Employability Project

A Very Fashionable Occasion

M&S staff presented with gifts from models

Disabled models strutted their stuff on the catwalk earlier this month at DNEX09, the Disability North Exhibition. The fashion show was held on Thursday 22nd October 2009 at the Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle and proved to be a winner with visitors to the event. Models, aged between 18 and 69, showcased clothes from M&S (Newcastle), demonstrating the fantastic clothing available in store at very affordable prices!

The event was organised by the Employability Project and Able2 Adult Services (part of the Percy Hedley Foundation). Twenty service users were given an estimated budget of £50. They worked alongside M&S staff to select appropriate clothing for both work and leisure, staying strictly within their budget. Most models managed to keep within this however some wanted to overspend and had to compromise on their choice of clothing - an excellent learning curve or us all.

Christine Griffiths, who spent just £25.00 on her complete outfit, said of the experience: "No-one has ever done my hair and makeup before like this and I loved the whole experience, especially choosing the clothes. I'd like to do it all again!"

Able2 Adult Services is based in Forest Hall and provides personalised, high quality, specialist services for disabled adults through a positive, enabling approach. The fashion show is only one of the creative ways the Foundation works to provide innovative, meaningful services.

Dianne Cowen, Acting CEO, Disability North, commented on why it is important to have events such as this at DNEX: "The fashion show brings a fun element to the exhibition. It also challenges the preconceptions and stereotypes people have about disability in a very positive forum. We were delighted at the end result and look forward to working with the Able2 Adult Services and the Employability Project again in the future."

Through the Employability Project, Disability North and the Percy Hedley Foundation are developing strong partnership working links and opportunities for disabled people.

If you'd like more information on the Employability Project and how you too can get involved, please contact Ruth Woodfine on: 0191 281 7532, or if you prefer email: ruthwoodfine@percyhedley.org.uk.