Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Employment Support in Belfast
Ulster Supported Employment (USEL) has been Northern Ireland's leading provider of employment support for individuals with disabilities or health conditions since 1962. Established under an act of Parliament to provide supported employment for disabled people, we expanded our mission in 1980 through the acquisition of the Workshops for the Blind, becoming the largest employer of disabled individuals in the region. As an arm's-length body of the Department for Communities, we operate under a governance framework that prioritises equality and the reduction of health inequalities through community engagement. Our tailored training programmes and social enterprises empower individuals to build skills, confidence, and long-term employment opportunities. We specialise in creating inclusive environments across sectors such as hospitality, manufacturing, recycling, and document management.With over six decades of experience, we combine education with real-world employment opportunities to create pathways to meaningful careers. Our team of dedicated professionals provides mentorship and support, ensuring individuals thrive in sustainable roles. We collaborate with employers to implement reasonable adjustments, fostering inclusive workplaces. Our social enterprises, including Ability Caf and U Shred NI, demonstrate our commitment to innovation and sustainability. Through personal stories of resilience and success, we continue to prove that with the right opportunities, talent and passion can flourish.
Services
Employment Support
Training Programmes
Social Enterprises
Recycling Services
Document Shredding
Manufacturing Solutions
Details
- Year established: 1962
Highlights and features
- We have over 60 years of experience in disability employment support.
- Our tailored training programmes prepare individuals for real-world roles.
- We operate Northern Ireland's only social enterprise document shredding service.
- Our team includes certified experts with decades of sector-specific experience.
- We collaborate with employers to implement inclusive workplace adjustments.
What people say
Inclusive environment
Dedicated mentorship
Career development
Sustainable employment
Valued team members
Services
Employment Support
We provide tailored employment support for individuals with disabilities or health conditions across Northern Ireland. Our services include career guidance, job placement, and ongoing workplace support to ensure long-term success. With expertise dating back to 1962, we help employers create inclusive environments through reasonable adjustments and training.
Training Programmes
Our training programmes prepare individuals for employment through hands-on experience and classroom learning. Offerings include Empower for adult employment support, Workable NI for workplace adjustments, and Skills for Life for youth career readiness. These programmes build confidence and practical skills for sustainable careers.
Social Enterprises
We operate social enterprises that provide employment opportunities in hospitality, manufacturing, and recycling. Ability Caf offers catering roles, U Shred NI handles document destruction, and our manufacturing division produces bespoke textile products. These enterprises combine commercial activity with social impact.
Recycling Services
Our recycling division manages mattress, carpet, furniture, plastic, cardboard, and electronic waste. This service creates jobs for individuals with disabilities while promoting sustainability. We provide collection, sorting, and processing solutions for businesses and households across Northern Ireland.
Document Shredding
U Shred NI offers secure document and hardware destruction services, Northern Ireland's only social enterprise in this sector. We provide certified data destruction to protect businesses while creating meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities through our ISO-compliant processes.
People
Simon
Caf Team Member
Simon joined USEL in 2018 and works at Ability Caf. As an autistic individual, he has developed culinary skills in an inclusive environment, becoming a valued team member who demonstrates how tailored support enables success.
John
Recycling Team Member
John has worked in recycling at USEL for 17 years. As a profoundly deaf individual, he exemplifies dedication and resilience, contributing to sustainability initiatives while thriving in an accessible workplace that values his expertise.
Michele
Reception Team Member
Michele has been with USEL since 1997, earning national recognition for her work. Her role combines supporting colleagues with charity contributions, reflecting USEL's commitment to creating fulfilling employment opportunities that extend beyond the workplace.
Questions
What services does Ulster Supported Employment offer?
We provide employment support, training programmes, and social enterprises for people with disabilities or health conditions across Northern Ireland.
How can I access employment support?
Contact us via phone or email to discuss your needs and begin our tailored assessment and support process.
Do you support employers as well as employees?
Yes, we offer workplace adjustments and training for employers through our Workable NI programme.
What social enterprises do you operate?
We run Ability Café (hospitality), U Shred NI (document destruction), manufacturing (textile products), and recycling services.
How are you funded?
We operate as an arm's-length body of the Department for Communities while generating income through our social enterprises.
Reviews (1)
Nekha Paul
May 24, 2022
Report
Thank you for opportunity me for three years in TFS and STRIDE in USEL. I have Learn all from you this year.
