Usel.

Usel. USEL

31/03/2026

💯 Barrier Project – #6 Peter
In this clip, Peter reflects on a feeling so many people silently carry believing that everyone else has life “sorted” while you’re the only one struggling. But as he shares, most of us are just trying to find our way through the dark, figuring things out one step at a time.

It’s a powerful reminder that what we think we see in others is often just perception. Beneath the surface, everyone is navigating their own challenges, fears, and uncertainties... even when it doesn’t look like it.

This moment, taken from our full interview, captures Peter’s honest insight into comparison, isolation, and the quiet reality that none of us truly have it all figured out.

Catch the full interview on our YouTube here https://youtu.be/9bdWkPXyimQ 🎙️

30/03/2026

💯 Barrier Project – #6 Peter

In this clip, Peter shares a barrier many people living with mental‑health challenges face, when everyday social moments feel overwhelming.
Sometimes something as simple as joining colleagues for a coffee or shaking someone’s hand can trigger the fear of being judged, misunderstood, or exposed, even when nothing is visible on the surface.

Peter’s experience is a powerful reminder that not all struggles can be seen. The pressure to “fit in,” the anxiety of walking into a room, and the belief that others can somehow “see” your internal battle are realities many people quietly carry every day.

This clip, taken from our full interview, captures one of the many honest moments where Peter opens up about hidden barriers, stigma, and the emotional weight of returning to work while navigating mental‑health recovery.

Catch the full interview on our YouTube here https://youtu.be/9bdWkPXyimQ 🎙️

26/03/2026

🎓 Congratulations to our incredible Empower graduates in Larne! 🎉

This week we celebrated the graduation of an inspiring group of individuals who have shown real dedication and determination throughout the Empower Training Programme, delivered in partnership with Northern Health and Social Care Trust

Despite facing additional challenges, every person showed up, pushed through and came out the other side with new skills, renewed confidence and a bright future ahead. 💪

We are so super proud 🌟

26/03/2026

Discover what’s cooking today at Ability Cafe! 🍽️💙

As part of USEL’s commitment to creating sustainable employment opportunities, our inclusive social‑enterprise cafés serve delicious homemade specials every day while providing accredited training and real work experience for adults with disabilities.

From food prep and kitchen hygiene to customer service and hospitality skills, our team members gain the confidence and qualifications they need to progress into long‑term employment. All while bringing fresh, flavourful dishes to our community.

📍 Locations & Opening Times
The Foundry Café – Spectrum Centre, 331 Shankill Rd, Belfast BT13 3AA
Mon–Fri: 9am–3pm

The Stables – Sir Thomas & Lady Dixon Park, Upper Malone Rd, Belfast BT17 9LA
Mon–Sun: 9am–4pm

Pop in, enjoy something tasty, and support local employment. 💙☕️

23/03/2026

💯 Barrier Project – #5 Paul

In this clip, Paul, Production Coordinator at USEL, highlights a barrier many people with hidden disabilities face, if you “look fine,” people assume nothing is wrong. And the moment you disclose a disability, job opportunities start to disappear. It’s a quiet but deeply damaging stigma that far too many people experience.

Paul’s story is a reminder that disabilities aren’t always visible, and the assumptions we make can shape someone’s entire journey back into work. When employers overlook someone based on a condition rather than their ability, they close the door on skills, talent, and potential that could thrive with the right support.

This clip, taken from our full interview, reflects one of the many honest moments where Paul speaks openly about stigma, hidden conditions, and the changes needed to make workplaces truly inclusive.

Catch the full interview on YouTube here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8arLR3U0rKM to hear more of Paul’s experience and insight. 🎙️🌱

19/03/2026

💯 Barrier Project – #5 Paul

In this clip, Paul Potter, Production Coordinator at USEL, speaks honestly about one of the biggest barriers people with disabilities face, the overwhelming transition from benefits into employment.

Losing financial security, housing support, and being told to “just get a job” with no preparation leaves many people stuck in a system that isn’t designed for their reality.

Through his own lived experience, Paul highlights how hidden disabilities are misunderstood, how stigma still shapes job opportunities, and why employers must stop focusing on limitations and start recognising ability.

