Unity is delighted to introduce you to Able2B, an innovative and pioneering community interest company set up to develop rehabilitative services to help improve the lives of children and adults with physical or learning disabilities.
Able2B is the initiative of Rachael Hutchinson, a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, a specialist in surgery concerned with conditions involving the musculoskeletal system, such as sports injuries, degenerative diseases, back and joint conditions, and Jon Thaxton, a retired boxer and personal trainer, and specialist in fitness, injury rehabilitation and motivational wellbeing.
Able2B was setup in 2016 with the aim of helping children and adults with a physical disability, to optimise their aerobic fitness and muscle strength as well as improve their concentration, resilience and self-confidence, in a fun, encouraging and nurturing way.
The service has gradually grown, starting from a single small class in a local boxing club to a new, adapted gym site, with multiple, state of the art pieces of equipment and therapy pool, based at Norwich Clinic, 9, Gilchrist Close, Norwich NR4 6AT. The service has been expanded so that the rehabilitative, person-focused, concept can be developed further and reach a wider audience.
Able2B also works with individuals who have chronic illnesses or have received a diagnosis of a chronic problem later in their life, which can lead to a loss of self-belief in what might be physically possible for the individual to encourage and support them to be the best they can be.
Able2B has expanded their initial concept to incorporate other client groups, such as those who have learning difficulties including neurodiversity, deaf and partially sighted individuals, post stroke and heart attack patients, those needing rehabilitation from neurological or physical ailments/conditions, and general health conditions e.g.: diabetes and obesity. They have a ‘can do’ attitude to anyone’s request for support or advice.
All services are designed and delivered using Jon’s wide experience in motivational work and Rachael’s extensive medical background, to provide a service that meets and works with the individual’s strengths, challenges and limitations, to achieve outcomes that will make a massive difference to their day-to-day life.
The philosophy of Able2B is to help individuals whatever their challenges, to Discover their Ability and show their family, friends, the wider society and Employers what is possible, ‘if you just believe’.
Jon and Rachael have a wealth of experience in understanding what the barriers may be to integrating a person with a disability into the workplace successfully, getting an individual back to work after a major health incident or in helping an individual with diagnosis of a chronic health problem stay in the workplace. They are able to offer advice to local businesses with regards to inclusivity, work experience and employment, with the aim to improve opportunities in the workplace for all age groups with any form of disability, providing advice on suitable adjustments, adaptions or modifications.
It is important that it is not just about providing employment and facilities that meet the needs of the individual, it is also essential that that individual feel part of the team and integrates fully. Often perceptions by employers and other employees can limit this integration or rehabilitation into the workplace and it can be harder to achieve good team working and therefore efficiency in the workplace. The team at Able2B can work with both the individual and the employer to assist in the long-term integration.
Unity is looking forward to working with Able2B in the future, with referrals for employees with chronic health conditions and rehabilitation requirements from the workplace who may have been on sickness absence or who are struggling in a particular role or activity due to their health needs, advising individuals to self-refer if unable to access NHS services in a reasonable timeframe and for providing advice to employers on assisting disabled individuals within the workplace.
Unity is proud to be supporting Able2B as an organisation in their events and promotional activities.
For further information visit the website at: www.Able2B.co.uk
Or contact the Unity offices on 01603 250015 or email mail@unityoccupationalhealth.com
