Author: Tina Calder

Accessibility consultant Shelley Cowan has launched a new web app to help people with a disability find and book accommodation that meets their access needs.

TravelEase is the latest initiative from Shelley Cowan, a tech founder and accessibility consultant whose work is rooted in lived experience and data-driven research.

The platform has been developed in response to widespread barriers within the travel and tourism sectors. Based on Shelley’s own experiences as a wheelchair user and her postgraduate research into accessibility in hospitality, the app introduces a user-friendly grading system that helps travellers understand whether a venue meets specific needs such as step-free access, hoists, under-bed clearance and other essential features.

“Travel should be an opportunity for exploration, enjoyment, and freedom, yet for millions of people with a disability, it remains an exhausting and frustrating challenge,” Shelley said.

“TravelEase, an innovative new app, is set to change that by making fully accessible accommodation easy to find, book, and verify.”

According to Shelley’s research, 90 percent of people surveyed were unable to find suitable destinations or accommodation, and 100 percent reported challenges when travelling. For those with complex disabilities, it takes an average of two months to source adequate accommodation, requiring extensive research, phone calls, and uncertainty.

“While pet-friendly accommodations are widely available, fully accessible accommodations remain extremely limited,” Shelley explained. “This lack of options forces many travellers with accessibility needs to either compromise on their requirements or abandon travel altogether. The result? Missed opportunities for both individuals and businesses.”

Shelley, who previously spent more than a decade using a wheelchair, said the issue is deeply personal.

“As a person with a disability, I have faced countless barriers, including the need to purchase a £1,200 portable hoist just to be able to stay overnight safely,” she said.

TravelEase is designed for a wide range of users, including people with reduced mobility, older travellers, and those with young children. It is built to support informed decision-making and reduce the risks associated with inaccessible or misleading accommodation listings.

Driven by her findings, Shelley has developed a grading system that enables people with reduced mobility to easily identify accommodations that meet their specific needs. “Whether someone requires a hoist, step-free access, or under-bed clearance, TravelEase ensures that accessibility is not an afterthought – it’s a guarantee,” Shelley explained.

Shelley’s work through TravelEase is part of her wider mission to improve accessibility through advocacy, education, and business consultancy. She is the founder of Access Avenue, an accessibility consultancy that supports organisations to better understand the needs of people with a disability and implement practical, meaningful improvements.

Through Access Avenue, Shelley advises public, private and third-sector organisations on inclusive design, accessibility grading, and service provision. Her work is grounded in lived experience and supported by academic study, including a first-class MSc in International Business.

Shelley is also Northern Ireland’s first Purple Tuesday National Community Ambassador. In this role, she promotes the importance of inclusive customer experience and works alongside the global campaign to raise awareness of the barriers people with a disability face when accessing services.

“Travel non-participation due to accessibility barriers is costing the economy millions and preventing millions of people from living a fulfilling lifestyle,” Shelley said. “Businesses are missing out on the Purple Pound – the spending power of people with a disability, currently valued at £274 billion annually in the UK.”

Shelley’s wider advocacy work is supported by her growing career as a keynote speaker. Represented by the Self Made Speaking Academy, she regularly delivers talks across the UK and internationally, sharing insight on disability rights, accessibility, innovation, and lived experience. Her keynote topics are shaped by personal and professional insight, and include themes such as her journey from adversity to advocacy, the untapped potential of accessibility for people, businesses and society, and the human impact of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.

Shelley has addressed audiences including International Rotary Clubs, community transport conferences, hospitality forums, and International Women’s Day events. Her talks are informed by more than 30 years of lived experience as a person with a disability and are grounded in research and practical understanding of accessibility challenges.

She was previously selected for Ireland’s TechFoundHer programme, a tech pre-accelerator for women-led start-ups. Her story has been featured in awareness campaigns such as Hear Us Roar and Island Voices, and she continues to contribute to conversations around disability, innovation and social change.

