Breakthrough UK Ltd

Who we are

Breakthrough UK is a Manchester based disabled people’s organisation. We are led by disabled people, and we support other disabled people to work and live independently.

We use the Social Model of Disability. This means we believe it is the barriers created by society which disable people, not a person’s impairments, and it is society that should change. Through this understanding of disability we promote the rights, respect and responsibilities of disabled people.

Some things have improved for disabled people in the last 30 years. For example, fewer disabled people live in institutions. However, there is still a very long way to go. Disabled people are still unable to participate fully in many areas of society. For example there is a 30% gap between the employment rates of disabled and non-disabled people. The number of disabled people living in absolute poverty has increased in recent years.

Breakthrough works to make positive changes at an individual, regional and national level. We provide disabled people across Greater Manchester with person centred support to develop their independence and gain access to training and employment. We advise employers, and other organisations to understand and remove any barriers that disadvantage disabled people, and we work with policy makers to create policy that supports disabled people’s wants and needs.

With a higher than the national average percentage of staff who are disabled people themselves, Breakthrough really understand how to remove barriers to employment and independent living. We aim to be a voice to represent the views, wishes and requirements of disabled people based on real lived experience – beginning with the experiences of our own staff members and clients. Our aim is to bring about a society where disabled people can participate fully in all areas of life.

Look on our website to find out more and join us in creating a 21st Century future for all.