Stories like this help support the theory – widely shared in the JOE office – that most people are fundamentally good eggs.
Last Friday, Liverpudlian Fiona Hodge tweeted out a request to help her stepson Ben, who has Down’s Syndrome, find some paid work in the catering industry.
Won’t someone in the Liverpool area give my step son, Ben, who has Down’s Syndrome a chance at a paid job? Motivated with NVQ 2 in catering
— Fleabag (@FleaBagLady) March 13, 2015
Her plea rapidly gained momentum as thousands of people began to tweet out her appeal using the tag #GiveBenAJob.
Hope all you pubs, restaurants, eateries in Liverpool have taken a look at #GiveBenAJob @stuwystv — LGBT Lawyer (@Lgbt_lawyer) March 17, 2015
@FleaBagLady shalom from Israel! I hope that Ben finds work soon. Keep all your new Twitter friends in the loop! Good luck Ben! #GiveBenAJob
— nicole (@972Nicole) March 18, 2015
Comedians Jason Manford and Boothby Graffoe offered their support.
Ben motivated young man NVQ 2 catering He wants to work Needs a job in the Liverpool area #GiveBenAJob @FleaBagLady pic.twitter.com/PfFgY3GN1O — boothby graffoe (@boobygraffoe) March 13, 2015
Well done on a brilliant show last night @JasonManford thanks for your support for my cousin #GiveBenAJob he loves the support off every1
— Rachel benson (@hellokitty1987x) March 18, 2015
Speaking to the media as the story took off, Fiona said that Ben had worked for “big chains like McDonald’s and Wetherspoons in the past”, but sadly had never managed to secure a full-time role.
She said: “He has a level two NVQ in catering and would love to be a baker – but in fairness he’d do any job.”
Brilliantly, the campaign appears to have worked, as his mum says there are currently “lots of possibilities” with local catering businesses, the Liverpool Royal Hospital and a school for autism nearby.
@FleaBagLady we are a small family run liverpool cafe & we would love to #GiveBenAJob
— Wilsons Kitchen (@wilsons_kitchen) March 17, 2015
This is ace. As others have pointed out, Ben is not the only person to be struggling for work because of a disability, but it’s heartwarming to know that communities can club together and help out those in need.
Well done, Liverpool.
