CEO of disabled-led charity backs Paws for a Cause

The founder and CEO of a leading charity committed to improving disability inclusion has backed Paws for a Cause, a campaign in aid of Support Dogs.

Named in the Shaw Trust Disability Power 100, Jennie Williams has been recognised as one of the country’s most influential individuals for her establishment of Enhance the UK.

In her work to transform conversations about equality and access, she has also spoken at major events and conferences, including the National Disability Authority, Shambhala and Green Man.

Ms Williams, an advocate for disability empowerment, said: “We are proud to support the Paws for a Cause campaign as they raise funds for Support Dogs to enable them to provide assistance dogs for more children and adults.

“We know, in some cases from personal experience, how support dogs can be a lifeline for disabled people, keeping us safe and enabling us to be independent and to access opportunities in life that so many people can take for granted.” 

Enhance the UK is powered by disabled professionals and has trained over 500 organisations, including Liverpool FC, Quakers, the NHS, BBC, and WaterAid. 

Group of men and women smiling for a picture. Four people in the back standing, two at the front in wheelchairs.
Staff at Enhance the UK (Credit: Enhance the UK)
3 people sitting in a circle. They are all either seated or in a wheelchair. Woman at centre of image is wearing a patterned shirt.
Disability inclusion event at Enhance the UK (Credit: Enhance the UK)

The charity aims to cut through misinformation and promote understanding, helping people rethink their perceptions of disabled people.

It also strives to improve the experience of deaf and neurodivergent individuals in workplace and educational settings through informative sessions, guest speakers, and the provision of free resources.

Ms Williams added: “We know that for many autistic people, busy noisy places can feel like ‘no-go’ zones, causing intense stress, anxiety and meltdowns. Giving an assistance dog to an autistic child can allow them the opportunity to engage more fully in life, more safely and with less stress. 

“We believe all children deserve this freedom, so the more who can receive this life-changing support, the better.” 

Group of seated women wearing black clothing and learning BSL
A deaf awareness training session at Enhance the UK (Credit: Enhance the UK)
Man wearing blue dress shirt, sitting in wheelchair and speaking to group of peopl
Guest speaker at Enhance the UK (Credit: Enhance the UK)
Three women, one in a wheelchair, speaking over coffee. They are all sat around a brown, round table.
An accessible and inclusive event at the charity (Credit: Enhance the UK)

Paws for a Cause aims to raise £1,000 for 10 autistic children to meet a support dog, secure 15 sponsors for autism assistance dog Peggy, and have 10 people register interest as puppy socialisers.

It’s part of a wider effort to reduce the growing waiting list at the charity and ensure those in need of it receive support.

Ms Williams said: “Just £1000 can provide assistance dogs to 10 more children, taking them off the waiting list and changing their lives for the better. Please donate, volunteer and share the campaign with your networks. 

“However you are able to contribute to this campaign, you will be making a profound difference to people’s lives.” 

For more information, updates, and ways to contribute, visit here.

For more on Support Dogs, click here.

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