Posted on Tuesday 23rd August 2022
Photo caption: Cllr Julia Jessel with Jade Foster, manager of Fueled
People with autism have been voting for their favourite organisations in Staffordshire and where they felt the most comfortable As part of a new campaign.
The ‘Celebrating Differences’ campaign, being delivered by Staffordshire County Council, aims to support autistic people and those with learning disabilities by increasing their confidence to access local facilities. This includes highlighting local organisations across Staffordshire that have been nominated as being inclusive.
So far, over 40 organisations have been recognised as making a difference and have received a certificate, window sticker and poster as part of the campaign.
Julia Jessel, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet member for Health and Care said:
“Local businesses have an important role to play in making the community more inclusive. We want to celebrate the organisations making these positive changes and encourage others to follow their example.
“We have seen some great examples of how organisations are making themselves more inclusive which is fantastic to see. I’d like to thank those organisations who have already been awarded their certification but I want to encourage other organisations, large and small to get involved. There’s lots of information on the campaign website so please have a look. Remember, making society more inclusive is not only good for people with disabilities but is good for everyone.”
Anna-Marie Jones, General Manager at The Merchant pub in Cannock said:
“We’re really pleased to be nominated. Being told our staff are brilliant with adults who have learning disabilities is really good to know. We like to be friendly and patient and are always happy to help.”
Matthew Needham-Ingleton, General Manager from Fueled Coffee, an independent coffee shop in Uttoxeter said:
“We are so proud to have been nominated. We are an inclusive venue for EVERYONE to enjoy. A special mention goes to all the incredible Fueled team who work so hard to keep the coffee shop a friendly, lively and personal space for all.”
Chloe Brown, Manager at the Brewhouse Arts Centre in Burton said:
“We want our arts centre to be accessible to everyone and offer a wide range of activities to be as inclusive as possible. We are extremely proud that the Art Café has been nominated as both our tutors and participants work extremely hard on the art they create. The workshop enables adults with additional needs and their carers to experiment with new materials and make new friends in a relaxed, social and fun environment.”
The campaign is funded by Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care System (ICS) and runs until 2nd September 2022.
A full list of the organisations nominated and advice on the small changes businesses can make to be more inclusive are available at www.staffordshire.gov.uk/celebratingdifferences