Now, following a Leonardo da Vinci pilot project, the organization is ready to transfer this model across Europe. UK charity Workable, which provides counselling, training, work experience and employment opportunities for disabled students, began life 10 years ago as a partnership helping key UK disability charities to work together more closely. Le Magazine met staff at their offices just outside the City of London to find out more. Workable's early pioneers saw a clear need for services to improve this situation, and the charity was born. Many students come to us convinced that the world of work simply doesn't want them, with their self-esteem and expectations incredibly low.
Attitude is more important than disability.
It may sometimes take a long time,12 months or more, but we usually find most students a sponsored placement in the career of their choice. The organization operates on a shoestring, with no core funding or income from statutory bodies and only 10 full-time staff. Of necessity, it has become skilled in securing private sector sponsorship and other charitable funding. David Bennett, for example, was busy liaising with Shazia Khan, the young woman coordinating his forthcoming 650-mile sponsored 'Premiership Walk', visiting 20 Premier League football grounds throughout April and May to raise money for Workable. This kind of can-do energy and commitment seems to permeate the organization.