Lisburn News

Stepping Stones chosen as the Mayor"s charity

At the launch of the Mayor's Charity, Stepping Stones in Lisburn City, are (l-r) trainee, Aaron Reid, trainee Sophie Moore, the Mayor, Alderman William Leathem and trainee Kyle Walker.

STEPPING Stones in Lisburn; which supports people with . a learning disability or learning difficulty to fulfil their individual work potential, has been chosen by Alderman William Leathem as his Mayoral Charity for the year.

Stepping Stones' objective is to fully integrate persons with learning disabilities or learning difficulties into society.

It provides people with the opportunity to advance their skills, training and
employability through services which include a Training Department, The Avenue Coffee Shop and Stepping Stones Employment Service.

The Mayor visited Stepping Stones for a meet and greet session as one of his early _ engagements, with his newly formed Mayor's Charity Committee, which enjoys cross-party representation and for which each district electoral area in the City is represented.

Mrs. Paula Jennings Chief Officer, Ms. Cara Cash, Business Development Manager along with Board members from Stepping Stones provided the Charity Committee with a background to Stepping Stones and a tour of the facilities was provided which included a visit to the Courtyard Coffee Shop, which is at the rear of the Stepping Stones building.

It is open to the public and staffed by trainees.

Another part of the tour was a visit to The Picture Framing workshop, and the party were told about
making business, which includes wedding. stationery and individual and personalised cards, made by trainees based at Stepping Stones.

Following the tour, a working lunch was held at the charity's Avenue Coffee Shop, where fundraising opportunities were discussed.

The Mayor said: "This local charity does such sterling work in the community. It provides a practical springboard for young adults with a learning disability or learning difficulty to be equipped with skills which can be, transferred into the employment market.

It is difficult enough for people to gain employment in the current economic climate and for those persons with a learning disability or learning difficulty, the challenge is all the harder. Stepping Stones provides such a vital resource.

"Every one of my newly formed Mayoral Committee members remarked on the fantastic atmosphere and relaxed fell at Stepping Stones. It is a really happy place and for anyone who has not visited its Courtyard Coffee Shop I highly recommend it."

Mrs. Paula Jennings said: "Choosing Stepping Stones as the Mayors Charity this year is not only fantastic fundraising opportunity for us, it will also make the Lisburn community aware of the talents and abilities of all the young people accessing our services. It is a great honour and we thank him for the opportunity."

At the launch of the Mayor's Charity, Stepping Stones in Lisburn City, are (l-r) trainee, Aaron Reid, trainee Sophie Moore, the Mayor, Alderman William Leathem and trainee Kyle Walker.

Ulster Star
29/06/2012