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| Breakthrough UK | | Including disabled people |
This website is for disabled people, employers and anyone with an interest in disability, employment and independent living.
Website last updated 16th May 2008
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If you would like to attend, please reply to Esther Frank stating access or dietary requirements. Telephone: 0161 273 5412. Text phone: 0161 273 5727. Email: e.frank@breakthrough-uk.co.uk.
Breakthrough UK has submitted a full response to the consultation which can be found here. (Rich Text Format)
News Archive:Breakthrough UK's Statement on Remploy Factory Closures.Breakthrough has considered its position on the closure of Remploy's factories. Read our detailed response here (Rich Text Format).
CIL ConferenceBreakthrough held a very successful Centres for Independent Living (CIL) conference entitled ‘Success Stories’ at Lancashire County Cricket Club on 1st March 2007.
Speaking before the event, Anne McGuire, Minister for Disabled People, highlighted the continuing discrimination disabled people face in society: "We have in place probably the best civil rights legal framework of most countries in the world. But we have still got to challenge attitudes - and as a society we have for too long looked at disabled people for what they can't do rather than what they can do." The picture above shows Anne McGuire on the left talking with Lorraine Gradwell, Chief Executive of Breakthrough UK, before the conference. Anne McGuire's speech focused on a key Government policy of putting disabled people in control of the services they use. She also praised Breakthrough, saying: "Breakthrough UK is a tremendous local organisation."
PraiseBreakthrough's Independent Employment Advocacy Project has received high praise from the Big Lottery Fund following the submission of our end of grant report. Their letter states: "It must be expressed that your project has exceeded our expectations, not only in terms of the beneficiary numbers achieved, but also in the degree to which these achievements have been evidenced. The satisfaction survey and the many good news stories serve to confirm that Breakthrough UK have provided a highly valuable service to disabled people, helping them to overcome a wide variety of barriers and problems." "Overall this has been an outstanding project, delivered by a group of highly committed people who are obviously passionate about safeguarding the welfare of disabled individuals. It is a pleasure to see our grant money supporting such a pronounced benefit. A big well done to you all." The project recently received further funding from the Big Lottery Fund to continue and develop its work. The text of the letter from the Big Lottery Fund can be found here (Rich Text).
Lottery AwardWe have been awarded £500,000 by the Big Lottery Fund to set up a unique Independent Employment Advocacy Centre in the heart of Greater Manchester. The 'Reaching Communities' Programme Grant will enable workers from Breakthrough UK to support over 3500 disabled people across the region to challenge employment barriers, put their views across, share successful strategies and know their rights. Read the full news release here (rich text).
Breakthrough wins Positive Action AwardBreakthrough UK’s excellence as an employer of disabled people was officially recognised in the Positive Action Awards held in Warrington on 12th September 2006. Sponsored by the North West Development Agency, the annual Positive Action Awards recognise best practice throughout the region. Breakthrough UK’s innovative and practical approach to employment has shown that small businesses can be successful and competitive while meeting the access requirements of disabled staff.
Over 60% of Breakthrough’s staff are disabled people. This is achieved through fair recruitment and inclusive policies and practices. To find out more, email Jane Touil, call her on tel: 0161 273 5412 or answerphone minicom: 0161 273 5727. The picture above shows Breakthrough staff with the Award. From left to right Caroline Beard, Karen Taberner, Lorraine Gradwell and Jane Touil.
Policy Think TankThe Policy Think Tank is a Breakthrough initiative and comprises only disabled people who are practitioners, academics, activists and people who run organisations. Its aims include influencing government on matters to do with disability, from a social model perspective. Read the Policy Think Tank's responses and reports.
Minister Recognises Potential Of Disabled People as EmployeesCompetitiveness Minister, Barry Gardiner, visited Breakthrough on 6th September to see our work at first hand. Mr. Gardiner toured the Employment Office, the Volunteer Project and the IT Training Suite, chatting to staff, volunteers and clients. Later, in the Board Room, the Minister had the opportunity to find out about the Independent Employment Advocacy Project and the Training and Consultancy work Breakthrough does. Mr. Gardiner wishes to see more skilled disabled people in employment. He commented: “Equality is not just a matter of principle. It makes business sense. Equality and economic success go hand in hand. In just six years, only 20 per cent of the workforce will be white, male, non-disabled and under 45. If you select from just that percentage, how can you expect to get the best person every time?”
Lorraine Gradwell, Breakthrough’s Chief Executive added: “It is possible to successfully employ disabled people and run a thriving company. Breakthrough UK is a leading example of this and presently employs a workforce of which 60% are disabled people. The key issue is how we ensure that disabled people are not excluded from gaining the skills and experience they need to compete.”
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Head Office Contact Details: Telephone: 0161 273 5412
Contact details for other Breakthrough departments can be found on our Contact Us page. |
