From volunteer to valued employee – Àine is a retail star
If you have ever been shopping in Savers in Cookstown, there’s a good chance you’ll have met Àine Owens.
As a valued member of the team, you’ll find her stocking shelves, behind the till or making sure customers know all about the current perfume offers.
With the support of the Northern Health and Social Care Trust’s Day Opportunities service, Àine attended college and the Base in Cookstown before deciding what she really wanted to do was get a job and earn her own money.
Her role in Savers began with a voluntary placement through Mencap’s employability service, which helps people with learning disabilities enter the world of work.
Today, she’s not only celebrating a successful transition to paid employment, but she’s also an award-winning member of staff and a photo shoot star.
Reflecting on her personal journey, Àine said: “I was in the Mencap employment service for a while and the support was great, with weekly visits from my Employability Officer. I started off learning how to tidy shelves, restock the fridge and how to use the till.
“Today I’ve moved on from the scheme, and I’m working independently in Savers with the support of my day opportunities co-ordinator.
“I have been in Savers six years this month and yes, it is a paid job! I started by volunteering my time and now I get paid for my work. I have really enjoyed all the support from the Mencap team and Day Opportunities as well.”
Back in 2023, Àine was delighted to be asked to join Savers team members from across Northern Ireland and England at a careers photo shoot in London where she had an opportunity to record a video about her time with the company.
“I remember as it got nearer the time I felt nervous and anxious, but I think this is normal. It was an all-expenses paid trip and I really enjoyed the whole experience,” said Àine. “To top it off, I was so happy to receive a ‘Star Award’ which made me so proud! I feel I have reached my full potential by getting a paid job and I love it!”
Savers Manager Nicole said it has been fantastic to see how Àine has progressed: “Àine is a breath of fresh air. She has come on leaps and bounds from being nervous to speak with customers to chatting away! Customers love seeing Aine at the till, and the whole team really appreciates her and enjoys having her around.
“I am really proud of how much Àine has grown in confidence from being very nervous, to speaking with customers, and checking in with myself if she needs anything or if I need anything! I am very proud of her and value the work that she does.”
Echoing these sentiments herself, and giving us some insight into her selling skills, Àine said: “Savers has helped me learn how to provide good customer service. It has improved my confidence when speaking to people and I love it when customers ask me for help. I really enjoy going to work for every shift.
“The team are very supportive of me and I know I can ask them for help whenever I need to. I did find it challenging to promote and sell perfumes and aftershaves as there are a lot of brands to remember, but with support and guidance from Nicole and the team I now feel more confident and at times I have made it into the top three sellers!”
Àine’s story is part of the Northern Health and Social Care Trust’s Opportunities for All series which has been developed as part of the Day Opportunities service 20th anniversary celebrations.
To read more inspiring stories about achievement, empowerment and how we support people to reach their full potential go to https://www.northerntrust.hscni.net/opportunities-for-all
21st August 2025
