Taoiseach Micheál Martin and the Lord Mayor of Cork Joe Kavanagh joined forces to launch the ‘Hands of Hope’ Initiative, on Harley Street that aims to raise spirits and endorse and strengthen community connections.

Team members from Trigon Hotels, Cope Foundation and Ability@Work came together and placed their hand prints on the wall which symbolises the uniting of communities. They are hoping that as people pass the wall on Harley Street they will be reminded of how resilient and courageous they have been over the past year and will continue to be hopeful for the future.

Trigon Hotels has been running a partnership with Cope Foundation and its Ability@Work programme over the last year. Ability@Work is part of Cope Foundation, and is a programme that provides work preparation training and employment opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities or autism. It promotes inclusive workplaces by encouraging Cork employers to open their doors and include everyone.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “This is a fantastic initiative and a positive symbol of hope for the city. Trigon Hotels’ partnership with Cope Foundation and Ability@work Cork is so important in providing people with intellectual disabilities and autism valuable life skills and employment opportunities.

"Covid-19 has brought significant challenges to all of our lives, but it is wonderful to see these organisations working together to make a real difference to so many”.

Aaron Mansworth, Managing Director of Trigon Hotels said: “Two years ago Trigon Hotels embarked on a journey to ensure employment opportunities were accessible to all regardless of different abilities. We are very proud of our collaboration with Cope Foundation as it allows us to create job opportunities for people supported by Cope Foundation. 

"We look forward to working with the organization on much needed fundraising and awareness raising initiatives. The partnership shares a vision for a more inclusive Cork and will continue to fund exciting projects that support people to live life their way and continue to support a more inclusive workplace.” 

Kathleen Linehan, Strategic Director of HR added: “We have worked hard over the past year to develop strategies to attract and retain diverse new talent. Reviewing recruitment practices that open networks to candidates from a broader diverse pool and have hired four people from Ability@Work, facilitated seven job placements and have further plans to expand opportunities in the coming year. 

"The idea for the ‘Hands Of Hope’ initiative was based around Trigon Hotels looking forward to our future together featuring three words ‘Hope, Resilience and Courage’. These three words highlight inclusivity and diversity in our hotels and the increasing need to make diversity, inclusion and equity in the workplace a priority.”