Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Employment Partner in Northern Ireland
Ulster Supported Employment (USEL) has been Northern Ireland's leading provider of employment support for individuals with disabilities or health conditions since 1962. Established under an act of Parliament, we specialise in creating pathways to meaningful employment through tailored training programs, inclusive social enterprises, and dedicated mentorship. Our mission focuses on empowering individuals to achieve their full potential while promoting equality and reducing health inequalities through community engagement. As an arm's-length body of the Department for Communities, we combine legislative authority with practical expertise to deliver sustainable employment solutions. Our social enterprises in hospitality, recycling, manufacturing, and document management provide real-world experience while fostering inclusive workplaces.With over six decades of experience, we have supported thousands of individuals through personalised career development strategies. Our team of experts delivers programmes like Empower, Workable NI, and Skills for Life & Work, addressing diverse needs across all stages of employment. Recognised for our commitment to excellence, we have received accolades such as The Shaw Trust List inclusion and Outstanding Business Support Services awards. We maintain transparency through annual business plans and screening reports, ensuring accountability to stakeholders. Our approach combines legislative compliance with innovative practices to create lasting impact in Northern Ireland's employment landscape.
Services
Employment Support
Training Programs
Ability Cafe
Document Shredding
Recycling Services
Details
- Year established: 1962
Highlights and features
- We have over 60 years of specialist experience in disability employment support
- Our social enterprises provide real-world work experience in multiple industries
- We deliver government-backed employment programmes across Northern Ireland
- Our team includes award-winning professionals in supported employment
- We combine legislative authority with practical, person-centred approaches
What people say
Inclusive environment
Dedicated mentorship
Real career opportunities
Supportive team
Sustainable employment
Services
Employment Support
Our employment support services help individuals with disabilities access meaningful work opportunities. We provide personalised career planning, job matching, and ongoing workplace support across Northern Ireland. With specialist programmes for autistic and neurodivergent individuals, we ensure sustainable employment outcomes through collaboration with employers and government agencies.
Training Programs
We deliver comprehensive training programmes including Empower, Workable NI, and Skills for Life & Work. These initiatives develop workplace skills, build confidence, and prepare participants for employment through practical experience. Our training combines classroom learning with on-the-job practice in our social enterprises to ensure real-world readiness.
Ability Cafe
Our Ability Cafes provide hospitality employment opportunities and training for people with disabilities. These social enterprises offer hands-on experience in food preparation, customer service, and kitchen operations. Participants gain valuable skills in a supportive environment while contributing to Belfast's hospitality sector.
Document Shredding
U Shred NI offers secure document and hardware destruction services across Northern Ireland. As a social enterprise, we provide employment in information security while supporting environmental sustainability through responsible recycling practices. Our services meet strict data protection compliance requirements for businesses and organisations.
Recycling Services
Our recycling solutions handle mattresses, carpets, furniture, plastics, and electrical waste. This social enterprise creates employment opportunities while promoting environmental sustainability. We provide commercial recycling services with a focus on circular economy principles and responsible waste management practices.
People
Simon
Caf Team Member
Simon joined USEL in 2018 and has developed his culinary skills at Ability Cafs. As an autistic individual, he thrives in our supportive environment, contributing his passion for cooking while building professional expertise in hospitality operations.
John
Recycling Team Member
John has worked in recycling at USEL for 17 years. As a profoundly deaf individual, he demonstrates exceptional dedication in our sustainability initiatives. His work contributes to environmental goals while showcasing the capabilities of disabled workers in essential industries.
Michele
Reception Team Member
Michele has been with USEL for 28 years, earning national recognition including The Shaw Trust List inclusion. Her commitment to excellence in administrative services and charity support demonstrates the long-term career opportunities we create for disabled individuals.
Questions
What employment support services do you offer?
We provide tailored employment support including job matching, career planning, and workplace adjustments for individuals with disabilities across Northern Ireland.
Do you offer training programs for disabled individuals?
Yes, our Empower, Workable NI, and Skills for Life & Work programmes develop workplace skills through practical training and social enterprise experience.
What social enterprises do you operate?
We run Ability Cafés, U Shred NI document destruction, manufacturing services, and recycling solutions that provide employment opportunities for disabled workers.
How do you support employers?
Our Workable NI programme helps employers make reasonable adjustments and provides ongoing support for employees with disabilities in the workplace.
What areas do you cover in Northern Ireland?
We provide services across all of Northern Ireland, ensuring accessible employment support and social enterprise opportunities region-wide.
