Ben became involved with Cedar's Inclusion Works Brain Injury Service in the summer of this year as a returning service user. He was familiar with Cedar having previously been involved with the organisation a number of years ago.

Ben said:

“I had set a goal for myself of starting up my own business. I already had the idea for the business and secured the capital. I wanted support and guidance from Cedar to get me on the right path to realising my dreams.”

Ben met with Case Officer Jordan regularly in the summer months and Jordan encouraged Ben to make contact with Invest NI's Go For It Programme, delivered with WorkWest. Through this programme, Ben and Jordan met with a Business Advisor called Moira from WorkWest. Moira detailed what Ben needed to do to help her formulate an effective business plan. Jordan supported Ben to conduct market research and gather data for Moira, with the end result being a comprehensive business plan for his new enterprise, "R Supplements Ltd". The new business would be a retailer of all things related to sport-supplements. Ben negotiated a great deal with a supplier that would allow him to sell some of the highest quality products on the market, at very reasonable prices.

Through WorkWest, Ben was able to lease a Unit at their business park site on the Glen Road. "R Supplements Ltd" began trading in November 2019 and can be found at Unit 15 work west, 301 Glen Rd, Belfast BT11 8BU. Alternatively you can find them online at https://www.rsupplementsltd.com/.

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?

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.

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.