What they say

Catriona Reilly, Employment Development Officer at the Equality Commission Northern Ireland:

"The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland has been working with Include Youth to ‘bridge the gap’ between young people and employers in Northern Ireland. Our aim has been to increase access to employment for young people by raising employer awareness and working with employers to promote employment opportunities for marginalised groups. We have facilitated a number of employability seminars over the last two years which have been attended by many public and private sector employers. Staff from Include Youth were happy to contribute to these sessions and feedback has been very positive from all in attendance, resulting in a number of placements and job opportunities being filled by young people from the Give and Take Scheme. The Commission would encourage all employers to support the work of Include Youth and enable young people to develop their skills to achieve employment." June 2011

Dr Stephen Farry, Employment and Learning Minister:

“Today we acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of young people who have overcome a multitude of barriers in their lives to gain qualifications. The young people involved with Include Youth’s Give and Take Scheme demonstrate that with the right help and support they can be better prepared for the workplace and fulfil their aspirations. The Give and Take Scheme receives support from the European Social Fund and works in partnership with my Department’s Careers Service to provide services to some of the most hard to reach young people in our society.” June 2011

Frances O’Hara, Head of the Career Service for Northern Ireland:

“The joint working with Include Youth has ensured that young people have been able to benefit from a consistent and coordinated approach in the delivery of careers guidance in their local communities. Evidence demonstrated that the joint working between the Careers Service and Include Youth had a positive impact on individual participants with increased engagement on the Give and Take Scheme and an increase in qualifications gained. This has also enhanced participants’ career decision-making skills and prepared them for future career opportunities.” November 2010

Danny Kennedy, former Employment and Learning Minister:

"The Careers Service offers a vital life-line to so many who are unsure of which path to take and can give them help, guidance and support at crucial times in their lives. Their work with Include Youth gets to young people right at the heart of our society and aims to bring about positive, long lasting change. This award is very well deserved.” November 2010