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Farry commends Newry social enterprise

19 January 2012

Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry today officially opened ‘Heart and Home’, a key part of the Clanrye Retail Social Enterprise (CRSE) in Newry.

CRSE has been developed to expand existing employment and training services for people with a physical disability.  Training is being offered to 30 participants who have a physical disability, are unemployed or inactive and are seeking employment upon completion of their training.  An integral element of this project is the retail gift shop `Heart & Home’, located at The Quays Shopping Centre in Newry.

Speaking at the official opening of the shop, the Minister said: “This enterprise provides an excellent example of how European Social Fund (ESF) and local public sector funding can work hand in hand for the benefit of our community.  My attendance today provides me with the opportunity to see at first hand the training that takes place and to recognise the achievement of the trainees who are with us today.

“Two of the objectives of my Department are to work with others to promote the attainment of skills and qualifications; and to assist people to find employment. These are also the core elements of the ESF supported programmes and the Clanrye Group has consistently proven to be one of our most valued partners, providing well targeted and tailored provision that complements my Department’s main employment and training programmes.”

The Minister told the assembled guests that the programme is funded through the current ESF Programme that provides Community funding of £181,393, with contributions from the Department for Employment and Learning of £113,371 and match funding provided from the Southern Health and Social Care Trust of £158,719. The overall support for the programme amounts to £453,483 over the next three years providing training for 30 trainees.

The Minister added:  “This funding helps to provide a broad range of complementary activities of direct and valuable support for the trainees, enabling access to accredited courses.  Most importantly of all, initiatives such as this provide participants with new and wider choices in their lives, and the prospect of full-time employment.”

Clanrye Retail Social Enterprise is part of the wider work of the Clanrye Group.  Clanrye Group, based at Slieve Gullion Courtyard, train and develop young people under the Department for Employment and Learning’s Training for Success programme.

Jerome Mullen, Chairman of Clanrye Group, commented: “I am delighted to welcome Dr Farry to our new retail social enterprise today.  The opening of the gift shop `Heart & Home’ marks the first step in the projects plan to create a social enterprise that supports and trains individuals in retail related skills through offering real work experience as well as accredited qualifications.  We are confident that this training will accelerate a participant’s readiness towards securing paid employment in the retail sector."

Notes to editors:

  1. The Clanrye Group, established in 1982, is one of Northern Ireland’s premier training organisations offering training opportunities for a diverse group of people.  Clanrye has established itself as a leader in the provision of specialised training for those who are unsure about their future career direction and require guidance and considerable support.
  2. The Clanrye Group has had a long and successful association with the Department for Employment and Learning and the European Community supported programmes, and has implemented programmes both nationally and internationally.
  3. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Employment and Learning Communications Branch on 028 9025 7492. Out of hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.