Usel is the largest provider of disability employment support in Northern Ireland. Usel was established in 1962 to provide supported paid employment for people with disabilities and health-related conditions within a Belfast manufacturing operation. In 1980 Usel merged with Workshops for the Blind to become the largest provider of supported employment for people with disabilities and health-related conditions in Northern Ireland.
Today Usel supports more than 1,000 people into employment annually through a variety of funded employment support and training programmes, and within their social enterprise businesses.
Usel's employment and training programmes:
-JobStart
-StepUp
-Empower
-Workable NI
-Skills for Life and Work
Usel's social enterprises:
-U Shred NI
-SmartPac
-Ability Cafe
-Ballycopeland Windmill
-Usel Furniture Reuse
Finalist - Social Enterprise NI Awards 2023
Finalist - CO3 Awards 2023
Winner, Best Social Enterprise – Belfast Chamber Business Awards 2022
Finalist, Green Champion Award – Belfast Chamber Business Awards 2022
Winner, Circular Economy Award – Social Enterprise NI Awards 2022