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A disability and brain injury charity has held a celebration event in Warrenpoint, bringing together service users, local employers and elected representatives to mark employment progress and promote inclusive recruitment across the area.
Cedar Foundation held the showcase at the Whistledown Hotel in Warrenpoint, where certificates were presented to service users in recognition of their hard work and progress through Cedar's employability programmes. The event also gave local employers the opportunity to learn about the benefits of diverse recruitment practices.
Slieve Croob Councillor Helena Young spoke warmly of Cedar's work in Newry, saying: "It has been a real privilege to have visited Cedar Foundation in Newry on a number of occasions. They provide an invaluable service and vital support to people living with brain injury, autism, and disabilities. At the very heart of their work is a deep commitment to inclusion, choice, and opportunity for everyone they support."
Cllr Young added: "I would like to sincerely commend the entire team for their hard work, compassion, and dedication. Your commitment truly makes a difference in people's lives."
South Down MLA Andrew McMurray presented the certificates on the day, saying: "It has been brilliant to join in with today's celebration at Cedar Foundation. I would like to congratulate all those who received their certificates today on their hard work and achievement. I would also like to thank those working at Cedar Foundation for the great support they are providing to people living with brain injury, autism, and disabilities so that they can reach their full potential."
Among those celebrating was Rochelle Earley, who described how the Skills Connect programme had changed her outlook. She said: "Serendipity is the word for a chance encounter with a positive outcome. I had no idea Cedar was an organisation that existed, and so serendipity is the appropriate word. After years of bouncing around attempting to get myself into a healthy workplace, Cedar was able to help me find a sector that fit me and a place in that sector that would be sustainable for me."
She added that the experience had improved both her confidence and mental health, and that she is now building towards running her own business.
Sarah McEvoy, Proprietor of the Whistledown Hotel, also spoke in support of inclusive recruitment, saying: "Inclusive recruitment is important to us at the Whistledown because people are at the heart of hospitality. I would recommend that employers embrace working with Cedar because many employers narrow recruitment down to CV's or simple interview processes and miss out on the benefits of drawing from a wide pool of talent."
Cedar CEO Elaine Armstrong said the event demonstrated the real impact of the charity's work in the community. She said: "Today was a wonderful opportunity to recognise the commitment and dedication of Cedar service users. Their clear motivation to achieve their employment goals and bring their skills into the local workforce have been deeply evident in the personal stories of their experiences on our employability programmes."
Cedar Foundation is marking its 85th anniversary in 2026. The organisation delivers employability, social inclusion and housing support services across Northern Ireland, including within the Southern area. Further information is available at www.cedar-foundation.org.
