Julie is a participant on our Inclusion Works service in Southern and during her time with us she has undertaken various courses to help her achieve her dream of becoming a Counsellor.  Julie is delighted to made more progress towards her goal by just finding out that she has achieved a Distinction in her Access Diploma in Adult Learning - Combined Studies (Level 3 Diploma) at SRC Portadown.

Our Inclusion Works Programme supports adults with disabilities to build employability skills and gain experience to help them become work ready and progress to a paid job, college course or volunteering.

Julie has worked so hard to achieve her adult access course; she has always gone over and above to ensure the work she submitted was of a very high standard.  Even during these challenging times of COVID-19 Julie remained focused, she welcomed remote support from her Cedar keyworker, Sinead McGrath, and adjusted to online tutorials, Skype calls, Zoom calls, multiple emails and a busy household.  Julie has previously said that she finds too much screen time challenging but she made sure to link with her keyworker to help her manage any stress or challenges.  Julie isn’t stopping there she is now looking into other courses that will further her learning and enable her to become a counsellor.

Julie commented “I can honestly say that without the help and support from Cedar and particularly Sinead McGrath I wouldn't have achieved my goals.  Inclusion works is a person-centred programme tailored for my own individual needs, looking at MY goals.  With Sinead’s continuous support and guidance this programme also gave me back my independence, self-confidence and a real purpose in my life again.  When I faced personal challenges/barriers or uncertainty, particularly in the last few months during COVID-19 Sinead kept me going and moving towards my goals.  With Sinead’s knowledge and understanding of a Brain Injury and constant phone calls and zoom meetings I had someone to turn to, that was so important.  Without Cedar and Sinead, I wouldn't have been able to finish my adult access course and I will always be so grateful for that as I move on this next chapter/goal.” 

Service Manager Sinead Drummond commented “Julie has been motivated and driven from when she first started her programme.  Every piece of work she submitted was of a high standard.  She put the work in and it great to see her succeed.  Well done.”  

This project is part funded through the Northern Ireland European Social Fund Programme 2014 – 2020 and the Department for the Economy. Funding is also provided by the Department for Communities and all five local HSCTs in Northern Ireland.