Minister for Disabled People Jonathan Shaw visits Bridging The Gaps project in Wrexham

Oct 1 2009 by Lois York, Wrexham Chronicle

THE Minister for Disabled People, Jonathan Shaw, was treated to a singing performance by volunteers from the Bridging The Gaps project.

The minister met five volunteers from the project based in Wrexham, which is run by disability charity Scope Cymru. It aims to develop volunteering opportunities for older disabled people from black and minority ethnic communities.

Mr Shaw also visited the Black and Asian Women’s Step Out Ltd organisation (BAWSO), which is working with Bridging The Gaps (BTG). He watched a singing group led by BTG volunteer Joan Owusu in action.

Afterwards the minister had the chance to meet volunteers from other Bridging The Gaps partner organisations and learn more about their contribution.

Suzanne Jones, director of Scope Cymru, said: “We are delighted that Jonathan Shaw has taken the time to meet some of our volunteers and show his commitment to inclusive volunteering.”

Mr Shaw added: “Through working in partnership with organisations like Scope, the Government is making sure that disabled people have the same rights and opportunities to work that the rest of us take for granted.”