This is Eoin Mc Hugh, currently working as part of the bar staff at House Dublin, 27 Lower Leeson Street, Dublin 2. Eoin secured his job through our Ability Programme which aims to secure meaningful paid employment for adults with Down syndrome.
To help with joining a new team, Eoin was partnered up with a mentor – Thomas. We asked Thomas to give us some of his thoughts and insight into Eoin’s work day and life:
“Eoin is a young man full of confidence and has integrated himself among the staff with no problems, he has been doing every job that I have asked of him which is mostly preparing for the night shift. This can include prepping tables, glassware, fruit chopping, juicing, making syrups and punches which in a busy cocktail bar with fresh ingredients is a lot to get done, Eoin has never shied away from anything we ask from him.
The great thing is we are both learning from each other every day, what jobs suit Eoin and to be honest he hasn’t had any issues with any tasks I’ve given him. At the moment Eoin’s interaction with the guests has been limited due to the bar workload, but whenever Eoin has had customer interaction he has been very good and well received.
He is polite, courteous and very chatty so guests respond really well to him and his positive can do approach.”
The team at House have really taken to Eoin and he has become a full member of the bar staff, we asked general manager John Melia for some further comments about his experience with the programme:
“Reach out to Down Syndrome Ireland and take the first steps. They will take you through the whole process and ensure it moves at the right speed for you and the adult with Down syndrome.
We are very proud to be part of this great programme and would confidently urge others to do likewise. It has a positive effect on staff morale and teamwork and has helped build awareness of important issues. We think our customers love to see Eoin too and he has become a much-loved team member at House.”
When asked about his role – Eoin said:
“I can say that I was immediately excited at the opportunity and that first meeting was the best meeting that I attended last year!
