Protest in town centre as disability charity demands 'jobs for all'

Members and supporters of an Isle of Wight disability charity gathered in Newport on the Isle of Wight today (Saturday), in protest over the lack of employment opportunities for people with learning disabilities.

For around 28 years, John's Club has provided jobs, various social activities and community hubs for Islanders with disabilities and mental health issues.

Now, they are calling on the Government to better support businesses to employ those with learning disabilities.

Equipped with placards and leaflets, around 20 of the club's members and supporters came together in St Thomas' Square, Newport.

Chair and founder, John Phillips, told the County Press: "The work isn't there for people with disabilities."

"Even small businesses can't employ people with learning disabilities because they haven't got the capacity.

"It's really important to some people to be working."

John said all except one staff member at John's Club has a learning disability or mental health issue.

Kyle Hollinsworth (Image: IWCP)

From left: Jane Lambert and Gary Jones (Image: IWCP)

Kyle Hollinsworth, who has been with the club since 2011 and started volunteering eight years ago, said it has given him a place to go and has encouraged him to "open up".

The same can also be said for Gary Jones, 58, who used to work as a kitchen porter in cafes in Cowes and East Cowes.

Meanwhile, the club's oldest member, Norman Ritchie, 84, has been involved with the charity for around 20 years.

Norman Ritchie, John's Club's oldest member. (Image: IWCP)

From left: Paul Jackson and Michelle Mead. (Image: IWCP)

With the club's support, member Michelle Mead, 37, has gone from living with her parents to moving in with her partner, Paul.

Staff member Jane Lambert, 52, said John and the the club has been incredibly supportive during a difficult time for her personally and the protest is about ensuring their voices are heard.

Today saw supporters hold up placards saying 'jobs for all' and 'do you see us now?'.

John added: "We need to get people with disabilities into work and we need to encourage them to be doing things out in the community more."

John's Club has recently teamed up with House of Chilli in Branstone, providing work experience.

It also has a hub in Shanklin and a community centre in Oakfield.