From volunteer to valued employee: Àine shines at Savers in Cookstown

Àine Owens

A Cookstown retail worker is being celebrated as a shining example of what can be achieved with the right support and determination.

If you have ever popped into Savers in Cookstown, there’s a good chance you will have met Àine Owens, a much-loved member of staff who can often be found stocking shelves, serving customers at the till, or promoting the latest perfume offers.

Àine’s journey into paid work began with a voluntary placement through Mencap’s employability service, which helps people with learning disabilities gain experience and enter the world of work.

With additional support from the Northern Health and Social Care Trust’s Day Opportunities service, Àine was able to build her skills, confidence and independence before securing permanent employment.

Reflecting on her experience, Àine said:

“I was in the Mencap employment service for a while and the support was great, with weekly visits from my Employability Officer. I started off learning how to tidy shelves, restock the fridge and how to use the till.

“Today I’ve moved on from the scheme, and I’m working independently in Savers with the support of my day opportunities co-ordinator.”

She added:

“I have been in Savers six years this month and yes, it is a paid job! I started by volunteering my time and now I get paid for my work. I have really enjoyed all the support from the Mencap team and Day Opportunities as well.”

Award-winning staff member

In 2023, Àine joined Savers colleagues from across the UK for a careers photo shoot in London, where she also recorded a video about her journey. Despite initial nerves, she said the trip was “an all-expenses paid experience” that she “really enjoyed”.

Her achievements were further recognised when she was presented with a ‘Star Award’, a moment she described with pride:

“To top it off, I was so happy to receive a ‘Star Award’ which made me so proud! I feel I have reached my full potential by getting a paid job and I love it!”

A valued team member

Savers Manager Nicole praised Àine’s hard work and transformation:

“Àine is a breath of fresh air. She has come on leaps and bounds from being nervous to speak with customers to chatting away! Customers love seeing Àine at the till, and the whole team really appreciates her and enjoys having her around.”

Nicole added:

“I am really proud of how much Àine has grown in confidence from being very nervous, to speaking with customers, and checking in with myself if she needs anything or if I need anything! I am very proud of her and value the work that she does.”

Àine herself takes great pride in her customer service skills and her role in promoting products:

“Savers has helped me learn how to provide good customer service. It has improved my confidence when speaking to people and I love it when customers ask me for help. I really enjoy going to work for every shift.”

Although she initially found it challenging to promote perfumes and aftershaves, Àine said with support from Nicole and her team she has now grown in confidence:

“At times I have made it into the top three sellers!”

Opportunities for all

Àine’s success story is part of the Northern Health and Social Care Trust’s ‘Opportunities for All’ series, marking 20 years of the Day Opportunities service.

The initiative highlights real stories of achievement, empowerment and inclusion, showcasing how people across Northern Ireland are being supported to reach their full potential.

To read more inspiring stories, visit: northerntrust.hscni.net/opportunities-for-all