Habitat ReStore and Dougies Goodies partner to create employment opportunities in Ballymena

Adam and Emily have now secured permanent employment in Dougies Ballymena premises (l-r) Isobel Kerr, ReStore Ballymena manager, Adam Harkin, Frank Warwick (Owner, Dougies Goodies), Lucy Carlile (Dougies Goodies Business Development and HR), Matt Robinson (ReStore Volunteer Coordinator) Emily Robinson.

A new partnership between Habitat for Humanity Ireland’s social enterprise, ReStore, and Ballymena-based business, Dougies Goodies, is helping to transform lives by supporting local people into permanent employment.

Through this collaboration, two ReStore Ballymena volunteers – Adam and Emily – have now secured permanent roles at Dougies Goodies after contributing a combined total of 3,500 hours of volunteering.

Habitat ReStore is a low-cost DIY and home improvement store that not only promotes sustainable living but also provides accredited skills and employability training to individuals from all backgrounds, including those facing barriers to employment such as learning difficulties, mental health challenges, offending histories, or long-term unemployment.

Building skills, confidence and purpose

Speaking about the impact of the partnership, ReStore Ballymena Manager, Isobel Kerr, said:

“The opportunity to partner with Dougies Goodies has enabled ReStore to create more opportunities for volunteers to transition into permanent employment. Partnerships like these will deepen the impacts of our OCN-accredited training and enable more local people to gain valuable skills and experience.”

Dougies Goodies, a growing business in Ballymena, welcomed the two recruits with open arms.

Lucy Carlile, Business Development & HR at Dougies Goodies, shared:

“When we were first introduced to Adam and Emily we knew they’d be a great fit for our business, and we’re absolutely delighted to have them as part of our amazing and growing team.”

Emily, now starting her new role, expressed how meaningful the experience has been:

“I’m really excited to start my new job at Dougies. All my volunteering at ReStore has helped me to learn new skills and become more confident, so I feel ready to try something new and can’t wait to get started.

“This whole experience has made me feel like I have a purpose and I can’t wait to keep learning and growing at Dougies.”

A model for community impact

Last year alone, ReStore diverted over 1,600 tonnes of reusable waste from landfill, all while supporting local people to improve their homes at low cost. But perhaps its greatest impact lies in its ability to empower individuals, offering them a route to employment, independence, and purpose.

Learn more about Habitat ReStore and their employability programmes at: habitatireland.org/foundations