Lives changed: Gallaher Trust and Habitat NI project hits major milestone in Ballymena

Pictured are, participants David and Emily, who have gone on to secure employment opportunities, alongside Matt Robinson, Volunteer Coordinator at ReStore Ballymena and James Perry MBE, a Trustee of The Gallaher Trust.

A transformative community programme in Ballymena has helped dozens of local adults into work, thanks to a partnership between The Gallaher Trust and Habitat for Humanity Northern Ireland.

The Building Impact project, launched in 2021, was funded by a £180,000 commitment from The Gallaher Trust and delivered by Habitat for Humanity NI. Aimed at empowering ‘hard to reach’ adults across the Ballymena area, the four-year initiative has exceeded all expectations—providing skills, qualifications and real pathways into employment.

Delivered through Habitat’s ReStore Ballymena, a social enterprise located in Bridge Retail Park, the project engaged 361 volunteers (well above the 300 target), delivered OCN-accredited training to 264 individuals, and supported 48 participants into employment—with 88% of them remaining in their new roles.

Empowerment through learning and practical experience

Pictured are, James Perry MBE, a Trustee of The Gallaher Trust and Matt Robinson, Volunteer Coordinator at Restore Ballymena. The Gallaher Trust is celebrating the success of Habitat for Humanity NI’s Building Impact project as participants obtain jobs.

ReStore sells donated building and home improvement materials at low cost, helping families improve their homes affordably. As part of the Building Impact project, participants took part in a volunteer-led ‘Buddy Scheme’ and received tailored support with training and wellbeing.

James Perry MBE, Trustee of The Gallaher Trust, said:

“The Gallaher Trust is delighted with the positive influence that the Building Impact project has had on the Ballymena community.

“This initiative has not only improved lives but also provided a pathway for individuals to build a better future. It aligns with our mission to focus on job creation, skills development, and assisting disadvantaged adults in Ballymena.”

Jenny Williams, Chief Executive of Habitat for Humanity NI, commented:

“The Building Impact project has empowered hundreds of local people, many considered hard to reach, to improve their employability, skills and confidence by combining classroom learning and practical experience in ReStore Ballymena.

“We are thankful for the partnership with The Gallaher Trust which enabled the project and celebrate that we have been able to support so many participants on their pathway to employment.”

Lives transformed: From volunteering to employment

James Perry MBE, a Trustee of The Gallaher Trust is pictured alongside, Matt Robinson, Volunteer Coordinator at Restore Ballymena and some of the volunteers. The Gallaher Trust is celebrating the success of Habitat for Humanity NI’s Building Impact project as participants obtain jobs.

Among the project’s many success stories are four individuals whose experiences highlight the real impact of the programme.

Emily, who has volunteered at ReStore since 2021, has contributed over 1,400 hours of service. She completed OCN Awards in Retail Business and Wellbeing, as well as a Basic DIY Skills course. Emily has now secured paid employment with Dougies Goodies, while continuing to volunteer weekly.

Adam, who has volunteered since 2017, completed OCN qualifications in Retail Business and Employability Skills, and recently joined Dougies Goodies.

“I’m really excited to start my new job at Dougies Goodies,” Adam said. “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.”

David, another volunteer, completed the Retail Business and DIY Skills courses and now works for Woodgreen Furniture, while still giving his time at ReStore.

Meanwhile, Tracey now works in a permanent role with a women’s fashion retailer after completing the OCN Level 1 Award in Retail Business.

“The team at Habitat has really given me a new lease of life,” she said. “The course was thoroughly enjoyable. It helped me look at different aspects of retail like merchandising, customer service, health and safety and housekeeping – all important parts to make a customer’s retail experience better.”

Since its formation in 2017, The Gallaher Trust has invested £2.7 million into Ballymena, creating 431 jobs, upskilling over 1,600 individuals, and supporting more than 1,800 disadvantaged adults.

For more information about The Gallaher Trust’s work, visit: www.thegallahertrust.org