In a first of its kind consortium, five leading Northern Ireland organisations are celebrating successfully reshaping the region’s economic landscape through an innovative approach to supporting individuals on their journey to employment.
The consortium, Prosper, is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and led by Triangle Housing Association, Prosper includes Access Employment Limited, Appleby Trust, CAN (Compass Advocacy Network Ltd), and Stepping Stones NI.
After 18 months of impactful groundwork, the consortium has announced that is has now supported more than 1,400 people to gain new skills, with almost 900 qualifications achieved in subjects such as World Host, Animal Care and Food Safety. It has also delivered training in Health & Safety at Work, Communication Skills and Mental Health Awareness, and supported more than 400 people to achieve employment.
The organisations that form Prosper harness over 150 years of collective expertise, working across Northern Ireland to address some of the region’s most pressing challenges relating to economic inactivity and inequality.
Prosper focuses on empowering economically inactive individuals including those with disabilities, neurodiversity, mental health issues, and those who have been out of employment for an extended period.
Prosper is dedicated to creating lasting change for individuals, businesses, and the community. It achieves this by offering support systems, training courses, and collaboratively designed employment programmes. These initiatives empower individuals to gain skills and education that promote independence, while helping organisations meet their recruitment needs, leading to quality placements for employees and employers.
Alongside wrap-around support, the consortium offers opportunities by combining the knowledge of over 50 industry experts to deliver tailored employment pathways for individuals.Whether through vocational training, personal development programmes, or strategic partnerships with local employers, Prosper understand that success looks different to everyone and is committed to ensuring that no one is left behind.
Margaret Haddock MBE, Chair of Prosper said, “At Prosper, we believe in changing perspectives on what people can accomplish and help to unlock their potential. We work closely with individuals to build customised training and support pathways, ensuring they receive the right assistance at the right time. Our services are not just a ‘nice to have’ – they are a labour market necessity, essential to addressing economic inactivity and improving lives across Northern Ireland.”
Beyond transforming lives, Prosper’s work benefits employers and the broader economy. The consortium partners with businesses to co-design employment programmes that meet the specific needs of both employers and employees. This collaborative approach has a far-reaching impact, resulting in quality job placements that foster long-term success for participants and contribute to the economic health of the region.
As a result, the consortium’s work is creating stronger, more inclusive workplaces while supporting businesses in recruiting talent through a channel they may not have previously considered. The ripple effect of this work is clear, as it touches participants, their families, employers, and the wider community.
“Our collective impact is greater than the sum of our parts,” added Margaret. “We believe that by working together, we can address key challenges such as economic inequality, recruitment barriers, and social exclusion. Prosper is dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of individuals and families across Northern Ireland, and we are proud to be leading the way in this crucial work.”
“Prosper is proud to be part of each participant’s journey”, she concluded.
Looking forward, Prosper is committed to driving even greater impact across Northern Ireland. The consortium will continue to expand its services and deepen its partnerships with local, national and international businesses, all with the aim of addressing economic inactivity and building an inclusive labour market where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.