The Cope foundation: An uplifting scheme

The need to participate, the longing to be involved with others, is as human as breathing. Some of us may shy away from constant interaction with our fellows but at the end of the end we are social beings.

Social interaction brings out the very best in us all. The opportunity to earn the respect and confidence of your peers is equally important in the process of building self-esteem.

The Cope Foundation has recognised that truth and has unveiled an ambitious programme to help more than 60 young people move towards full employment.

Cope is the country’s largest provider of support services to people with intellectual disabilities or autism. It has launched a scheme to help young people move from education to training and possibly full-time jobs.

Some businesses — Lidl, Mater Private Hospital Cork, Duke’s Coffee Company, Sodexo, Café Velo — are involved and by supporting them you support this hugely positive initiative.

Individuals sometimes wonder how they can do good, how they can be an agent for uplift or change. This project offers that opportunity.