The project ran for 4 years during which time A2B registered as a Charity and focussed on supporting more disabled people into skills, work or self-employment.  Our Equal project was an outstanding success during which we took 8 of our disabled beneficiaries to European Parliament in Brussels where they spoke to MEP’s about how the project had supported them and opened up new opportunities for them.  One of our amazing ‘Equal’ beneficiaries was a young man (Kevin) who, after leaving school,  had joined the Army and was posted overseas where he was involved in a serious accident and sustained a severe brain injury resulting in him having a long period of rehabilitation.  West Park eventually referred him to us where he stayed for a long time to help him to regain his confidence.  While with us he developed our ‘Access 4 All (A4A)’ beneficiary group and raised funds to arrange events and social visits to promote further social inclusion for those on our project.  A4A did many amazing things and great friendships were formed while individuals gained confidence and learned new skills.

 

Following on from our Equal project we secured Lottery funding to meet the growing demand for our services and we moved into new premises.

 

Today, 20 years later, we now employ 23 members of staff and support in excess of 1500 people each year.  We continue to specialise in supporting disabled people/those with health issues.  48% of our staff team have a disability and/or health issue and 52% of our staff (and one trustee) are former beneficiaries.

 

We are proud of all that we have achieved over the years and how we have continued to represent and support disabled people.  A2B has DWP Level 3 Disability Leader Status thanks to the hard work and dedication of our amazing staff team and Board of Trustees.

 

We still hear from Kevin occasionally when he needs a helping hand.  Some years ago he came back to us as he was setting up his own business.  I see him regularly now as he collects children from the same school that my Grandchildren attend.   Kevin now runs his own successful Garden Design business and is also undertaking a degree in Horticulture.

 

We continue to support and empower disabled people/those with health issues and achieve great results for our beneficiaries