Council appoints Social Enterprise, Stepping Stones to deliver HQ catering

November 2, 2021

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has awarded a catering contract to local social enterprise Stepping Stones NI. This local organisation will provide catering for council meetings, receptions and conferences at Lagan Valley Island for an initial period of six months.

Councillor John Laverty, Corporate Services Committee Chairman, said: “Stepping Stones NI is a wonderful organisation that supports people with autism, Asperger’s, learning difficulties and learning disabilities to gain meaningful training and employment.

“As a council, we are delighted to be providing the opportunities to help people learn, develop and be part of society through the workplace. We are committed to equality and diversity and working with Stepping Stones NI helps further our plans to be an inclusive organisation and contributes to our Disability Action Plan.

“I am already impressed with the quality and presentation of the food provided by Stepping Stones NI.  The care and attention that goes into preparing the food is very obvious. I look forward to continuing to develop this relationship in the months ahead and to meeting some of the people in their new roles.”

Paula Jennings, CEO Stepping Stones, added: “For the last 23 years, Stepping Stones NI has been operating social enterprises and its services to help those with a learning disability and who face all kinds of barriers to employment in our community.  This catering programme with Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council creates wonderful opportunities for the people we work with to engage fully in society and meet a wide range of people whilst developing their skills and experience through work.

“Our team are really looking forward to working in Lagan Valley Island and I can guarantee the council will be impressed with the level of dedication, commitment the quality of their food.”