Causeway Hospital team honoured by Mencap for helping people with learning disabilities thrive at work

Jane Martin (centre) from Mencap presents the Employer of the Month award to Ann O’Neill (left) and Linda Saunders (right) from the Northern Health and Social Care Trust.

A team at Causeway Hospital has been recognised with a national award after creating a workplace where people with learning disabilities are supported to build confidence, develop new skills and secure meaningful long-term employment.

The hospital’s Corporate Support Services team has been named Mencap’s Employer of the Month, recognising its commitment to workplace inclusion and the practical steps it has taken to help colleagues with learning disabilities succeed.

A focus on meaningful employment

Rather than simply promoting inclusion in principle, the team has introduced practical measures to help staff thrive in their day-to-day roles.

Working alongside Mencap, Causeway Hospital has developed pictorial work schedules to provide additional support for colleagues with learning disabilities.

Forty domestic and catering staff have also completed disability and inclusion training designed to improve understanding of learning disabilities, communication techniques and ways to provide effective workplace support.

Linda Saunders, the Northern Trust’s Corporate Support Services Domestic and Catering Manager, said creating an inclusive workplace benefits everyone.

“Workplace inclusion means creating an environment where everyone feels respected, valued and able to be themselves.

“We celebrate diversity among our team and are committed to ensuring that all staff have equal opportunities to contribute, develop and succeed.

“Our team acts with kindness, respect and understanding, and we are committed to creating a positive workplace culture which reflects our Trust values and behaviours.”

Confidence built through support

Joanne McDonald, Mencap Disability Equality Officer, Linda Saunders, the Northern Trust’s Corporate Support Services Domestic and Catering Manager, Laura McCollum, Support Services team member, Jane Martin, Mencap Employment Officer (Northern and Belfast locality) and Orla McElhatton, Mencap Service Manager.

One of the people to benefit from the partnership is Laura McCollum, who has worked at Causeway Hospital for the past seven years.

After receiving support from Mencap, Laura began working in the hospital café before moving into a cleaning role, where she now works alongside her workplace buddy, Rosemary.

The Trust said the support and friendship have helped Laura’s confidence grow, with her taking great pride in her work.

Joanne McDonald, a Disability Equality Officer with Mencap who has a learning disability herself, said education and understanding among colleagues play a vital role in creating inclusive workplaces.

“Disability and inclusion training is so important because it helps people understand what a learning disability is. It challenges people’s thinking and helps ensure everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

“I would like to thank Causeway Hospital for ensuring that 40 domestic and catering staff completed their training. Together we can create a better, more inclusive NHS where colleagues feel confident supporting people with a learning disability in the workplace.”

Recognition for long-term partnership

Presenting the award, Jane Martin from Mencap said the recognition reflected the strength of the ongoing partnership between the charity and Causeway Hospital’s Corporate Support Services team.

“This award recognises the continued partnership between Mencap and Causeway Hospital’s Corporate Support Services team, and the positive difference this is making.

“They work collaboratively with us, communicate openly and show flexibility to ensure people are supported to achieve sustainable and fulfilling employment.

“Feedback from staff and service users has been extremely positive, highlighting the person-centred approach taken by the team and the real impact this has had on confidence, skills development and long-term outcomes.”

The award highlights how relatively simple workplace adjustments, staff training and ongoing support can create lasting employment opportunities for people with learning disabilities, while helping foster a more inclusive culture across the health service.