A group of people with disabilities and long-term health conditions who have joined the Active Plus led ‘Who Dares Works’ project have launched a campaign which asks prospective employers to #giveusago

Who Dares Works is funded by the European Social Fund and the Big Lottery Fund and helps people who face the biggest challenges to participation in training, education and work to overcome their barriers, building motivation, confidence and skills to connect or reconnect with the labour market.

With the support of CHAOS, one of 17 local organisations in the Who Dares Works partnership, the #giveusago group made a video aimed at employers that focuses on their abilities and strengths rather than the labels that society has given them.

Brenda Mollet, who was involved in making the video said: “Who Dares Works has been great at linking me up with new people and new ideas and helping me reach for new ambitions. As a group we quickly realised that we had stuff we wanted to say and our video is just that – what we want to say!”

Angus Gray, Deputy Director, DWP Health and Work Unit, said:  “It is great to see people taking the initiative and championing their own abilities to prospective employers. #giveusago is meeting the ambitions we have in the DWP Work and Health Unit that require us to harness the energy and innovation of local projects like this”.

Kim Conchie, Chief Executive Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, said: “Our businesses in Cornwall have an ongoing need for talented employees – congratulations to everyone involved in #giveusago for taking this proactive step in helping meet the needs of our businesses. We look forward to taking this exciting initiative forward with Chamber members.”

Danny Daniell, Managing Director of Active Plus said: “As a growing business we know how important it is to build teams of all the talents and that is why we are a Disability Confident Employer. Over 70% of our people are Ex-Forces, many of whom have their own health issues and we work with both mainstream and military organisations to provide any support that our people need. The ongoing success of our business is built on the contribution of all our teams.”

The #giveusago team are now working on a mirror video from an employer perspective working with local businesses including Richfords Fire and Flood, who are proud to support the campaign. The campaign will be promoted through social media and anyone wishing to get involved can get in touch through Twitter and Facebook or email  whodaresworks@activeplus.org.uk or call 01872 300236