Roman is a participant on the Cedar Foundation’s Inclusion Works Brain Injury service (Southern area) and he has been a committed and dedicated volunteer at the Habitat for Humanity Re-store in Newry since September 2018.

Cedar’s Inclusion Works Programme supports adults with disabilities to build employability skills and gain experience to help them become work-ready, through study or volunteering.  Roman has been supported by the Cedar Foundation throughout his volunteering placement to engage and increase his attendance with Habitat over the years, at a level that has suited him. 

From the outset Habitat Re-store provided extensive induction training and worked with Cedar to ensure Roman was able to develop a role that matched him, while meeting the needs of the store.  He was provided with invaluable support from Stuart Morrison, the Re-store manager, who has always welcomed Roman’s contribution.

Recently Habitat paid for Roman to undertake a Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) qualification, while Cedar provided study assistance. After a short period of time Roman was successful in achieving the qualification.  This has led to the further development of his role with Habitat.

Service Manager Sinead Drummond commented  

“Roman has been motivated and driven from when he first started his programme.  It was clear that he had a passion for working with his hands and the role with Habitat has provided an excellent opportunity to put his skills to good use.  Cedar would like to especially thank Stuart Morrison from Habitat who provided support to set up and maintain the placement and for demonstrating a keen interest in ensuring the development of Roman’s role.” 

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.

Inclusion Works supports adults with disabilities who are keen to build employability skills and experience to be work-ready, then moving into a paid job, college course or volunteering on leaving. Specialist physical disability, ASD and brain injury support is available and tailored to each individual and their needs. Following initial assessments, participants will build an action plan, drawn from a menu of choices to address their personal barriers and agree solutions to meet their employability and inclusion goals. Inclusion Works is person-centred, encouraging and supporting individuals to design their own programmes around their needs and aspirations, building confidence and independence.  For more information email.