Have you lost your job as a result of having ataxia? If so, read on...

[HarryB]

Dear all

Disability Rights UK are setting up the '7 families initiative' which is described below. It would offer a very exciting opportunity and if someone with ataxia is chosen, it would be great for awareness raising! Please do take note of the application criteria at the end of the document.

'7 Families Initiative

Disabled people leading change

Has a disability forced you to leave your job in the last 2 years? Are you enthusiastic to return to work but need help?

The 7 Families Initiative is a project designed to help 7 individuals (and their families) who have been forced out of their jobs due to disability or ill health and are now facing financial hardship. By offering financial support (by way of a donation), advice and access to services, '7 Families initiative' will give participants the chance to relieve some of the financial burden, access rehabilitation services or retrain in order to ultimately return to work in some capacity.

This will be a 12 month programme of support and in return participants will share their stories with a media team, spending time with them regularly throughout the period documenting the challenges, resources (or lack of them) and reality of going through what is often a financially and emotionally draining transition. The media team will produce short films that will then be broadcast / available online – probably via Youtube, and there will also be some marketing / PR to raise the profile of the project.

The ultimate aims of the initiative are two fold, firstly to offer tangible help to the 7 participants who are selected and secondly to raise awareness of what life can be like when a person’s livelihood is threatened due to a disability and what can help.

There is strict criteria for participation in the project which has been set by the funders. To apply you must:

* be between 21-50 years old

* have been diagnosed with your health condition or disability after the age of 21

* have left full-time employment in the last 2 years for reasons relating to your condition or adjustments needed

* be aiming to return to work

* have held of less than £50000 per year when you were forced to leave

If you are interested in applying for one of the 7 places or have any questions please email [e-mail] detailing how you meet all of the 5 criteria and with your contact details (including phone number). The closing date for applications is 10th August 2014.'

Best Wishes

Harriet