Success of ASPIRE participants celebrated
13th May 2019
The success of participants on Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s ASPIRE Programme was celebrated recently at a special recognition event.
The ASPIRE programme, which is part funded through the Northern Ireland European Social Fund 2014-2020 and the Department for the Economy, supports individuals aged 16 years and over into paid employment and is aimed at those currently unemployed or economically inactive seeking employment. ASPIRE is led by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council in partnership with the Western Health and Social Care Trust, the Education Authority for the Western Region and its delivery partner, Fermanagh Rural Community Initiative (FRCI).
Speaking at the recognition event, Chairman of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Howard Thornton welcomed those in attendance and said:
“The core objective of the ASPIRE programme is to support and promote activities to assist people into sustained employment. One of the great strengths of the ASPIRE programme is that it provides a personalised approach, tailoring the training to suit the needs of the individual participant.”
Councillor Thornton continued by thanking the European Social Fund and the Department for the Economy for the financial assistance provided to support the delivery of the ASPIRE programme and acknowledged the role of the partner organisations and the collaborative approach which ensures the continued success of ASPIRE.
The event was attended by Western Health and Social Care Trust, Deputy Chief Executive, Kieran Downey, who commented:
“It was an honour and a privilege to attend the ASPIRE annual recognition celebration. The achievements of all who participated in this excellent programme are inspiring and a credit to themselves. They should all be justifiably proud.
It is also important to thank all of the programme sponsors which demonstrates the power of partnerships to make a difference in our communities.”
In the last year, 425 people from the Fermanagh and Omagh District participated in the ASPIRE programme, gaining valuable skills and qualifications for employment.
Since 1 April 2018, 60% of participants completing the programme have entered into paid employment with a further 15% progressing to further or higher education, additional training and, or, volunteering.
To find out more about the ASPIRE Programme, please contact the Enniskillen office on 028 6632 6478 or the Omagh office on 028 8224 6535.
