SERC in partnership with Peninsula Healthy Living Partnership (PHLP) and Kilwarlin Joinery, gathered with participants of the Step Up to Joinery Programme to celebrate the end of the programme.
The course, delivered over one morning a week in Portaferry, saw 7 participants successfully complete a 12-week course, offering them the opportunity to learn some joinery skills and knowledge. During the sessions, the participants, built upon basic joinery skills by designing and making bird boxes, planters and chopping boards in a speciality workshop. Tuition was delivered by Patrick Teggart from Kilwarlin Joinery, a family owned and run business established in 2001.
Peninsula Healthy Living Partnership played a pivotal role with the recruitment of individuals onto the programme, provided and coordinated transport for participants from home to venue and supported participant engagement throughout the duration of the programme.
Catherine Shipman, SERC’s Head of Engagement and Development said, “Step Up to Joinery is a great example of how targeted, community-based provision can make a genuine difference for people who may not otherwise access skills training. Through a strong local partnership with PHLP, we were able to support participants not only to learn practical joinery skills, but also to build confidence, motivation and a sense of achievement. This kind of collaboration is central to SERC’s commitment to widening participation and supporting inclusive pathways into education and employment.”
Sheila Bailie, PHLP Chief Executive Officer, said, “When the right people come together, great things happen. This collaboration broke down barriers and reached people who don’t usually have access to or the confidence for this kind of opportunity. The participants stepped up and inspired us all; credit to Paddy and Ben from Kilwarlin Joinery who were fantastic mentors. It’s an excellent model to develop healthier communities.”
Programme partners, including Inspire Wellbeing and North Down YMCA also attended the celebratory event.
This project is funded by the Department for the Economy through the Step Up project. The programme offers participants the opportunity to gain confidence, learn new skills, while also benefiting from one-to-one mentorship and exploring next steps in education or employment.
Supported by the Skills Fund, Delivering the Minister’s Economic Vision.
Above: (Front L – R) Participants of the Step Up to Joinery Programme, Michael McMahon; William McCrory, Aubrey Lang, Gary Johnston and Ryan Burton Wood with (Back (L – R) Councillor Pete Wray, Ulster Unionist Party; Andrew Leebody, Floating Support Project Worker, Inspire Wellbeing; Adam Ferguson, Community Engagement Officer, SERC; Phillip Adair, Support Worker, Inspire Wellbeing; Allan Reid, Health Development Officer, Peninsula Healthy Living; Ricky Garrett, Men’s Health Worker, North Down YMCA; Dr Jenny Gingles, Co-Founder, Peninsula Healthy Living; Patrick Teggart, Kilwarlin Joinery; Kyle Burch, participant; Shelia Bailie, Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder, Peninsula Healthy Living; Councillor Joe Boyle, Social Democratic and Labour Party.
