cheltonian politics


Alex Chalk MP forCheltenham Thismonthwith...


Unlocking the Potential


CheltenhamMPAlexChalk discusseswhy he is urging employers to look at the ‘overlooked’ pool of talent that our town has to offer


Thismonth, at theQueen’sHotel, I heard a speechwhich knockedmy socks off. Itwasn’t froma famous


politician, awell-known sportsman, or a captain of industry.Norwas it a soaring piece of highfalutin oratory. Instead, itwas a quiet, understated address froma young Gloucestershiremanwho had set up an ice creambusiness.He called it Adam’sGelatos.What gave the speech added impact was that Adamhad achieved his success despite being significantly disabled. But Adamdidn’twant pity.He


didn’twant special treatment. All he wantedwas a level playing field to let himshowtheworldwhat he could do. Itwas immensely powerful and moving. I have long been inspired to


support people like Adamto fulfil their potential and achieve their dreams. I believe it is society’smoral duty. AndCheltenhamis uniquelywell


placed to discharge that duty.Our town is home to the brilliantNational StarCollege, recently graded as outstanding across all areas by both Ofsted andCQC. St Vincent’s and St George’s does remarkablework


34 JULY /AUGUST 2018 THECHELTONIAN


providing a range of care and support services to disabled people. TheGEMproject is breaking down barriers towork for those struggling with disabilities andmental health issues.GCHQis a renowned public- sector leader in this field. Andwho could forget the incredible Butterfly Garden? Despite this local expertise, Adam


emphasised that some employers are apprehensive about taking on disabled people.Despite noble intentions, they can be nervous about inadvertently saying or doing thewrong thing. But help is available. The Access toWork scheme offers


over £20,000in central government funding to companies tomake necessary adjustments when taking on a disabledmember of staff. TheDisabilityConfident campaign too provides advice to employers on howthey attract, recruit and retain disabledworkers. Over 5000employers have signed up. Iwould urge local employers to


look again at this pool of talent. Let’s unlock potential in our disabled community. And let’s support the next generation of disabledGloucestershire entrepreneurs.


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