The Evaluation Report of ‘Towards Occupation’, the support programme that seeks to empower those who are distant from the labour market was launched recently. Since 2005 the programme has helped to equip a range of people to live life to the full in these challenging times.

Speaking at the launch, Veronica Gubbins, Development Officer with Avondhu Blackwater Partnership said the launch was an excellent showcase for ‘Towards Occupation’ in increasing awareness for both participants and also for other agencies who could benefit from its work.

“The purpose of Towards Occupation is to connect with a large sector of our population who often feel invisible. It sought to help the participants to live as independent a life as possible and the testimonials from those who have been through the programme indicate that we have succeeded,” she said, adding that it’s the flexibility of the programme, and the ease with which it coaxes its participants along, that marks it out as different.

“No other programme of this kind is available anywhere else,” she pointed out.     

The purpose of the report was to look at the programme structure and design, its effectiveness and the possible mainstream application of Towards Occupation itself. The report also highlighted the successes of the programme and made some recommendations for the future.  

Veronica is very optimistic that Towards Occupation, which is cofunded by the Department of Social Protection,  will continue to be a success into the future. The report recommends the strengthening of links with other agencies, further collaboration with stakeholders, a more unified approach to promoting the programme and enhanced PR regarding its successes.