Home Background   • The Vision    • The Concept    • Working in partnership    • Acknowledgements Services & Menus Daisies' People Social Activities Achievements Contact Us	The Concept
	In 1999, the statutory and voluntary sectors worked together under a peace initiative project to identify an alternative to day care in Northern Ireland. The aim was to provide opportunities for day care as well as training and employment in the community for people with a learning disability or mental illness. Social Firms already in operation in Europe provided several useful examples. Extensive research, which included visits to Finland, Holland and Germany, was undertaken to develop a model suitable for Northern Ireland. Discussions were held with service providers, staff and trainees in relation to trading, recruitment and training as well as the roles of Directors and staff. A Social Firm is an ordinary business providing goods and services under normal business terms and conditions. The fundamental difference is that a proportion of its trainees require a carefully planned, supportive working environment because of mental ill health or other disabilities. A proposal was drawn up and shared with local Health and Social Services Trusts as a new concept in day care for adults who need support to access the labour market. The development of the proposal coincided with a greater public awareness of equality issues and a growing demand for acceptance and social inclusion of people with a learning disability or mental illness. A suitable location was found on the Ards Hospital site and extensive renovations were carried out to satisfy the rigorous building and environmental health regulations which must be met by all catering facilities. Daisies Café was born!