The Northern Ireland organisation helping change thousands of lives

Belfast Telegraph

2 days ago

With its initial work dating back more than 150 years, Ulster Supported Employment Limited (USEL) now works to help those with learning difficulties and disabilities find their way into the workplace, as well as operating its own substantial manufacturing and services social enterprise at its Belfast base.
It's an organisation which is quietly changing thousands of lives in communities right across Northern Ireland.
And it's the people – from the staff to those involved in the various schemes and initiatives – which are at the heart of USEL.
The organisation has a team of around 185 staff, and supports around 1,000 people each year.
'Our mission is simple but powerful: to support people with disabilities and health conditions into meaningful employment,' Scott Jackson, chief executive of USEL, says. 'This work touches almost every workplace because any organisation of any size will have people facing these challenges. It's not niche; it's everyone.'
For Scott, the heart of USEL is its people. 'The staff and those we support – that's what makes USEL what it is. They are the key to our success.'
USEL delivers a wide range of employment services across Northern Ireland, including Workable NI, Empower, and Skills for Life and Work. These programmes help individuals build confidence and capability in CV writing, interview techniques, essential skills like English and Maths, and even newer areas like podcasting – all underpinned by professional and personal development.
'We combine essential training with practical, on-the-job experience,' Scott says. 'That might mean someone gaining warehousing experience here at USEL, which then helps them transition to employment in the open labour market.'
USEL's Workable NI programme supports both employees with disabilities and the employers who hire them offering tailored, on-the-job support that helps retain talent and build inclusive workplaces.
The organisation has deep roots, tracing back to social reformer Mary Hobson, who originally established workshops for blind workers.
Today, USEL operates from its Belfast base on the Shankill Road, with regional offices in Londonderry and Portadown, and staff based across Northern Ireland.
'We're working to shift employer attitudes to prove that with the right support, people can and do thrive in work,' Scott says.
On the social enterprise side, USEL is a key manufacturing and recycling player. It produces specialist bags and carriers used by emergency services across the UK, and operates Northern Ireland's only mattress recycling facility.
'We've undergone a major transformation,' Scott says. 'We make products for blue light services, partner with commercial clients, and drive circular economy thinking. Our shredding business, U Shred NI, is growing steadily as a secure waste provider.'
USEL also runs the Ability Café social enterprise, with outlets on the Shankill Road and in Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park.
Walking through USEL's Shankill base, the scale of operations becomes clear – from classrooms and a podcasting suite to warehousing and recycling areas. A new building project is also underway to support future growth.
While USEL is a non-departmental public body under the Department for Communities, the majority of its income is self-generated through commercial contracts. 'We bid competitively. Nothing is handed to us,' Scott says. 'That commercial focus drives innovation and sustainability.'
Looking ahead, he sees continued growth on the horizon. 'We're increasing brand awareness, entering new markets, and always measuring return on investment. Every pound we earn helps us reach more people and deliver more programmes.'
USEL supports a wide spectrum of individuals – from those who've never worked and need foundational skills, to people already in employment who need targeted support due to new health conditions or disabilities.
'Let's say someone develops a disability after an accident,' Scott says. 'We're there for both the individual and the employer, ensuring they get the right support to stay in work.'
Ultimately, the goal is broader than employment it's about boosting economic participation and creating meaningful social impact.
'This is about people. It's about jobs. It's about building a more inclusive economy.'