Participant Name – Sarah
Placement Provider Name – Barnardo’s Donation Centre
Leslie, Manager of Barnardo’s Donation Centre in Ballymena, has been supporting SkillSET trainee Sarah to develop her employability skills in a voluntary work placement since July 2023 through the SkillSET Mencap programme.
Sarah’s voluntary role at Barnardo’s includes operating the till, engaging with customers, helping to sort clothes and household items that are donated and helping to price items.
Sarah’s Manager spoke about Sarah’s journey on the SkillSET Mencap programme so far,
“Sarah has become a very valued member of the team and can work independently providing excellent customer service. Her communication has come on leaps and bounds in recent months and works well as part of the team. Sarah completes all assigned tasks and can even find and complete tasks using her own initiative. The support from Mencap has been excellent, especially for Sarah. We know it is readily available when required!
I would absolutely encourage other Employers to get involved with a programme like SkillSET. I think it’s important that young people have the opportunity to learn and develop within a working environment and gain real world skills. When people are willing to learn and develop it should always be encouraged!”
– Leslie, Manager of Barnardo’s Donation Centre – Ballymena
