This year, we focussed on employment during Disability History Month, which ends today on Friday 20th December. For many years it was assumed disabled people didn’t work. But, in recent years, disabled people at work has increased. Our new in-house Volunteers Programme at Paul’s Place will show physically disabled people accessing volunteering and work when the support and opportunities are made available.
Did you know, during World War One and Two, disabled workers stayed home and worked while non-disabled men went overseas to fight?
Heavy industries in the past, such as steel-making, mining and construction, had high rates of accidents leading to more disabled employees. Some of these industries were able to continue employing them on light duties.
David is one of our original members at Paul’s Place, which started in 1995. He has volunteered in many roles despite living with a rare condition where not all the blood vessels and arteries are connected in his brain. This can lead to seizures and delayed speech.
Despite David’s condition he still supported lectures and talks at Bristol University, so its social work students hear first-hand experiences.
David also visited mainstream schools to help pupils with their reading and show how Boccia, (a paralympic sport), is played.
David has a keen interest in science and photography. When we move into our very own building at Shire Way, David plans on starting a photography club, where we will have the space and facilities.
In the last thirty years, both legislation and trade unions have shown its support for disabled workers. For example, when hiring, promoting and training staff, it has felt fairer and more equal for disabled workers, while making reasonable adjustments for them. Sadly, there are still stereotypes and barriers effecting certain disabilities. So, those with autism, mental health issues, intellectual impairments and visual impairments still struggled to volunteer and work. Our in-house volunteer service will smash through these barriers to empower our members to volunteer and work.
Our new Volunteer Officer, Gabbey Abbott, says, “we have members at Paul’s Place who want to volunteer, but are not sure how they can help or where to start. This is where our new programme for volunteering will really help to boost their knowledge and confidence. We will start with a small group volunteering within Paul’s Place, before going out into the local community to volunteer! This is a really exciting time for everyone involved with the programme.”
To support our move to Shire Way, please visit our Appeals page:
Support Us | Donate, Fundraise & Corporate Partnerships | Paul’s Place
Your support will help grow our programme for physically disabled adults to volunteer and work when we move into Paul’s Place Hub at Shire Way.