Novel initiative launched in Erris
Launching the unique initiative were, from left: Rosemarie Mangan (Erris Workability), Olivia Lavelle (Lavelle’s Pharmacy) and Brian Bakeberg (Erris Chamber of Commerce).
Erris Chamber of Commerce and Erris Workability (Mayo North East) have joined forces to launch Weekly WorkSPACE (Supported Placements And Collaborative Employment), a unique new initiative inviting local businesses to open their doors to supported work experience in a simple, but effective way.
Weekly WorkSPACE asks businesses to allocate just one hour per week as a work experience space for a client, with Erris Workability assigning a dedicated job coach to accompany and support each person throughout their placement. The programme is entirely free of charge to participating employers, with all training and workplace integration managed by the job coach at no cost to the business.
Designed with busy employers in mind, the initiative promises minimal disruption to daily operations while delivering meaningful impact - helping businesses strengthen their diversity and inclusion credentials and deepen their social equity within the community.
More than 20 Erris businesses have already come on board with this exciting initiative, including AJ Reilly’s Homeware & Hardware Store, Áras Inis Gluaire, Bike Café, Broadhaven Bay Hotel, Brogan’s Eurospar, Carey’s Newsagents, Cuffe’s Centra, Comhar Dún Chaocháin, Erris Coast Hotel, Geesala Community Centre, Langan’s Home & Garden Centre, Lavelle’s Pharmacy, Mayo Roscommon Hospice Shop, Naíonra Dún Chaocháin, O’D’s, SOLAS Visitor Centre, The Talbot Hotel, The Western Strands, You’re Some Flower and 2EZ Furniture. More businesses are expected to sign up in the coming weeks and months.
Chairperson of the Erris Chamber of Commerce, Brian Bakeberg, said: "Weekly WorkSPACE is exactly the kind of initiative Erris Chamber is proud to stand behind and we are delighted to collaborate with Erris Workability on this. One hour a week is a very small ask, but the impact - for the individual, for the business, and for Erris as a whole - is enormous. We want to build an economy here that works for everyone, and Weekly WorkSPACE is a meaningful step in that direction."
Leader of the Erris Workability programme, Rosemarie Mangan, said: “Our programme provides ongoing one-to-one support to individuals who may be struggling to gain work or pursue further education, due to - for example - a medical condition, a disability or a mental health challenge. A vital aspect of Weekly WorkSPACE is the assistance and support that we can also provide to employers and businesses. If any employer or individual is interested in finding out more, please get in touch with us at Mayo North East.”
The contact details of the Erris Workability team are rosemariemangan@mayonortheastldc.com or 087 499 6606 (text only); siobhanscanlon@mayonortheastldc.com or 087 499 6605 (call or text); carolynohara@mayonortheastldc.com or 087 398 0575 (call or text).
The Erris Workability Inclusive Pathways to Employment Programme is co-financed by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) under Employment, Inclusion, Skills and Training Programme (EIST) 2021-2027 and the DSP, is administered by Pobal, and is managed by Mayo North East.
