Kevin chosen to carry Olympic torch

Kevin Bartlett

Kevin was nominated to be an Olympic Torch Bearer and successfully progressed through the stringent nomination process. The Olympic Torch nomination process involved quantifying why the chosen nominee is an inspiration within their community by doing normal things with extraordinary outcomes. Their actions go all the way in creating a better community environment and enhancing lives and Kevin graduated from the process with honours.

Kevin works as an Employment Services Worker for USEL, Ulster Supported Employment Ltd. USEL provides supported paid employment for people with disabilities.

Through support, provision and promotion USEL aim to “expand the choice of paid job opportunities for people with disabilities and health related conditions by means of training and development to assist with progression into and within mainstream employment”.

Kevin’s role within the organisation is to support, mentor and advocate clients with disabilities into employment. More than this and key to his nomination is his ability to empower clients to reach their potential and to maintain employment. This involves a special set of personal skills and after meeting Kevin it is obvious why he is an inspiration to those that he mentors on a daily basis.

Locally, Kevins clients are employed in Greenlight Gateway, Henderson Group, Co-op, Glens of Antrim Potatoes, Armoy Community Centre, Mace Armoy and Causeway Coast and Glens.

Kevin’s Clients pay tribute:

Joanne Quinn employed by Greenlight Gateway for over four years.

“Support from Kevin has helped me get where I am today. Kevin has helped me get and maintain a job, grow in confidence and develop my life skills. I can lift the phone at anytime and Kevin is always there when I need him”.

Declan Boyle employed by the Henderson Group since 1999, over 13 years.

“Kevin has enabled me to develop my skills, meet new people and take pride in my work. I am responsible for the forecourt at the Spar in Ballycastle as I prefer being outside. I have constant support from Kevin – any time I need help he is there for me”.

Kevin’s clients know that his “phone is always on”, he is never off duty and provides continuous support (outside his working hours) via a helpline 24-7. These are the reasons why Kevin will carry the Olympic Torch on Sunday June 3rd.

Kevin is an inspiration to those that he mentors, his role has provided his clients with a life line, a pathway for independence, development of life skills, continuous career development, but most of all a friend who is professional, reliable, sincere and caring. USEL should be proud of their employee, not to mention Kevin’s family and Moyle District Council will celebrate his Moment to Shine on Sunday June 3rd.

Kevin will carry the Torch through the town of Ballycastle. For more details log on to www.london2012.com/torch-relay/torchbearers. For more information about Ulster Supported Employment Ltd visit www.usel.co.uk.