Anna Whittle dreamed of working with children. She loves books and being with people. In 2018, Anna came onto Cedar’s Inclusion Works programme and with her case officer they put together a plan to help her realise her dreams. Anna worked with her case officer to design an individual programme based around her needs and aspirations to build confidence and independence. Following initial assessments, an action plan was drawn up to address personal barriers and agree solutions to meet her goals.

Anna commenced a Life & Living Skills course through the ASDAN programme at Southern Regional College. As part of this, she successfully got a placement with the Dromore Branch of NI libraries. This placement brought together Anna’s passion for books, working with children and socialising in the community.

Anna said:

"I liked every part of my six-week placement, especially the weekly Rhythm and Rhyme sessions with young children."

Anna made a great impression on staff at Dromore Library and gained knowledge and insight in the workings of her local library.  In return for her hard work, Anna received a glowing reference from staff, who greatly valued Anna’s dedication to her role.

What is Next for Anna?

Anna continues to engage with Cedar’s Inclusion Work programme in search of future work. In addition, she continues to build her employability skills as she studies for her ASDAN course. 

Anna’s case officer said:

"Anna has made great progress since beginning at Cedar. She really shone in her placement in Dromore Library and learnt a range of skills. It has given Anna a real taste for working in a field she is passionate about and I have no doubt she will excel in her ASDAN programme."

What is Inclusion Works?

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.

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.

Want to know more?

If you would like to find out more about Cedar’s Inclusion Works programme, please visit our dedicated page. You can also keep up to date with Cedar through Facebook and Twitter.