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Alternative Angles welcomes President Mary McAleese

President of Ireland, Mrs McAleese paid a visit to Alternative Angles on Thursday 13^th May 2010 to see at first hand the work of the Progression to Employment Service.  Alternative Angles is a partnership between Triangle and Northern Health and Social Care Trust which has been successfully operating since 2006. The President spent some time at the social enterprise in Ballymena talking to the service users and staff about the activities undertaken. For many Alternative Angles is a stepping stone intervention, helping them to prepare for employment opportunities in a more controlled, supportive environment. 

The President reflected “A great place and great people doing wonderful work! This Project shows how progressive service partnerships that encourage and support social inclusion for marginalized groups are the way forward and are much better than what was available in the past."  

Chris Alexander, Chief Executive of Triangle, commented,  “It was a great privilege and encouragement for Triangle to receive a visit from President McAleese. ‘’We are grateful to the Northern Health and Social Services Trust and the Department for Employment and Learning for providing support and funding for crucial and successful projects like Alternative Angles. Hopefully their significant contributions will carry on into future years, despite pressures on the public purse.”  

Oscar Donnelly, Director Mental Health and Disability Services, Northern Trust added "This initiative with Triangle and the Department of Employment and Learning is one of a number of successful partnerships the Northern Trust has established aimed at improving the lives of people with a learning disability. "The various activities have enabled adults with a learning disability to undertake work preparation programmes. These help build confidence and skills, improving employment opportunities for many people whose prospects may otherwise have been limited".

This project is part financed by the European Social Fund and the Department for Employment and Learning under the Northern Ireland ESF Programme 2007 - 2013