Michael is dropped in the deep end at Friendship Zone!

                                                                    
                                                                   
                                                                   
                                           
Press Release – 1.

01.06.2009



Michael is disadvantaged by Arthrogryposis (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthrogryposis). Very courageously, he has launched himself in at the deep end by taking on a work placement opportunity at Friendship Zone.  His responsibilities will include the moderation of the social networking website, becoming proficient at using the site and helping to improve its user friendliness. He will be maintaining a live blog on line about his daily experiences, his troubles and achievements.  Michael said ‘I have been looking for work for 2yrs without success.  I was only introduced to Friendship Zone last Friday, I was so impressed that I wanted to start straight away.  I came in on Tuesday and have had a lot of fun getting registered and learning what my responsibilities are going to be. It is a whole new world and an adventure that I am looking forward to experiencing.’

Friendship Zone is probably the least well known charity in the UK, yet they are expecting to explode into the consciousness of the UK population this year.  Paul, the Director welcomed Michael to his new workplace today and after showing him the ropes, let him get on with it. Paul said ‘We enjoyed having Michael with us today.  He learned very quickly and seemed enthused about what he was doing. I hope that we can work with many others who might have other disadvantages in the years to come.’

The Employment and Disability Service (EADS) is a well known part of Northamptonshire County Council, who support disadvantaged people into work placement opportunities as a route to finding more permanent work.  Glyn from EADS said ‘Michael has had a hard time so far, it has taken a long time to find him this placement, we are very pleased to have found Paul and Friendship Zone, it is such a welcoming working environment, they have created a weekly work structure for Michael and have been very flexible to fit in with his travel needs.  This was important, since there is limited public transport available from where he lives.’

We wish Michael and Friendship Zone the best for the future!