Participants graduate from Naas General Hospital's Project Search, Co Kildare
The project is a partnership between Kare and NGH
Five participants have celebrated their graduation from the Project SEARCH work placement programme at Naas General Hospital (NGH), Co Kildare.
The 2025/26 graduates are Jake Dobbyn, James Joyce, Aodhán McFadden, Eoin Quinn and Kristian Valausks.
Project SEARCH is a partnership between Kare and NGH that supports young adults with intellectual disabilities to gain real workplace experience in a supported environment.
Throughout the year, participants complete a series of work placements across different hospital departments, where they develop practical employment and life skills through hands-on learning with hospital staff.
They are supported throughout the programme by Kare’s Project SEARCH team, who also coordinate classroom-based learning and education modules designed to prepare the participants for future employment.
Of this year’s graduates, three have secured places in other work placement programmes where they will continue their education and training, and two graduates are planning to move into paid employment.
The graduation was an opportunity to recognise not only each individual's achievements, but also the important contribution they made during their time in the hospital. Speaking at the event, Fiona Slevin, Project SEARCH Liaison at NGH, reflected on the impact the group had on those around them: “Every year, we welcome a new group of students, believing that we are here to teach them. By the end of the year, we realise they have taught us just as much. You remind us to see ability before disability. You challenge us to think differently, to communicate better and build a workplace where everyone belongs.”
This year’s graduation also highlighted an important piece of work led through Project SEARCH around accessible information on end-of-life care.
Working with Lisa White, NGH’s End-of-Life Coordinator, the team developed two accessible resources: Let’s Talk About End of Life Care and ASK ME.
The booklets were designed to encourage conversations, answer questions and help Project SEARCH participants better understand end-of-life care in a supportive and sensitive way.
Several speakers at the graduation recognised the value of these resources for current and future participants, staff, patients and families. Karen Massey, Deputy General Manager of NGH, said the ASK ME booklet will be used across the HSE for years to come and has already attracted interest nationally and internationally.
The Palliative Care Team also praised the work, saying that Project SEARCH had taken a topic that can feel complex and sensitive and made it accessible, understandable and human.
Congratulations to this year’s graduates, and sincere thanks to everyone who supported them throughout the year, including their families, hospital colleagues, the Project SEARCH team and all those who continue to make the programme a meaningful pathway towards inclusion and employment.