St Paul’s High School, Bessbrook and Bolster Community were delighted to welcome Dr Caoimhe Archibald, MLA and Minister for the Economy, to The Good Space in Newry for a special event celebrating the achievements of An Droichead – a pioneering initiative supporting young people with additional needs as they transition from school to the world of work.

During the visit, the Minister met with key figures behind the programme, including Marion McMahon, Specialist Provisions Lead at St Paul’s, Allison Slater from Bolster Community, CEO Jacinta Linden of Bolster Community, Maria Wilson, Senior Leader for Pupils with Additional Needs and St Paul’s Principal, Dáithí Murray. Pupils involved in An Droichead greeted the Minister, and pupil Hannah spoke confidently on behalf of the young adults participating in the programme.

An Droichead – meaning The Bridge – captures the essence of our mission: to help pupils cross from the familiar grounds of school into the wider world of adult life, employment, and independence. Now one third of the way through the programme, we are already seeing encouraging outcomes: increased confidence, enhanced life and social skills, and growing engagement among participants.

A highlight of the event was a contribution from local employer Playr-Fit CEO Kieran Quinn, who spoke of the value he has seen in offering work-taster opportunities to our pupils. He described how, after a taster day, he recognised genuine potential in one young person and immediately invited them to begin a work placement – a clear demonstration of the real opportunities this model can unlock.

Parents’ voices reinforced the impact. One parent, Catherine Campbell, shared how the programme has transformed not only her child’s confidence and skills, but their sense of belonging and hope for the future. Her reflections underlined how inclusion – with the right support – can change lives.

An Droichead stands out because of the unique partnership it represents. It brings together educational expertise from St Paul’s, specialist support from Bolster Community, and the active engagement of local employers – underpinned by support from the Department for the Economy. This collaborative approach is a new model of shared responsibility across the education, economy and community sectors.

Through a blend of time in school, support from Bolster Community, and real-world experiences with employers, pupils are developing not only employability skills but vital life skills – teamwork, communication, independence, resilience – and a belief in themselves. Young people who first met through the programme are now choosing to meet socially outside it, building friendships and expanding their horizons. Others are moving confidently into placements, gaining work experience, and discovering their talents.

As we celebrate these early successes, we recognise they would not be possible without strong partnership and commitment from all involved – pupils, families, staff, community partners, employers, and policymakers. We remain committed to sustaining and expanding this model to offer more young people the opportunity to cross the bridge into a future of dignity, purpose, and belonging.

We thank Minister Archibald for her support, as well Bolster Community and all participating employers. We thank parents, families, and our school community. And most of all, we thank the young people of An Droichead – for their courage, their trust, and their ambition.