Health Minister's warm praise for Stepping Stones
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| Health Minister Michael McGimpsey pictured with members of staff in Stepping Stones coffee shop | Health Minister Michael McGimpsey pictured with staff at Pink Elephant Cards, Stepping Stones. |
HEALTH Minister Michael McGimpsey has paid a visit to a Lisburn charity dedicated to helping adults with a learning disability gain employment. Stepping Stones offers the opportunity to access accredited training which can help provide the skills needed for the workplace.
The Minister toured the facility in Seymour Street and met with staff and trainees in each of Stepping Stone's community businesses, which include a coffee shop and café, picture framing workshop, and a greetings card business.
"Stepping
Stones provides a superb person-centred environment together with a
range of opportunities for adults with learning disabilities to acquire
the skills necessary to secure employment and to help them to reach
their own personal potential," said Mr McGimpsey. "I have been very
impressed by the enthusiasm, professionalism and dedication shown by all
those people that I have met, both staff and trainees alike."
He continued: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank local businesses for opening their doors and providing work based placements for these young people.
"Their support is vital so that provision of placement opportunities, which, as well as providing young people with much needed workplace experience and personal development opportunities, helps them integrate into their local community."
julieann.spence@ulsterstar.co.uk
Ulster Star
27/03/2009
