RSSSubscribe to Whizz-Kidz News

Jacqui Smith MP visits ambassador Leanna on Tesco work scheme

Photo: Richard Timney (Jacqui Smith's office) depicts: Jacqui Smith MP, Leanna Horne, Phil Brown from Redditch Tesco.

Richard Timney (Jacqui Smith's office) depicts: Jacqui Smith MP, Leanna Horne, Phil Brown from Redditch Tesco.

Redditch MP, and former Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith today visited an innovative scheme run at Tesco in Redditch – which has given a young wheelchair-user her first taste of the world of work.

Midlands 21 year old Leanna Horne, who has cerebral palsy and currently studies Theatre and Performance at University, has just completed a two-week placement at Tesco – organised in conjunction with young people’s mobility charity Whizz-Kidz.

She says: “I really enjoyed working at Tesco. The placement has definitely given me more confidence and shows that using a wheelchair shouldn’t have to be an obstacle to getting a job.

“They also encouraged me to sign up for a management training course, which I’m applying for this August – whilst I’m still at Uni. I did the placement in a break from my course, and it gave me a reason to get up and get active everyday and it was fun to learn new skills.”

Jacqui Smith MP added:

“Partnerships such as this scheme between Whizz-Kidz and Tesco are a commendable and practical way to support young disabled people with a chance to gain vital experience in the workplace – which will benefit them as they enter adulthood, further education and employment.

“I’m really pleased to see such a project reaping great results in Redditch, and will be watching the progress of this and future local schemes.”

Leanna’s placement is part of an ongoing initiative between Whizz-Kidz and Tesco plc to provide young wheelchair-users with tailored work skills, leadership and team building opportunities – increasing their independence and confidence.

Lorna Bryson, Head of UK Resourcing at Tesco, added: “We are delighted to continue to be involved in providing Whizz-Kidz work placements. We believe that schemes like this are crucial in supporting disabled young people to learn new skills.

“As well as raising our customers’ awareness of disability, it also had a positive impact on our staff. They worked together as a team to support each person on their placement, and ensured they had a great experience. We have more placements scheduled already so watch this space.”

A total of 9 stores across the UK took part in this round, and more are planned in different stores in February 2010. The sessions are in part a response to a wide-reaching survey of Whizz-Kidz’ beneficiaries last year which found the top concerns were “getting a job”, yet the young respondents felt they were “not having the same opportunities” as their non-disabled friends.

Ruth Owen, Chief Executive of Whizz-Kidz, said: “In a 2008 consultation with our young beneficiaries, 48% felt they did not currently have the skills or training to become an independent adult.

” Whizz-Kidz believes that every child deserves the opportunity to fulfil their potential. As well as having access to the right mobility equipment, at the right time, young disabled people also have a right to the same employment opportunities as their non-disabled peers.”

Whizz-Kidz has worked with Tesco since becoming their official Charity of the Year in 2006. While the smallest charity to have won the much-prized partnership, it raised the largest amount seen by the retailer up to that year – £3.5 million. It also allowed the charity to help over 750 children in local areas by providing vital mobility equipment.

Written November 30th, 2009. Posted in Campaign News, News