Windsor, UK – October 22nd, 2020, Helen Cooke, Disability Consultant, Trainer, Speaker and Director of MyPlus was announced once again as one of the most influential people with a disability in the UK at Shaw Trust’s virtual 2020 Power 100 launch today.
The Shaw Trust Power 100 is an annual publication containing the 100 most influential disabled people in the UK. It is unique in the UK and since being introduced 5 years ago, has become well known in the disability publication landscape. The title provides biographies of the top 100 influencers with disabilities in the UK and also an interview with the person taking pride of place in the number one spot. The Shaw Trust Power 100 list aims to further inclusivity by celebrating the achievement of selected to be included.
Helen Cooke is a leading expert in disability and recruitment with a particular expertise in student recruitment. In 2006 Helen founded MyPlus, a consulting business focussed on helping organisations realise the potential and possibilities of hiring and investing in people with disabilities. She then launched the MyPlus Recruiters’ Club offering specialist training and interactive disability focused events for employers. Wishing to motivate and raise aspirations of young individuals with disabilities Helen also founded the website www.myplusstudentsclub.com, providing them with the support, advice and confidence to find work opportunities, and connect them with employers via the website and through industry focused careers events. Last year, Helen launched the MyPlus Universities’ Club offering university staff expert resources to support their students with disabilities as they transition from education into employment.
Helen’s unique approach comes from her expertise in HR and graduate recruitment, having previously worked for Marks & Spencer and Mars, combined with her first-hand experience of living with a disability; Helen is a wheelchair user as a result of a childhood spinal injury. Earlier this year, Helen was invited by Lord Shinkwin to become a Commissioner for the Disability Commission, set up by the Centre for Social Justice.
Beyond MyPlus, Helen works extensively with individuals with disabilities through The Back Up Trust, an organisation which supports people with spinal cord injuries where she is a Trustee and runs their popular Back up to work courses.
Helen Cooke said: “I am absolutely delighted to be featured once again in the 2020 Shaw Trust Power 100 list. My passion and the reason why I started my business, MyPlus has always been to make a difference, to ensure that every disabled individual, particularly students have the opportunity, to progress the career of their dreams. As a wheelchair user myself I and my business are committed to helping disabled students recognise their talents (their plus's) and help businesses to recognise and value these talents.”
The full Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 List can be found on www.disabilitypower100.com.
About MyPlus
Our vision is to ensure that having a disability or long-term health condition doesn't prevent anyone from having the career they want to have. We want individuals with disabilities to realise their career ambitions and employers to benefit from the unique talents and strengths that individuals with disabilities can, and do, bring to an organisation. MyPlus provides progressive employers, Universities and students with disabilities the confidence, insight and support they need to realise new possibilities.
For more information, contact:
Lise Austen, PR Manager
Email: lise@myplusconsulting.com
