Whizz-Kid starts her first paid job with Alzheimer's Society thanks to charity work placement scheme

Laura Merry is currently working at Alzheimer's Society's head office in London's St Katherine Docks, through a work placement scheme from the charity Whizz-Kidz. The 'Kidz Unlimited' programme aims to increase young people's independence and confidence through placements, leadership skills and team building opportunities.

Laura is working on an evaluation project for Alzheimer's Society's events fundraising team. She said:

'I was absolutely elated when I got the job! I am more than capable of working, just the same as so many other young wheelchair users. The problem is that there are often barriers to people like myself getting jobs. You can be judged merely on the way that you look - and sometimes just doing an interview can be practically very challenging, which can be disheartening.

'Whizz-Kidz's scheme which helps you find work is brilliant because you gather experience of the workplace environment and develop all kinds of skills, which really improves your career prospects for the future.'

Jo Swinhoe, Director of Fundraising and Marketing at Alzheimer's Society, said:

'We are delighted to have Laura working with us. It is vital that everyone is given equal opportunities to succeed and gain work experience in the area they are interested in, without coming up against prejudice. Everyone has different talents to offer and it is only fair that we all have the chance to use and grow those skills.'

According to Whizz-Kidz, top concerns of young people are getting a job but at the same time not having the same opportunities as their non-disabled friends. 48% of Whizz-Kidz's service users surveyed felt they did not have the skills or training to become an independent adult.