Derry brothers say they'll '˜gutter done'

Two Derry brothers have revealed how they have set up their own business despite being partially sighted.
Derry brothers Ryan (right) and Stephen Lynch (middle) welcome launch of new 'Eye Work Too' employment project for people with sight loss with project coordinator Martin Branney, RNIB NI. To get involved, either as a participant or placement provider, contact RNIB NI on 028 9032 9373 or visit rnib.org.uk/eyeworktoo.Derry brothers Ryan (right) and Stephen Lynch (middle) welcome launch of new 'Eye Work Too' employment project for people with sight loss with project coordinator Martin Branney, RNIB NI. To get involved, either as a participant or placement provider, contact RNIB NI on 028 9032 9373 or visit rnib.org.uk/eyeworktoo.
Derry brothers Ryan (right) and Stephen Lynch (middle) welcome launch of new 'Eye Work Too' employment project for people with sight loss with project coordinator Martin Branney, RNIB NI. To get involved, either as a participant or placement provider, contact RNIB NI on 028 9032 9373 or visit rnib.org.uk/eyeworktoo.

Stephen (21) and Ryan Lynch (19) from Springtown recently took part in a youth programme called ‘Youth Works’, run by RNIB NI’s Youth service.

The course inspired them to start up their own maintenance and cleaning company, specialising in outdoor work, aptly named ‘We’ll Gutter Done’.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

They are now keen to help spread the word of this new employment project and are hopeful other people with sight loss will be encouraged by their efforts to pursue their chosen career.

Stephen said: “We’re just in the process of finalising insurance and a few other things. We should be ready for taking on business in the next few weeks.

“We’ve always enjoyed doing jobs of this nature for people, and thanks to the practical support, and encouragement, from Employment Officer Wendy, at RNIB, we’re looking forward to the chance to stand on our own two feet.”

This week the Royal National Institute of Blind People launched a new project called ‘Eye Work Too.’

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The project will support people with sight loss to develop the necessary experience and skills to gain employment, or return to work after a change in their sight.

Currently, only one in four blind and partially sighted people of working age are in employment (paid or self-employed). This compares to one in three in employment in 2006.

Eye Work Too will support people with sight loss in every step of their journey towards securing employment, by providing expert training and advice in areas such as IT skills development, job search and interview skills.

Eye Work Too Project Coordinator, Martin Branney, said: “Our Employment and Technology Officers will work with employers from all sectors to dispel negative myths and increase their confidence in employing someone with sight loss through staff training, expert advice, and providing loan equipment, all at little to no cost. We are already working successfully with a diverse range of local companies including Boots, Marks and Spencer, and Halifax. We are continually seeking to engage with any companies who would like to provide placements for participants on this programme.”

To get involved contact the RNIB NI Eye Work Too project team on 028 9032 9373 or visit rnib.org.uk/eyeworktoo

Related topics: