The visit allowed members to visit the services of both organisations as well as an opportunity to meet with the people who use the service.

Members visited NØW Loaf Catering (Social Economy) and viewed training within NØW, showing the contribution people with a learning difficulty can make in the Hospitality sector. A visit to one of Orchardville Society Social Economy Projects The Orchardville Co. Ltd highlighted the skills of people with learning disability in a production environment. The visit concluded with members visiting the Orchardville Business Centre were again people with a learning disability demonstrated their skills in back office activities.

Discussions on the day highlighted the need for continued progression in meeting the needs of people with a learning difficulty on their pathway to work. The committee recognised the valuable work carried out by both organisations and were complimentary as to the varied approach taken to meet people’s needs.

The area of continuous education and the necessity for people with a learning difficulty to access Further Education Courses at the required vocational level was recognised by all.

The Committee appreciated the training which was provided in the social economy sites and recognised the difficulties in relation to the viability of such enterprises.

The full morning ended with agreement that NØW and Orchardville would keep the communication of their work to the DEL Committee ongoing.