At USEL, his message is clear, look beyond the disability, show compassion, and create space for people to succeed in ways that work for them.

This clip, taken from our full interview, captures just one part of Paul’s powerful story about resilience, barriers, and what true support looks like.

Catch the full interview on our YouTube channel here -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8arLR3U0rKM 🌱🎙️

💛 World Down Syndrome Day, Together Against Loneliness 💙Our staff and students came together this morning for pie, tea, ...
19/03/2026

💛 World Down Syndrome Day, Together Against Loneliness 💙

Our staff and students came together this morning for pie, tea, and conversation as we marked World Down Syndrome Day in the Skills for Life & Work canteen.

With this year’s theme, “Together Against Loneliness,” it was a lovely chance for colleagues and students to sit down and chat about the theme.

A huge thank-you to everyone who joined us.

☕🥧 A simple moment of connection can make a big difference.

12/03/2026

At USEL, we are proud to operate Ability Café, an inclusive social enterprise that serves high‑quality hot drinks, cakes, breakfasts, and lunches while providing accredited training and supported employment for adults with disabilities. ☕️💙

Through programmes in food preparation, kitchen hygiene, health & safety, and customer service, our team members build confidence, gain valuable workplace experience, and progress into long‑term roles within the hospitality sector, strengthening both the local workforce and the wider Belfast economy.

📍 Locations & Opening Times
The Foundry Café – Spectrum Centre, 331 Shankill Rd, Belfast
BT13 3AA — Mon–Fri: 9am–3pm

The Stables – Sir Thomas & Lady Dixon Park, Upper Malone Rd, Belfast BT17 9LA — Mon–Sun: 9am–4pm

Johnny from Habitat ReStore Belfast joined us to deliver Toolbox Basics training! 🧰✨Our learners from Skills For Life & ...
10/03/2026

Johnny from Habitat ReStore Belfast joined us to deliver Toolbox Basics training! 🧰✨

Our learners from Skills For Life & Work were the first in USEL to complete this session, gaining practical skills to tackle minor home fixes. From bleeding radiators and unblocking sinks to changing smoke‑alarm batteries and more. ⚒️

The students were fully engaged, asked great questions, and really enjoyed the hands‑on experience.

A great opportunity for our learners to build practical everyday skills. 👏

09/03/2026

💯 Barrier Project – #4 Gary

Gary Gates, founder of Neurodiversity SPARK, challenges employers to rethink how they support neurodivergent women returning to work through major life transitions like motherhood and menopause.

The ask is simple, stop focusing on diagnoses and start focusing on what they actually need.

From reviewing outdated policies to having real conversations with staff, small actions can remove massive barriers. This clip, taken from our full interview, captures just one powerful moment where Gary calls for practical, people centred change that employers can act on right now.

Catch the full interview on our YouTube linked below to hear more of Gary’s honest, transformative insights. 🌱🎙️

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLSHt_3NqvI

06/03/2026

💯Barrier Project - #4 Gary

Here, Gary Gates founder of Neurodiversity SPARK, reminds us that trust isn’t optional, it’s the foundation.

For neurodivergent individuals engaging with services, and for employees stepping into a workplace, that trust needs to be earned and protected. And when employers actually invest and deliver what they say, it creates a level of loyalty and stability you can’t manufacture.

This clip is only a small part of a much fuller, richer conversation about systems, support, and what needs to change.

Catch the whole interview on our YouTube channel linked below to dive into the lived experiences and insights that shaped this message. 🌟

https://www.youtube.com/

05/03/2026

At USEL, our warehouse is more than a place where furniture moves in and out, it’s a hub of opportunity, growth, and purpose.

Every partnership we build plays a vital role in helping us deliver on our mission: to create sustainable, meaningful employment for people with disabilities and health conditions across Northern Ireland.

Working with supportive partners like Zeus Office strengthens our ability to make a real difference. We’ve assembled over 1,000 items, and we’re looking forward to this continued partnership. Their collaboration enables us to expand our services, scale our impact, and ensure that every individual who steps into our workplace has the chance to develop new skills, gain confidence, and build a pathway to long-term employment.

Address

182/188 Cambrai Street
Belfast
BT133JH

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 12:30pm

Telephone

+442890356600

Website

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