Empowering Individuals with Barriers to Learning & Employment and People with Learning Disabilities to Thrive in Life and Work
What we do
Learning Disability Support
We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. Our Learning Disability Support service focuses on training, skills development, and personal growth, supporting individuals to build confidence, independence, and meaningful pathways towards paid employment.
Our trainees are supported within real working environments across our six social enterprises in Lisburn and Newtownards. Each setting provides a safe, inclusive space to develop practical skills, social connections, and overall well-being.
What we offer:
- Training and skills development through hands-on experience in our social enterprises
- Personal development and life skills programmes that support confidence and independence
- Opportunities to gain soft skills and accredited qualifications
- Tailored support plans developed with trainees and parents/carers
- Clear pathways towards paid employment, where appropriate
- Flexible options, including the use of self-directed support payments
Employer Partnerships
We partner with employers to recruit and retain a talented, diverse, and inclusive workforce.
We know that hiring managers are focused on finding the right talent and keeping them. When candidates who face barriers to employment receive the support they need, they don’t just get hired, they thrive. We work with employers to recruit talented individuals to strengthen teams and drive long-term value for organisations. We are driven by our vision of a socially enriched world, working with our employer partners to build inclusive and diverse workforces.
Stories
Support & Employment
The true measure of our success lies in the stories of the individuals we support and the partners who work alongside us. These stories reflect the impact of meaningful support, training, and employment opportunities across all our services.
Our trainees’ and clients’ journeys are shaped by confidence-building, skill development, and growing independence. Through tailored support, hands-on training, and real work experiences, individuals gain the tools they need to succeed in everyday life and in the workplace.
The testimonials from families, carers, and employer partners highlight the positive difference inclusive support and employment can make, strengthening communities, creating opportunities, and demonstrating the value and ability of every individual. We are proud of the progress achieved and the partnerships that make it possible.
Stepping Stones NI has consistently provided a safe, empowering environment which has nurtured the development of social relationships and work skills for my son. He can feel relaxed with all staff working in Stepping Stones NI, knowing that they will actively listen to him and will both encourage and support him to achieve as much as he can.
Mary MacDonnell, Parent
Working with Stepping Stones NI has helped us with our strategy of recruiting within local communities. We have a strong relationship with them and together have helped people find employment who have since gone from strength to strength here at EE. We look forward to doing more collaborative work together!
Manpreet Chand, EE
The staff have been very good it is clear to see that they all do care about their clients and are interested in seeing them do well and to better themselves.
Peter Mailey, Henderson Retail
Stepping Stones NI played a crucial role in helping me move forward in my career. The dedication and support shown by every team member was truly exceptional. Transitioning from being unemployed to securing a fulfilling job at HCLTech has exceeded my expectations, and I couldn’t have done it without this amazing team. I am very much thankful for the guidance and support to start this journey.
Shalini Prasad, Employment Academy Participant
About Stepping Stones NI
Founded in 1996
In 1996, a group of dedicated parents, carers, and local business leaders partnered with the health trust to establish Stepping Stones NI. Their shared vision was to create meaningful training opportunities for individuals with learning disabilities, empowering them to access greater opportunities for employment and independence.
We have come a long way since then, establishing six social enterprises which include three cafes, a bespoke wedding stationery business, a guild-commended picture framing business, and a new horticulture and wellbeing hub at Navigation House. Each business serves as a realistic training platform for our trainees, with 100% of our customers’ money reinvested to support our work.
We support people who face all kinds of barriers to employment, including learning difficulties, autism, ADHD, dyslexia, mental health, and other barriers across Northern Ireland.
Latest News
Donate to us with
Every donation, no matter the size, helps us create more opportunities for people with learning disabilities and difficulties to build a brighter future. Donate below through our JustGivingTM page.