 Large Text
Text and Colour Contrast Options Standard Text |
Optimised for Accessibility |
| Home Page | Send Us Your Feedback  Contact Us |
| Breakthrough UK | | Including disabled people |
This website is for disabled people, employers and anyone with an interest in disability, employment and independent living.
Website last updated 5th January 2009 To search our site select www.breakthrough-uk.com below the Google search box. If you cannot find what you are looking for, please contact us.
What's New?
Lorraine Gradwell, one of Manchester’s most prominent disabled women has been recognised in the Queen’s Honours list. She has been awarded an MBE. Having been disabled since childhood, Lorraine successfully completed her education at Hollings College, Manchester, and since that time has been a tireless campaigner for disabled people’s rights. Whilst a single mother of 2, working closely with other disabled people she set up, worked for and led disabled people’s organisations in Greater Manchester and across the North West. Having been one of the founder members of Greater Manchester Coalition of Disabled People, she then went on to work for Manchester City Council.
Over the last 10 years, Lorraine has been the company Chief Executive. Under her leadership, the organisation has supported and worked with over 5000 disabled people. Active on the Manchester Board and Trafford Disability Partnership, she is also currently a member of the Disability Employment Advisory Committee at the Department for Work and Pensions. Jackie Driver, Chair of Breakthrough UK said: “Lorraine is a unique individual who really has influenced so many people in the way they think about disability equality and the rights of disabled people. She thoroughly deserves this award. In the North West and nationally, she is recognised for her commitment & dedication to changing the way employers and service providers think about how they meet the needs of disabled people so they can live independent lives. However there is still a long way to go, and I am sure Lorraine will continue to be a dynamic force for change.” Speaking of her honours award, Lorraine Gradwell commented: “I’m delighted to receive this MBE; I feel it reflects not just my work and efforts but also those of all the disabled people I’ve had the privilege of working with over the last twenty years. The huge advances made by disabled people could not have happened without so many people pulling together and I’ve been really pleased to be recognised for the contribution I’ve made.”
Head Office Contact Details:Breakthrough UK Ltd. B.E.V.C. Aked Close Ardwick Manchester M12 4AN Telephone: 0161 273 5412
Contact details for other Breakthrough departments can be found on our Contact Us page. |
From 1995 -97, she worked in partnership with the council to create a unique organisation led & controlled by disabled people which would deliver employment services across the city. The resulting organisation, Breakthrough UK, became an independent Social Enterprise based in Ardwick, Manchester.