Rachel Duxbury participated in the Inclusion Works programme after acquiring a physical disability. Inclusion Works support 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. It is person-centred, encouraging and supporting individuals to design their own programmes around their needs and aspirations, building confidence and independence.

Rachel explained: “When I registered with employment agencies I found it really hard to get a job because of my lack of practical experience. Through Cedar, I completed a 6-month administration placement with Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Procurement and logistics Department. This gave me loads of experience.”

Rachel worked with Case Officer, Stephen Murdie, 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 their personal barriers and agree solutions to meet her goals.
 

Cedar supported Rachel to achieve OCR Level 2 Cambridge Technical IT, OCR Level 2 Diploma in Administration (Business Professional) at BMC Titanic Quarter.  At Cedar Rachel also successfully completed OCR Level 2 Award in Employability.

Rachel, upon leaving Cedar in August 2018 secured full time employment as Administrative Assistant with Departmental Solicitors Office, Northern Ireland Civil Service.

“I’ve learned lots of things about employment and I’m in secure full-time employment now. It’s been a great 2 years in Cedar. I just want to say a massive thank you to my Case Officer Stephen and everyone else in the office.  Thank you for your help and support over the years, you’ve really helped me grow as a person."  

Cedar Inclusion Works is funded by 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.

If you would like to find out more about Cedar’s Inclusion Works programme call 028 9061 2424 or 028 2565 9111. You can also link with Cedar via social media on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn