14 May 2001

SMELLING OF SUCCESS THANKS TO NEW DEAL

Mary Haddock, a fully qualified reflexologist and aromatherapist, is smelling success thanks to the Government’s New Deal 50 plus programme.

Mary, who is from Portadown, was forced to leave her previous employment through ill health a number of years ago. Now, however, New Deal 50 plus combined with a clean bill of health has enabled her to get back to work with local business Remedies.

"When I became ill I decided to see if I could improve my condition with the aid of alternative therapies. I began reading up on reflexology and aromatherapy and as my interest grew I thought it would be nice to see if I could get some official recognition for the new skills and knowledge that I was gaining," says Mary.

"I studied hard and succeeded in getting diplomas in reflexology, aromatherapy, anatomy and physiology. My condition improved dramatically and I signed up to the New Deal 50 Plus programme which offered me the encouragement to return to employment and build upon my existing skills.

"The result was that a new local business venture, Remedies, offered me the chance to work as an aromatherapist and reflexologist. I jumped at the chance and haven’t looked back since. The business has been open since November and is going really well," she added.

Maeve McCabrey, a New Deal Personal Advisor at Portadown JobCentre, believes that Mary has tapped into an area with real potential.

"Mary took advantage of the Government’s New Deal 50 Plus programme to make the transition back into employment after being unable to work owing to illness for around 5 years.

"Her philosophy that you are never too old to learn has really paid off. Mary’s hard work, combined with the encouragement and incentives that come with the New Deal 50 plus programme, has opened up new opportunities for her and helped transform her life."

Theresa Murphy, Mary’s employer at Remedies, is delighted that New Deal 50 Plus has helped her business grow. She says:

"New Deal 50 Plus programme has provide Remedies with a high calibre employee. Mary’s calm, confident approach and extensive knowledge was just what the business needed.

"So far things have gone very well, but we are not standing still and hope to improve the services we offer to customers. Mary is constantly reading up on the latest trends and developments in the field and is a crucial part of our business success."

For further information on the New Deal 50 plus programme contact your local JobCentre on freephone (0800) 353530.

Media enquiries to the Press Office, Training and Employment Agency,

on 028 9025 7792.