goals in the face of significant barriers was won by Andrew Francis who is from Donaghadee.
Stephen Mathews, Chief Executive of The Cedar Foundation said:
“The Cedar Foundation is committed to continuous improvement and this commitment has been recognised by today’s Celebration of Achievement. The Foundation’s Training Services aim to combat the barriers, which exclude disabled people from mainstream training and employment opportunities. The Services provide participants with customised support to take up training leading to accredited qualifications and enhanced job experience, as we can see today at this awards ceremony. In a way, it’s our very own version of The Oscars!”
Trainee Joanna Jones who spoke at the event added:
“I have had a busy two years with many challenges – as well as getting paid employment I have also completed a Certificate in Counselling and am in the middle of my degree in Psychology and Sociology. I have also represented The Cedar Foundation at a conference in Barcelona. I have enjoyed the triumphs I have had and the opportunities to show my abilities. The obstacles have made me even more determined to keep on going and not give up, as there will always be obstacles of some size in our way”
The Service which serves the Eastern Board area is funded under the Building Sustainable Prosperity measure through the European Social Fund. The programme, with more than 100 trainees per annum, is provided through a range of person-centred programmes which are delivered and co-ordinated by The Cedar Foundation’s Training Services in Belfast and North Down & Ards.
If you would like to find out more details about The Cedar Foundation’s Training Services please log on to www.cedar-foundation.org, e.mail: tsn@cedar-foundation.org or tel: 028 9061 2424/028 9145 6717.
Copyright © 2005 The Cedar Foundation | Download Adobe Acrobat Reader
Designed and Developed by Biznet Solutions