“Accessible travel is not just about meeting basic needs – it is an opportunity for innovation, economic growth, and social inclusion,” Shelley said. “While the tourism industry has embraced pet-friendly travel, it’s time to prioritise accessibility with the same commitment. By failing to accommodate travellers with accessibility needs, businesses are turning away a multi-billion-pound market.”

The launch of TravelEase is the latest step in Shelley’s ongoing campaign to challenge inaccessibility across sectors and support businesses to become more inclusive. As both a consultant and campaigner, she continues to call for greater transparency, industry standards and structural reform across hospitality, tourism, transport and public services.

To find out more about TravelEase, keynote bookings, or accessibility consultancy through Access Avenue, go to accessavenue.co.uk.

Global female trailblazers in technology, innovation, and investment are set to take to the stage next month for the third annual TechFoundHer Summit.

The event will take place on May 14 at the Mansion House in Dublin with a series of Runway to Summit events happening in advance including a dynamic lunchtime Town Hall in Belfast on April 16.

Keynote speaker for the summit is Kelly Vero, the game developer behind Tomb Raider and Halo 3, and a pioneer in the metaverse, NFTs,  AI-led product design and a global voice for ethical innovation.

Kelly Vero’s new book Breaking Through Bytes profiles pioneering STEM women from ancient Egypt to the modern games industry.

Joining Kelly are a series of local and international investors, founders, and visionaries reshaping industries and investment models.

TechFoundHer founder Co Down businesswoman Mairin Murray said the event is a “powerful global gathering that’s flipping the script on who gets to lead in tech.”

She added: “This isn’t just another tech event, it’s a high-energy, purpose-driven gathering for women building and scaling tech solutions to solve real-world problems. 

“This year, the message is clear – the future of tech must be diverse, daring, and include women.

“This summit is about unleashing vision and imagination

“It’s for women who want to tackle real-world problems with powerful tech tools – and have some fun doing it.”

Also taking to the stage are international speakers and entrepreneur Lata Setty, a serial tech innovator turned investor and venture capitalist who leverages her expertise in science, tech, law and business to rocket fuel female founded startups. 

Former European boxing champion for GB turned tech founder Lesley Sackey will be speaking about how she’s building AI-powered platforms for survivors of domestic abuse.

While American investors and star of Show Her The Money Wendy Ryan will be discussing the importance of reshaping venture capital by backing women and BIPOC founders.

The summit will also see Irish tech leaders from across the island and beyond join the lineup including Dr Patricia Scanlon, Áine Kerr, Barbara McCarthy, Áine Denn, and Naomh McElhatton.

The event is expected to see over 300 women-led startups, funders and tech allies attend to join the conversation on everything from Tech Has No Gender (From Ada Lovelace to AI: inclusive innovation starts here), TechProduct Innovation (Go beyond the hype to get real-world strategies from global experts), Breaking Through (What it takes to grow your startup from kitchen table to IPO), Funding Forward (Demystifying the funding landscape, from angel to VC) and Women Innovators Rise (A spotlight on homegrown tech talent across the island).

With only 2% of global VC funding going to women, the summit will support attendees to spark connections, unlock funding pathways, and make women-led innovation visible and unstoppable.

Supported by Dublin City Council, it offers an opportunity for women across the tech ecosystem in Ireland to feel centred, supported and celebrated.

Mairin added: “The Summit is about inspiring women to step boldly forwards and use tech to solve big juicy real world challenges. 

It’s about motivating women to go for the moonshot  – and to realise that tech is the catalyst – it’s the easy bit once you are clear on your vision. Everyone can innovate with tech no matter their background or previous experience.

“The TechFoundHer Summit is not about tech – it’s about vision and imagination – it’s for those who want to solve big problems and improve our world. 

“Tech is your superpower to make it happen and scale your impact. It’s so powerful and it’s also lots of fun – but too often we’re told as women that tech is not for us -and we can feel like we don’t belong.

