Warrington Disability Partnership has today (3 November) been named Partner of the Year at the national Avanta Awards 2009. The award was presented by Helen Jones, MP at a ceremony at the House of Commons.

The Avanta Awards recognise individuals it has worked with, and organisations that have supported it, in overcoming personal, educational or health-related barriers that enabled a move from benefits into employment or entrepreneurship.

Warrington Disability Partnership, based in Festival Avenue, Orford, was recognised for its work with TNG, part of Avanta, in delivering the ‘Pathways to Work’ programme in Cheshire and Warrington. ‘Pathways to Work’ provides a package of support to help people with health conditions and disabilities have the best chance of returning to the jobs market and realising their workplace potential.

Warrington Disability Partnership has a unique understanding of the needs of ‘Pathways to Work’ customers, enabling them to provide encouragement and practical advice on suitable training, motivational courses and finding a job.

The organisation organises regular events including Disability Awareness Day and the Positive Action Awards North West. As well as raising awareness of disabilities and the potential of disabled workers, these events have given TNG the opportunity to work more closely with other specialist organisations that both jobseekers and TNG staff can benefit from.

The first priority for Warrington Disability Partnership is always the individual, reflecting TNG’s ethos. Warrington Disability Partnership helps people with disabilities to focus on what they can do, rather than what they can’t, and helps build confidence.

Warrington Disability Partnership also works with employers to look at practical ways to accommodate disabled workers, and to ensure compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act.

Janette Faherty, CEO of Avanta said, “Warrington Disability Partnership is an excellent example of the partners that we work with to deliver our programmes. Many people who use our services are vulnerable, lacking in confidence and some have health problems. Working with local, trusted, expert partners such as Warrington Disability Partnership helps us to provide the very best service possible.”

Derek Jones, at Warrington Disability Partnership said, “We are delighted to have been named as Avanta’s Partner of the Year. We focus on all the things our service users can do, and encourage employers to look beyond a disability and see all the good qualities an individual can bring to the workplace. Helping TNG to deliver ‘Pathways to Work’ is a great way of helping disabled people into employment and gain independence.”