Employer Awards - with a Difference!

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Employer Awards - with a Difference!

A new set of awards were launched this week to acknowledge the efforts of some unsung heros of the business community! The inaugerul EDGE Employment, Employer of the Year Awards, acknowledge the vital role that some North Shore businesses are playing in providing employment opportunities for people who are recovering from mental illness.

EDGE Employment, a division of Shore based mental health trust - Connect SR - works alongside supportive local employers to identify vacancies for the wide range of people who use their service. The annual awards aim to highlight the role employment plays in people’s recovery and recognise the huge contribution employers make to helping people to change their lives.

Talking after the awards Dick Downing EDGE Employment Service Manager commented, “We were looking to find a way to recognise employers who are making a difference by giving people with mental health challenges the opportunity to work. Time and again local employers are getting the huge buzz which comes from being part of seeing someone begin to realise their full potential”

The top prize in this year’s awards went to Northcote based Natural Health Products manufacturer Lifestream International Limited. Employing a total of around 30 people Lifestream won the award for their work in providing excellent workplace support and in creating a workplace culture that actively works to reduce stigma and discrimination. Danny Borsboom, Logistics Manager at Lifestream received the award on behalf of the business saying “It’s great to be acknowledged and it is a privilege to receive this award, but I don’t think we do anything special. We like to create a cheerful and supportive atmosphere where people are valued for what they do and are encouraged to step up, develop and take responsibility.”

Another winner Nigel Bent, Property Manager at Albany Senior High School said “We have employed a number of people through EDGE and it works so well for us. It’s a privilege to give someone a chance and to see them grow with their role. I’ve learnt so much from the experience – the main thing being to simply believe in people and not to underestimate their potential”

Other award winners included New Zealand Couriers, Silverdale Printing, Countdown, Marathon Imaging, Jesters Manufacturing and Rangitoto College.

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