Usel.

28/05/2026

Huge congratulations to our 3rd year SFLW learner, Ross Breen, who has been shortlisted for the OCN NI Essential Skills Learner of the Year Award! 👏🎉

This special awards ceremony honors OCN NI Learners and Centres who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and achievement in their learning journeys.

Wishing Ross the very best at the awards!

28/05/2026

✨ Your Story Matters. Be Part of 100 Barriers ✨

Northern Ireland has the lowest disability employment rate across the UK and Ireland.

📊 NI: 41% | UK: 53% | ROI: 43%

Behind every statistic is a real person. Someone who has faced challenges, overcome setbacks, or is still trying to find their way. This project is about you. Your experiences. Your voice.

Living and working with a disability or health condition can come with barriers that others don’t always see or understand. By sharing your story, you can help shine a light on those challenges, break down misconceptions, and create change for others who may feel unheard or overlooked.

We’re inviting anyone living in Northern Ireland to take part in the 100 Barriers Project, a space to speak openly, be listened to, and help shape a more inclusive future.

🎥 It’s just a short, informal filmed chat.
No pressure, no preparation, just your story in your own words.
📍 We’ll try come to you, anywhere in Northern Ireland.

Contact 📞
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 07386 692016

28/05/2026

27/05/2026

We were pleased to welcome Minister for Education Paul Givan to Usel, where he saw first-hand the impact of our Skills for Life and Work programmes. These programmes support young adults to, build confidence, develop essential workplace skills and gain meaningful experience to move towards employment.

During his visit, the Minister also explored how our commercial activities create real, inclusive opportunities for people with health conditions and disabilities. By combining training with hands-on work, we support individuals to build independence and progress into sustainable careers.

Visits like this highlight the importance of creating accessible pathways into work, and the real difference these opportunities make in helping people realise their potential and move forward with confidence.

26/05/2026

The Cyber Quest class from Skills for Life and Work had a fantastic day out! ⛳

As part of CyberQuest, young people build digital skills, boost confidence and explore exciting pathways into tech careers. This time the group took a well-earned break from the screens for a day of fun!

First stop was a round of crazy golf at The Lost City Golf in Yorkgate, followed by some retro gaming fun in The Retro Room.

A great day for teamwork, laughs and making memories together! 👾🎉

26/05/2026

We were delighted to welcome our partners for our USEL Partner Day.

Throughout the day, our partners experienced first-hand what we do. From guided tours of our manufacturing and recycling operations, which support sustainability for both our planet and our workers, to our Skills for Life & Work school, where we support young people by giving them confidence, training, and employability skills.

We also shared our impact and future ambitions, highlighting how our partnerships and collaboration continue to support those with health conditions and disabilities into employment.

Alongside valuable networking, guests enjoyed fantastic hospitality from our Ability Café, with great food, tea, and coffee throughout.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and continues to support our mission. Together, we can break down barriers and support a more sustainable future.

19/05/2026

Last week our SFL&W staff and students proudly wore green in support of Mental Health Awareness Month 💚

It was wonderful to see our community come together to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and show support for positive mental health and wellbeing.

A huge thank you to everyone who took part and helped spread such an important message: no one should ever feel alone. 💚

18/05/2026

Meet James 💬

Working at our Ability Café, The Stables, has helped him grow in confidence, learn teamwork, and support customers every day.

“No problem, we’ll get it sorted, we’ll get your wee thing sorted.”

That’s what we’re all about 💙

11/05/2026

Work plays a big role in our lives, but so does our wellbeing. This week is a reminder that supporting mental health isn’t optional, it’s essential.

At USEL, we’re proud to support people with disabilities and health conditions into employment where they feel valued, respected and supported every day 💚

Whether you’re an employer, colleague or employee, small actions like listening, checking in, and being understanding can make a big difference.

Together, we can build more inclusive, supportive workplaces.

💬 Take a moment this week to check in with yourself or someone else.

06/05/2026

What does food with purpose look like? 💛

At Ability Café, every coffee, lunch and treat helps create real training and employment opportunities for people with disabilities and health conditions.

It’s a place where skills grow, confidence builds, and great food brings people together.

So when you visit, you’re not just enjoying a meal, you’re supporting something that makes a real difference.

Great food. Real impact.