"Having worked with EmployAbility Mayo in a previous role in retail, I already understood the value of the scheme. I was able to see firsthand how much of a difference the right support can make. So, when I moved into my current role, it felt natural to bring the idea to my team - and together we decided to partner with EmployAbility Mayo, offering an opportunity to someone who was finding it hard to get into work because of their needs.

EmployAbility Mayo took time to understand the role and the hours we had available and then matched us with a candidate who was a great fit.

This summer, we celebrated a real milestone: our second successful probationary period in two years.

100% success rate!

EmployAbility Mayo have supported us at every step, and that partnership has meant a lot to us. It has also encouraged us to be more flexible in how we coach, tailoring our approach to each person we welcome onto the team.

The reward has been enormous. Watching these individuals grow in confidence, take on new skills, and discover what they're truly capable of has had a real impact on all of us.

I often remind the team: "We can't change the world for everyone, but we can keep changing it, one person at a time."

If your organisation has the capacity to offer someone a similar chance, I'd really encourage you to reach out to EmployAbility Mayo and see what's possible. There are subsidies available too, so it's well worth making that first call.

Sometimes, giving just one person an opportunity makes a far bigger difference than you realise."