“It’s time to reimagine and redesign what tech innovation looks like and create a positive environment with the right tools, insights and role models – that’s where the magic happens. You don’t need to be a coder to start a tech company – tech is the easy bit once you have a roadmap and the right contacts.”

At this year’s TechFoundHer Summit in Dublin attendees will also meet the island-wide graduates of TechFoundHer’s Innovation Labs – a programme designed to make tech accessible, impactful, and inclusive. 

Other key supporters of the 2025 Summit include U.S. Bank Europe as Network Sponsor and WITS (Women in Technology & Science Ireland) as Community Sponsor. 

The TechFoundHer Innovation Labs Programme, which nurtures early-stage women-led tech ventures across the island, was proudly supported by InterTradeIreland (in partnership with Invest Northern Ireland and Enterprise Ireland) through the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme and included KPMG Ireland as the lead sponsor.

Leading up to the main summit there will be a series of Runway to Summit events taking place starting with a Belfast Town Hall at Microsoft HQ in City Quays on Wednesday April 16 from 1-2pm.

Hosted by Mairin it will shine a spotlight on women tech innovators from across Northern Ireland and beyond.

For more information go to techfoundher.com or book your tickets on Eventbrite.

Individuals from Newcomer Communities are being urged to take part in a Belfast City Council consultation, as the deadline to complete the survey has been extended and two additional in-person events will take place this week.

The Mind Tribe UK, who are leading the research, are encouraging anyone with lived experience or working with Newcomer Communities to either attend one of the consultation sessions or fill in the online survey before the extended deadline closes.

The Mind Tribe UK have been appointed by Belfast City Council to lead a new research and consultation project aimed at identifying the barriers faced by individuals from Newcomer Communities in accessing entrepreneurial support.

The project will involve 10 consultation events, a mix of virtual and face-to-face sessions, along with a digital survey engaging individuals from Newcomer Communities, enterprise support organisations, and community integration services to gather insights that will inform future support provision. The findings are then to be compiled into a final report with recommendations for Belfast City Council.

Katie Matthews Furphy, founder of The Mind Tribe UK, was awarded the contract due to her experience in business, mental health, inclusive training, and leadership. As an entrepreneur with lived experience as a disabled, female, in-migrant business owner with Travelling community heritage, she brings a unique perspective to the consultation process.

Speaking of the contract win she said: “I’m incredibly proud to be doing this work because inclusive economic growth is not just an aspiration – it’s a necessity for a thriving and diverse society. 

“Everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, deserves the opportunity to explore their entrepreneurial potential and build a future for themselves, and through this research and consultation project we will explore entrepreneurial support pathways for Newcomer Communities, including Refugees, individuals seeking Asylum, and Migrants. 

“It’s fantastic to see Belfast City Council championing this kind of work, and I feel truly honoured to be delivering it.”

The consultation builds on the work of the Inclusive Enterprise Pathway, a programme designed and delivered by The Mind Tribe UK over the past 21 months. 

Commissioned by Belfast City Council, the pathway is the first dedicated council initiative in Northern Ireland specifically focused on supporting minority and marginalised groups who have been historically under-represented and under-supported within mainstream enterprise programmes.

“The Inclusive Enterprise Pathway is the first, dedicated council pathway in Northern Ireland specifically focused on supporting minority and marginalised groups who have been historically excluded from traditional entrepreneurial spaces and programmes, as well as under-represented, under-supported and under-funded within the entrepreneurial ecosystem,” explained Katie. 

“The pathway ensures that individuals who may experience additional barriers to enterprise can access the tailored support, develop the skills, and build the confidence they need to succeed in entrepreneurship.”

Recent data from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) UK National Report 2024 highlights the significance of this work. 

It revealed “Immigrant and ethnic minorities are consistently the most entrepreneurial groups in UK society since the start of the new millennium”. 

However, the report also explained that volatility in immigrant Total Early-Stage Entrepreneurial Activity (TEA) rates is possibly subject to immigration policy and the female-to-male TEA ratio has widened, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, when the gap widened to 57%, compared to 72% in 2019. 

