Local MP Welcomes James Purnell to Northenden - 01/05/2009 |
 Wythenshawe and Sale East MP Paul Goggins welcomed James Purnell MP, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, to Anglo House in Northenden today.
Mr Purnell was visiting the National Autistic Society (NAS) Manchester Service. The NAS is the UK’s leading charity for people affected by autism and has a service for adults that has been established in Northenden in Manchester for twelve years.
It includes a residential service, a day service and a newly-opened resource centre that offers library facilities and information about parents, carers and people with autism. The Northenden site also includes an office base for a Development Team who work closely with people affected by the lifelong and disabling condition to ensure they receive appropriate services.
During the visit, Paul Goggins and James Purnell had a tour of the service, meeting staff and discussing with adults with autism their experiences of employment. Autism affects one in a hundred people but only around 15% of adults with the condition are in full time employment.
Sharron McIndoe, NAS Regional Coordinator for the North, said: “We were delighted to meet James Purnell MP and share with him some of the issues that make it difficult for people with autism to find and maintain work. Often, with tailored support and understanding they can make an invaluable contribution to the workforce. “
James Purnell said: “By ensuring a personalised and tailored approach projects like this transform the lives of people with autism and everyone is given the opportunity to fulfil their own potential in the labour force.”
Paul Goggins MP said: “I was delighted to join James Purnell on his visit this morning and was very impressed by the work that is being done at Anglo House in Northenden to meet the aspirations of people with autism. They are given excellent support and encouragement to help them in a learning and work environment. I am delighted that the Secretary of State was able to visit and see another impressive example of what is being done within the local community.”
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