Spinal Injuries Association announce National Employment Conference

Published by Paul S for Citigate Dewe Rogerson in Local Government and also in Health

Apprentice star Tre Azam to give speech
Event takes place at Williams F1 Conference Centre

On 9th June 2008 the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) is hosting a national employment conference entitled A Different Kind of Benefit for leading UK businesses on employing disabled people. Anne McGuire, the Minister for Disabled People is the keynote speaker and Tre Azam from BBC1s The Apprentice will be sharing his experiences of returning to work after spinal cord injury.

The conference, funded by The Big Lottery Fund, will be held at the RBS Williams F1 Conference Centre in Wantage and aims to raise awareness amongst the countrys leading employers about the needs of disabled people in the workplace.

Anne McGuire said: The Spinal Injuries Associations status as a national user-led disability organisation gives it the ability to provide valued advice and expertise to help people to get or keep work after spinal cord injury, or to explore the benefits of volunteering opportunities. Im looking forward to meeting the people who help make this happen.
Each year 78,000 people are forced to give up work because of a newly acquired impairment or change in their condition. Of these, 25,000 never return to work. SIAs Workwise Project, which was launched in 2006, aims to provide paralysed people with the support and confidence to return to the workplace after injury.

Tre Azam found fame as one of the most entertaining and controversial contestants on The Apprentice last year. When he was in his teens, Tre was involved in a horrific accident which damaged his spinal cord, as a result of which he spent over a year in hospital and was temporarily left in a wheelchair. Fortunately, Tre made a good recovery and was able to resume employment. At the Conference on 9th June, Tre will be sharing his inspirational story and helping SIA to encourage UK businesses to employ more disabled people.

Tre said; "This conference will highlight how disability need not be a barrier to succeeding in business. With the right support, guidance and self-belief it is possible for each and every person, regardless of their disability, to achieve their goals."

SIA is a national charity, dedicated to supporting the 40,000 spinal cord injured people in the UK and their families. Most spinal cord injuries result in paralysis but with the right support and information, people can still enjoy a full and independent life after injury. SIA gives support, advice and information to make that happen.

Ends

If you would like any information on the National Employment Conference please contact John Leonard on 0845 678 6633 Ext 216 or email j.leonard@spinal.co.uk. For more information on SIA visit www.spinal.co.uk.

If you would like to interview Anne McGuire please contact Saskia Graepel, DWP Press Office South East on 020 7340 4418.