The report suggests this may be due to “employment dynamics in the wider economy, with many migrant women potentially more easily able to secure jobs in more female-dominated sectors, such as healthcare, that have had a very high demand for migrant workers in recent years.”

Belfast City Council’s decision to commission this research demonstrates a commitment to addressing these challenges and ensuring that individuals from Newcomer Communities can access the entrepreneurial opportunities available in the city.

The consultation events will take place across Belfast and online, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of participants. A digital survey will also be available for those unable to attend these consultation events.

“We want to hear directly from those with lived experience,” said Katie. 

“Their voices are crucial in shaping recommendations that will lead to practical and effective support measures.”

Belfast City Council is encouraging individuals from Newcomer Communities, enterprise support organisations, and community groups to take part in the consultation.

The deadline for survey responses has now been extended. Two additional in-person consultation events have also been announced, offering more opportunities for people to share their views.

To fill in the survey or sign up for a consultation session, visit bit.ly/MindTribeConsultation

Private healthcare facility the Mid Ulster Clinic has become the first clinic in the UK and Ireland to offer the Capilo scalp and hair care range, a dermatologically certified treatment developed by Spanish brand Eva Professional and exclusively distributed by Antrim-based Savvy & Shine Professional Haircare.

The introduction of Capilo marks a significant step in providing specialist scalp treatments for clients experiencing issues such as hair thinning, dandruff, excessive oil production, and scalp sensitivity. 

The range combines natural active ingredients with scientifically formulated solutions, offering professional-grade care for those seeking targeted treatments.

Joanna Maxwell, owner of exclusive UK distributor Savvy & Shine, said: “We are pleased to introduce the Capilo range to our clients like the Mid Ulster Clinic. 

“Maintaining a healthy scalp is essential for overall hair health, and Capilo provides evidence-based solutions tailored to individual needs. 

“Mid Ulster Clinic being the first clinic in the UK and Ireland to offer these products reinforces their commitment to high-quality, professional scalp care.”

The Capilo range has been introduced at Mid Ulster Clinic to meet growing demand for specialist scalp treatments. Clients attending the clinic can now benefit from expert scalp consultations and personalised treatment plans tailored to their specific needs.

Dr Declan Quinn, co-founder of Mid Ulster Clinic, said: “Scalp health is a key factor in maintaining healthy hair, yet it is often overlooked. 

“The Capilo range offers a professional, evidence-based solution to common scalp concerns, ensuring that clients receive effective and personalised treatments.”

Joanna also highlighted the importance of ensuring clients receive the right products for their specific needs. 

“Many people struggle with scalp concerns but are unsure which products are best suited to them” she said.

“Hair professionals know their clients best, but this technology allows them to go further. It offers a scientific way to support the recommendations they already provide, ensuring that clients get the most effective solutions for their specific needs.”

Savvy & Shine has been supplying professional haircare products since 2010, working with salons and hair professionals across the UK and Ireland. The company focuses on distributing high-quality, cruelty-free, and environmentally conscious brands, ensuring that professionals have access to sustainable and effective haircare solutions.

“As a distributor, we are committed to ensuring that hair professionals and clients alike have access to the best products on the market,” said Joanna. 

Capilo offers a range of targeted treatments backed by dermatological research, giving professionals the tools they need to support their clients’ scalp health.”

For more information about Savvy & Shine’s full range of consumer and salon only products go to savvyandshine.com

To book a Capilo treatment or consultation at Mid Ulster Clinic go to midulsterclinic.com 

A ‘Musician in Residence’ has been bringing joy to patients and service users across the Southern Health and Social Care Trust. 

Anne Harper is accomplished in a range of instruments including the clarinet, saxophone and harp and is also a trained storyteller. She has been recruited through Arts Care to deliver musical projects across wards, outpatients and day care settings. 

Arts Care is an arts, health and wellbeing charity which delivers a range of innovative projects into health, social and community care services, to enhance the experience of patients and service users. 

