A young Milford Haven man is campaigning to urge prospective employers to see past jobseekers’ disabilities.

Raymond Lillycrop, 21, is leading a group of young people, who all have some form of disability, who want to show what an asset they are to the workforce.

They signed up to work with Fixers - the national charity that gives young people a voice - to make a film to get their message across.

“I feel that a lot of employers are missing out on our skill sets,” said Raymond. “People with disabilities can do a lot, and they can do a lot more if they are given the chance.”

The Fixers are all employed by Norman Industries - a furniture manufacturer in Haverfordwest - which provides sheltered employment for people with disabilities.

Raymond, who has a short right limb, has worked there as an administrator for two years after struggling to find work for over 12 months.

“I did well in school and college, but for many years afterwards I found it difficult to find work,” he said.

“A lot of employers don’t really give us a chance to see what we’re capable of.

“Now I am in work, I really do like my job and we get along very well. We’ve got lots to offer.”

Trading for over 30 years, Norman Industries is a supported enterprise and currently employs 15 people, 14 of whom are disabled.

Chris English, from the Elite Supported Employment Agency in Pontyclun, is supporting Raymond’s campaign.

“Anyone can work, irrespective of their disability or support need, if they have the right training and support,’ said Chris.

“For example, people on the autistic spectrum can learn very complex jobs and the support requirements they have are more to do with social interaction as opposed to the tasks.

“I think it’s a brilliant message that Raymond is giving out to identify to employers that there is a talented pool of people with disabilities out there that isn’t being tapped into.”

Raymond added: “Most employers could adapt their environment to suit people with disabilities. There is funding available or it may not cost anything at all.

“I’m hoping that our film will be shown to a lot of local employers, all we need is to be given the opportunity to show what we’re capable of.”

Fixers works with young people aged 16-25 across the UK by providing them with professional resources to help them campaign on issues that matter to them.

The charity has helped more than 20,000 youngsters across the UK to have a voice in their community on issues such as cyber-bullying, self-harm, suicide or transphobia.

For more information or to make a donation to fund more Fixer projects, visit www.fixers.org.uk