Charity launches employability helpline to support people living with muscular dystrophy

MUSCULAR Dystrophy UK has launched an employability helpline to support people living with muscle wasting and weakening conditions in the workplace.

The leading charity for more than 110,000 children and adults in the UK living with one of over 60 muscle wasting and weakening conditions has set up a free helpline and is encouraging people to reach out.

The Employability Service will help people find suitable employment that works best for them as well as provide advice and support to help people who are already employed continue working in a way that is safe and sustainable.

The service is aimed at anyone with a muscle wasting or weakening condition, who is looking for employment advice and support. This may include, people looking for their first job, people who are newly diagnosed and worried about how their condition could affect their work or those whose needs are changing and who need help to continue to work.

Whether someone is at the start of their employability journey or years into their career the charity can support:

• Identify suitable job roles
• Write or update a CV
• Write a job application and/or cover letter
• Improve confidence
• Prepare people for interview
• Give information and tools to successfully advocate for their needs in the workplace
• Identify any Reasonable Adjustments that might be needed to be successful in a role

Jack McLellan, Employability Officer, at Muscular Dystrophy UK, joined the charity through their internship programme before starting officially in October 2016. Jack, 32, from London was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy in 1997 and uses a wheelchair full-time.

He said:

“My personal experience of trying to find work as a disabled person, coupled with my years of experience in HR, has given me a passion for improving employment opportunities for disabled people.

“At Muscular Dystrophy UK we believe that having a muscle wasting or weakening condition shouldn’t stop you from becoming employed or from working in your current job. With the right support, people can have a rewarding and successful career. We’re delighted to be able to launch the employability service and would encourage people to get in contact with any questions or concerns.”

To find out more information about the Employability Service, please visit: musculardystrophyuk.org/employabilityservice. Or call 0800 652 6352 Monday – Thursday, 2pm – 4pm or email employability@musculardystrophyuk.org.