Strong Turnout and Positive Feedback at Disability Employment and Support Day

Ards and North Down Borough Council's Labour Market Partnership (LMP) is celebrating the success of its recent Disability Employment and Support Day, held on Thursday 26 February at Bangor Aurora Aquatic and Leisure Complex.

The event attracted a steady flow of visitors throughout the afternoon, with excellent engagement from jobseekers, parents, carers and individuals with disabilities or neurodiverse conditions. Attendees praised the welcoming atmosphere, the practical guidance available, and the opportunity to speak directly with specialists across a wide range of services.

Supported by the Department for Communities, Labour Market Partnerships aim to help people move towards and into employment by creating targeted, local action plans. This event brought that mission to life, with around 20 exhibitors showcasing programmes, training options, workplace support packages and inclusive employment initiatives.

Exhibitors reported meaningful conversations with participants seeking advice on confidence‑building, CV support, reasonable adjustments, workplace accessibility, and pathways into sustainable employment. Many visitors commented on how valuable it was to receive tailored guidance in a single, accessible venue.

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum, said:
"Today's event was a tremendous success, with strong attendance and overwhelmingly positive feedback from visitors, carers and support organisations. It was clear that the advice and programmes on offer made a real difference to those who came along. We are delighted to see such strong engagement, and we remain committed to helping remove barriers and create inclusive pathways into employment for everyone in our community."