Every Wednesday and Thursday Paul is to be found busy at work in Gilmartin’s helping ensure that the business runs smoothly.

“In the time since Roscara came to town, it has been a tremendous experience for us all,” said Brian Stenson.  “It gives the other people working here an opportunity to see the problems that people like Paul face.  It works both ways, letting each person benefit.”

Indeed Brian Stenson is one of the employers to whom Pat O’Connor and others at Roscara are indebted because of their willingness to provide work experience for Roscara service users.  “Brian Stenson has always been very open to us placing people in the business and in turn we try and give them support,” said Pat O’Connor.

A number of service users are involved in a work opportunities programme, which sees participants take part in ten different modules, for example, literacy and numeracy, self advocacy, personal health and hygiene.  Up until recently, service users were aiming for IFS certification, but now all of the certified work is done through FETAC, which is a more recognised qualification in the workplace.