Over recent months, patients, staff and visitors have been treated to the soothing tones of Anne’s harp at Daisy Hill and Craigavon Area Hospital Paediatric Outpatients Departments, Daisy Hill Coronary Care and Acute Medical Units, ENT and Urology at Craigavon Area Hospital and Lurgan Stroke and Rehabilitation Unit.  

She has also delivered musical workshops, including a Christmas tour for residents of Meadows Day Centre, Portadown, Clogher Day Centre, Orchard Day Centre, Newry, Crozier Lodge Day Centre (as part of the ‘Here & Now’ Project) and Linenbridge Day Centre, Banbridge. 

Anne says: “The harp has a longstanding association with healing and relaxation in Ireland and it is an honour to bring some of that magic into hospital and community settings. The workshops in the day centres focus on enhancing wellbeing, self-regulation and improving co-ordination, through music, singing, storytelling and simple percussion lessons. They are also just generally good fun and a different activity for service users to enjoy. 

“I am delighted that the Trust recognises the important role music can play in health and social care and look forward to bringing the benefits to as many people as possible across the area.”

Gerard Rocks, Assistant Director of Promoting Wellbeing for the Southern Trust explains: 

“Research shows that music can reduce anxiety, improve mood, create connection and inspire memory. 

“Hospitals can be very busy and sometimes a stressful environment, so the mix of classical, traditional and modern music brings a calming balance for patients, visitors and staff. It is a welcome distraction for families in the waiting areas in paediatric outpatients and Anne generously takes time to show children the instruments and how to strum the harp. 

“In adult departments, the music helps to put patients at ease, perhaps those worried about their condition and it is very comforting entertainment for those with delirium or dementia. Day care staff and service users always look forward to Anne’s workshops which offer really enjoyable but stimulating activities which benefit them physically, cognitively and socially.

“Staff have been very supportive of how Anne’s work complements their care and enhances our service users’ experience.”

Arts Care, Northern Ireland’s leading arts in health charity, is delighted to announce the launch of Skylarks, a vibrant new creative programme designed to bring joy, connection, and creative engagement to older adults, including those living with dementia, in residential and day care settings across Northern Ireland.

Supported by £8,500 from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s National Lottery Arts and Older People Programme, funded by the National Lottery and supported by the Public Health Agency, Skylarks builds on Arts Care’s long-standing success with its Clown Doctor service, adapting its unique creative approach to work with older people.

The programme features music, storytelling, gentle circus skills, dance, reminiscence, and creative play, all delivered by specially trained Skylarks artists, experienced performers who have adapted their costumes, characters and creative methods to suit this new audience.

Skylarks was initially piloted at Adelaide House in South Belfast through the Here and Now programme, supported by the Public Health Agency. Following the success of this pilot, the Arts and Older People funding is allowing Arts Care to expand Skylarks into a wider Northern Ireland pilot, bringing creative sessions to residential homes and day care settings across several geographic areas.

The Belfast Trust is also supporting the programme through its Older Active Connected Programme, with Skylarks sessions scheduled in residential homes throughout March, offering even more opportunities for older people to experience the uplifting power of creativity.

In residential and day care settings, older people, particularly those living with dementia,  often experience isolation and loneliness, which can significantly affect their emotional and physical wellbeing.

Barry Macaulay CEO of Arts Care said: “The greatest demand for our art facilitation services undoubtedly comes from Residential care facilities, whether it is visual art, dance/movement, or music. The addition of the Skylarks service to our portfolio is so exciting as it brings a range of these art forms together, and we are really looking forward to seeing the tangible benefits this project will bring to residents and staff in the care facilities”

Research shows that social isolation can be as harmful to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. By providing creative activities that encourage self-expression and meaningful connection, Skylarks helps to alleviate these feelings and foster a sense of community and belonging.

The Skylarks programme is designed not just to entertain, but to support the holistic wellbeing of older people by nurturing emotional and psychological health alongside physical care needs.

