IN Ireland, participation in education and employment is much lower for young people with disabilities than non-disabled people. Approximately one third of those aged 15 to 19 are already out of the education system.
Lack of engagement in education and work can be a huge barrier to participation in mainstream Irish life. Having a job gives us independence both economically and socially. Work is a valuable social outlet that takes people out of their homes and into the wider community, contributing to positive mental health. Now, how can we support young people to acquire the skills needed to join the workforce?
“I could not have asked for better support, they [Step Up Staff] were constantly encouraging, welcoming and understanding of my situation” says one participant. Cian explains how one year ago, after struggling with employment and mental health, he reached out to the Step Up project, where he believes the staff “did everything they could to help me succeed”. After taking part in weekly group work and engaging with one to one sessions with a support worker, Cian now feels “confident and capable of getting back to work”. He would recommend the programme to “anyone who is thinking of joining, or is in need of some guidance/support”. From joining the gym to doing jobs interviews, Cian is making huge progress towards achieving his goals
At Offaly Local Development Company, Hazel Daly is the Support Worker for the Step Up Project. Government, with support from the Dormant Accounts Fund, has approved this project. “Step Up gives young people the time and space to grow their confidence, identify their strengths and set achievable education and employment goals,” explains Hazel.
“It also provides young people with training specific to gaining employment, such as computer literacy, CV building and interview preparation. All of this is done while working on social skills and fostering healthy habits and routine”. As a support worker, Hazel is “seeing a lot of young people who need support to get out into the wider community and figure out what the next best step for them is, whether that be education or employment”.
Hazel works closely with community development workers, local employers, community based services and health services in a bid to ensure positive outcomes for project participants. In Offaly, the Step Up Project is a free 12-week programme that is available to people aged between 16-29 who have a mild disability or mild mental health concern.
Through group work three mornings per week, Monday to Wednesday, the programme helps develop young people’s interpersonal, intrapersonal and employability skills. Group work helps create a routine while also encouraging social connection with other people of a similar age, who may be experiencing similar challenges. Alongside group work sessions, Hazel provides one-to-one sessions with each participant. In these sessions, personal progression plans are designed to ensure that each young person who participates achieves their desired goals.
Offaly Local Development Company (OLDC) provides this three day a week service in Tullamore. OLDC is a partnership of agencies and groups representing the community, statutory and private sectors. It delivers a variety of programmes and supports to individuals, communities and businesses in Co. Offaly.
Siobhan Broderick, Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme (SICAP) Team Leader, explains how “The project’s success continues to grow as we see more and more young people stepping out of the 12-week programme with the confidence and skills to achieve their goals”
“Sometimes the smallest in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life”
In March, 2022, a new cycle of the Step Up Project is starting. For more information or if you, or anyone you know, may benefit from Step Up, contact Hazel Daly, Offaly Local Development Company on (087) 700 2521 or email hdaly@offalyldc.ie .
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