Cope Foundation Launches "Grand Job" Advocacy Campaign

26th May 2015

Cope Foundation today launches its first ever focused advocacy campaign called “Grand Job?” The aim of the campaign is to deliver paid employment for people with intellectual disabilities. The Grand Job? launch takes place in Vertigo in Cork County Hall at 5.30pm.

Business leaders and people supported by Cope Foundation will share their experience of inclusive workplaces and the plans for the 12 month campaign, led by Cope Foundation and proudly supported by Cork Chamber of Commerce. At the launch, information packs for employers will be available and it will be the beginning of a year-long schedule of events to create awareness and turn that awareness into real, paid jobs.

The aims of Grand Job? include finding paid jobs for at least 10 people, which will involve matching the right people to the right jobs. Throughout the campaign, Cope Foundation will work in partnership with employers so they know and understand all the positives about working with people with intellectual disabilities.
Cope Foundation will be liaising directly with employers, providing job facilitators as support to both employers and employees and leading a comprehensive social media campaign. Cope Foundation also has a dedicated webpage for Grand Job at www.cope-foundation.ie/GrandJob.

Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber of Commerce, says: “We in Cork Chamber of Commerce are delighted to sponsor the Grand Job? advocacy campaign. Inclusive workplaces are beneficial to employers, employees and customers alike and we are looking forward to playing our part in finding paid employment for people with intellectual disabilities in Cork. I urge the businesses of Cork city and county to get involved in Grand Job? over the next 12 months so that together we can make a real difference to the lives of people supported by Cope Foundation.”

Colette Kelleher, Chief Executive of Cope Foundation says: “Today Cope Foundation with the Cork Chamber of Commerce is reaching out to the workplaces of Cork and asking them to open their doors, their hearts and their minds to people with intellectual disability, giving people a chance for that all important start, that “grand job” so important to us all. We are asking the business community of Cork to stand with us in delivering paid jobs that will create truly inclusive workplaces.”

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