Each session provides opportunities for storytelling, laughter, music, movement, and gentle interaction, all tailored to the individual and the group, creating joyful moments and positive memories for participants and staff alike.

Lizzie Devlin, Community Arts Development Officer, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said: “Thanks to The National Lottery players and the Public Health Agency, we’re delighted to support Arts Care with this project. Research has proven that taking part in arts activities can raise self-esteem, confidence and motivation, as well as aid in relieving stress.  The National Lottery Arts and Older People Programme is committed to providing meaningful opportunities for older people to take part in arts activities, enriching their lives for the better.

“The arts have a vital role to play in helping our older people find their voice, bring people together and promote positive physical and mental health – funding from The National Lottery has been a game changer in helping us achieve that.”

Arts Care will continue to build on the early success of Skylarks, exploring further opportunities to embed creativity into care settings across Northern Ireland and ensuring older people, including those living with dementia, have access to engaging, artist-led activities that enhance their quality of life.

For more information about Skylarks and Arts Care’s work in health and social care settings, go to www.artscare.co.uk

If your organisation is interested in booking the Skylarks or simply want to find out more about the programme, please contact Julianne Skillen on 02890311122 or via julianne@artscare.co.uk.

Statement from the Connswater Creatives & Community Organisations

The abrupt decision to close Connswater Shopping Centre with just two weeks’ notice has left multiple community, arts, and charitable organisations facing immediate displacement and severe operational and financial challenges. 

The closure, set for Friday 21 March 2025, was announced without prior consultation or consideration for the impact on local organisations and service users, who are often generally vulnerable and/or with high needs.

The organisations affected, including Arts Care, Open Arts, Fighting Words NI, Strand Arts Centre, Platform Arts, Home-Start and the Men’s Shed have been integral in revitalising the centre as a community and creative hub, providing vital arts, education, mental health, and disability services. The sudden closure will result in disruptions to essential programmes, financial losses exceeding £200,000, and the loss of a safe, accessible space for local residents.

Failure to Consult and Lack of Transparency

The closure has come as a shock to tenants who had long-term investment plans based on assurances from Connswater Shopping Centre’s management. 

Despite organisations collectively investing in their units, and despite previous expectations that the centre would continue operating for at least another year, the closure was announced on 7 March 2025 with a demand for all tenants to vacate by 21 March 2025.

There has been no meaningful engagement from the receivers BDO or managing agents CBRE, to explore alternative solutions or to provide support for the organisations affected. Many of the tenants are charities, non-profits, and grassroots community organisations that do not have the financial reserves to relocate at short notice. 

This lack of communication and engagement has led to widespread disruption and uncertainty for organisations, staff, volunteers, and service users.

Severe Impact on Community and Arts Programmes

The closure of Connswater Shopping Centre will have far-reaching consequences for the local community, particularly for the elderly, disabled people, young people, and vulnerable groups who regularly use the space.

• Arts and Disability Services – Open Arts, which provides creative opportunities for disabled people, will lose the home of the only full Javanese gamelan orchestra in Northern Ireland, a uniquely accessible music resource that has benefited thousands of participants over three decades.
• Arts and Community Wellbeing – Arts Care will lose its gallery, dance studio, music space, and ceramic kiln, disrupting creative wellbeing programmes that have benefited people of all ages, including older residents and those with mental health challenges. The space has been a key hub for exhibitions, arts therapy, and movement-based projects, providing a vital social and creative outlet for the community. With £30,000 invested in refurbishments, the closure presents significant financial and logistical challenges. The sudden eviction jeopardises the continuity of creative health initiatives in East Belfast, impacting service users, artists, and local community groups.
• Creative and Educational Programmes – Fighting Words NI has supported thousands of children and young people in developing their writing skills. The loss of a dedicated creative space will make it significantly harder to run workshops, especially for neurodiverse and disabled children who rely on tailored environments.
• Film and Performing Arts – Strand Arts Centre has been using Connswater as a temporary home while its main cinema undergoes refurbishment. The loss of this space will halt dementia-friendly screenings, youth film workshops, and historical talks that have engaged hundreds of people weekly.
• Studio and Exhibition Space – Platform Arts, a hub for contemporary artists, will lose its studio spaces, forcing artists out with no immediate relocation options. The loss of dedicated workspaces for artists could result in financial instability and lost income.
• Community Social Services – Home-Start, Men’s Shed and other community organisations have used Connswater as a safe, welcoming space for families, mental health support groups, and elderly residents. Without an alternative location, many of these essential services will be significantly disrupted or forced to close entirely.

