A lifeline for vulnerable adults in the city is facing the stopping of its services due to funding cuts.
Engage - Learning Northwest is a programme that is designed to support clients with Autism, Asperger's and disabilities to move closer to employment.
The service provides a lifeline for its users and those in charge in Engage fear that their service users will not be able to gain the same opportunities without it.
Read more: Derry mental health charity braced for imminent redundancies and closure after funding pause
Eamonn Doherty secured his job at Derry Youth and Community Workshop through the help and guidance he received at Engage.
Speaking to MyDerry, he said: "Before I started working at DYCW I was actually a client on the programme looking for employment, Engage has worked with clients with disabilities assisting them with training or getting employment.
"Those who relied on Engage, which was a lot, basically need to look for other programmes similar to Engage. It is sad for those who made friends over the years, for a lot of people it’s a social aspect of getting out, meeting and talking to different people as well as learning.
"Personally I feel sad to say the least, losing my job with the challenges I face is not a nice feeling. If I’m honest I was worried about it when I first found out but now I feel it’s happening and nobody can stop it then there’s no point of worrying about stuff you can’t control.
"I would like to say if employers are looking to employ in Derry and beyond, if a applicant applies who has a disability you should give some thought about giving that person a chance to show what they can offer employers. Obviously it depends what type of job it is and what qualifications they need but I think more disabled people need the chance."
Programme co-ordinator at Engage, Michelle, said: "Our clients need programmes like ours. They get opportunities that they may not without our services. They are involved in social activities which many see as a lifeline because otherwise they may be somewhat isolated.
"We offer advice and support and provide opportunities for them to develop their skills as well as a chance to try out work placements. We have also supported clients into paid employment.
"Our clients are all different and need different things. We worked out what that was with them and put in place a programme for them as individuals to meet their needs. Unfortunately our clients will miss the friendships they have made."
This lifeline for many is facing closure to due funding restrictions, impacting many charities and community programmes in Northern Ireland.
Michelle said: "The Engage programme is coming to an end due to the end of European Social Funding. This is happening throughout Northern Ireland on a lot programmes similar to ours.
"There are 1,700 people employed through these programmes and 18,000 service users of which are the most vulnerable in our society. The money that was to replace ESF funding has not yet come through and the money allocated through the prosperity fund does near match ESF and therefore services will suffer."
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