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Training for Disabled People in Manchester

The Training Team provides high quality, individualised, employment-related training to disabled people. An exciting new flagship training site has been developed at a prime location in Northenden, South Manchester.  The new site houses a retail outlet, I.T. training suite and state-of-the-art meeting rooms for use by trainees, volunteers and external organisations. The Retail and Access Training Sites were closed down late in 2006 in preparation for the move, which took place in early 2007. 

In 2006:

64 people benefited from our tailored training in areas such as IT, Administration, Retail, Woodwork, Horticulture and a Recycling Round.

10 people developed independent travel skills through route training.

2 trainees passed the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) and a further 6 are working towards the qualification.

Retail and Customer Service

IT, Admin and Office Skills

Horticulture

Innovation Centre @ Breakthrough Launch

Innovation Centre @ Breakthrough Launch

Breakthrough UK’s Innovation Centre at Northenden, Manchester was officially opened on the 25th April 2007 by Robert Dixon.  Robert, who is a trainee at the Innovation Centre, said he was thrilled and excited to be asked to cut the ribbon at the launch.

The photo on the right shows Robert and Councillor Martin Pagel cutting the ribbon to open the Centre.

Councillor Pagel commented: "When I was young I was told I would never work. Many of my friends were told the same thing. The assumption was that disabled people couldn’t work.  But we have come a long way in the last 20 years and now there are many more opportunities. Breakthrough is a successful and growing organisation because it is led and staffed by people who know what the issues are and how to support disabled people and employers."

Lorraine Gradwell, Breakthrough’s Chief Executive, thanked all the guests for attending the opening and praised all the staff who had worked so hard to make the Centre such a success. Lorraine said: "This is our tenth year of operation and the Innovation Centre is just one of the exciting projects that make sure we continue to lead the way in working with disabled people."

Jackie Driver of the Disability Rights Commission, added: "The Disability Rights Commission strongly supports the work of Breakthrough UK and would like to see more organisations like it.  At the heart of their success is the fact that they practice what they preach and provide an environment where people can realise their potential."

The day was a great success and everyone who attended was greatly impressed by the facilities provided at the Innovation Centre. These include an IT training suite, a retail outlet and 2 meeting rooms for hire. You can visit the Innovation Centre at 358-362 Palatine Road, Northenden, Manchester M22 4HD. Tel: 0161 998 5257.

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