Financial and Logistical Crisis

The financial repercussions of this closure are extensive. Many organisations invested heavily in refurbishments, including improvements to accessibility, heating, and lighting, with the expectation that they would be able to use the space for the foreseeable future. 

We believe there is likely to have been more than £200,000 spent collectively across organisations on improving their units, and now that investment is being wasted with no recourse for compensation.

The cost of relocation, moving equipment, finding new venues, and re-establishing programmes is beyond the financial capabilities of many tenants. The short timeframe has made it nearly impossible to secure new premises that meet the needs of the displaced organisations. 

This situation is particularly damaging for groups that work with disabled individuals, older people, and those with additional needs, as suitable spaces that meet accessibility standards are in short supply.

Signed:

Barry Macauley, CEO, Arts Care

Eileen Branagh, CEO, Open Arts

Mimi Turtle, CEO, Strand Arts Centre

Hilary Copeland, Director, Fighting Words NI

Platform Arts

Home Start

John Lavery, Secretary, Men’s Shed

Larne social enterprise Access Employment Limited (AEL) has announced the launch of their new website creategifts.co.uk to expand their range of personalised and customised gifts.

Since its establishment two years ago, Create Gifts has focused on supplying bulk merchandise, corporate gifts, and awards to businesses. 

The launch of its personalised gifts range marks a significant expansion, offering engraved and full-colour personalisation options across a variety of products.

Jackie Reid, Head of Business at Create Gifts, said: “Create Gifts is a Social Enterprise of AEL. For the last two years we have concentrated predominantly on bulk merchandise, corporate gifts and awards to businesses, but now we are delighted to announce that we have extended our product range and are launching our personalised gifts range.

“Here at Create Gifts, we believe that a personalised gift shows a deeper level of thoughtfulness and care, as it is specifically tailored to a person’s interests and memories. 

“This makes the gift more unique and meaningful, and demonstrates that the giver took the time to create something special for them. Our personalised gifts selection includes engraved and full-colour personalisation, perfect for everyone and for every occasion.”

The expanded product range includes personalised items such as pink sparkly thermal water bottles, Northern Ireland slang mugs, personalised photo slates, and a variety of Mother’s Day gifts, including customised egg boards, ‘10 Reasons Why I Love Mum’ hearts, and Mother’s Day mugs.

Beyond its product offering, Create Gifts is committed to making a positive social impact by providing work experience and training opportunities to individuals with additional needs, learning disabilities, health conditions, and social disadvantage.

Laura Steele, CEO of AEL, said the new website is just another way AEL is delivering on its mission to offer opportunities for vulnerable or disadvantaged individuals.

She explained: “This is a very exciting time for all of us, and especially for our trainees. But Create Gifts is more than just a gift store! Here at AEL, our businesses, like Create Gifts, provide work experience and training to individuals with additional needs, learning disabilities, health conditions and social disadvantage. 

“When you make a purchase at Create Gifts, you are gifting with a purpose, and helping us to help others.”

AEL, Northern Ireland’s first social enterprise, was founded in 1998 to provide meaningful employment and training opportunities for individuals facing barriers to work. It operates a range of commercial ventures, reinvesting 100% of profits into sustaining and expanding these initiatives.

By purchasing from Create Gifts, customers are not only receiving high-quality, customised gifts but also directly supporting employment and training opportunities for individuals who may otherwise struggle to access the workforce.

For more information go to creategifts.co.uk