DISABLED people are getting their hands on paid work through a charity's on-going activities.
Jodie Ticehurst is now paid three hours a week to man the reception desk at Care4all's head office at the Queen Street Health and Wellbeing Centre in Grimsby.
Care4all is a charity providing services to older people and those with disabilities in North East Lincolnshire.
It employs 37 paid staff – 80 per cent have a registered disability – but their wages come from various sources.
A monthly quiz night at the venue raises enough to pay 29-year-old Jodie, who was born with Spina Bifida – a condition which affects the spine and central nervous system.
She said: "I have wanted to be a receptionist for as long as I can remember.
"I started this job back in July but on a voluntary basis.
"Then the charity started a monthly quiz in December for the public to get involved in and enough funds were raised for management to pay me.
"This is my first job and to do what I have always wanted is great.
"I get paid about £80 a month but it gives me some independence as I live with my mum who is my main carer and I am on benefits.
"I can now spend my own money, which feels great."
Jodie, of Grimsby, is just one of many Care4all employees who now receives paid work through the charity's multiple services.
And the Grimsby Telegraph will be featuring some more of those.
Jodie says one way the public can support this is by attending the quiz so others like her can be helped.
She said: "There are other people who still work voluntarily on the reception desk.
"If more people could attend the quiz, which is £1 to enter, then maybe another volunteer can start being paid.
"It is that little bit which goes a long way."
The next quiz will be held on Thursday at 7pm.
For more information, call the centre on 01472 571101.
