AN ENTERPRISING disabled teenager from Poole has launched an online campaign to find a weekend job.

Iesha Manns, 17, who uses a wheelchair and has cerebral palsy, is choosing to take a more direct approach to her search after filling in more than 20 applications without success.

The health and social care student from Bournemouth and Poole College said that she has gone for roles in shops, at a library and to work in hospital admin, but has not received a job offer yet.

Now she is taking her search to Facebook and appealing on her blog for help to find part-time employment.

Iesha said: "I appreciate that my disability means I am not suitable for some jobs and maybe my chair is even putting some employers off.

"But I'm confident there are jobs out there I can do and do well and that's why I decided to advertise myself online to show I could be an asset, rather than a hindrance, to a business."

She said that she has received emails saying that her application is being considered, but feels that as soon as she ticks 'Yes' to the question about having a disability, 'it's game over.'

Iesha says that she is open to all opportunities but would particularly like a part-time job working in a box office or ticket office, on reception in a leisure centre or an admin job. She already has two voluntary jobs at children's road safety charity, Streetwise and at Victoria Education Centre, which helps children with disabilities. Additionally, she is currently learning first aid skills, which could prove beneficial to a future employer and has joked on her blog that she 'can provide her own transport.'

"I'm sending my CV absolutely everywhere and using my blog to ask people to spread the word that I'm available for work.

"Obviously I can't run about or shoot up and down stairs. But I am great with computers, I'm a natural with people and growing up with cerebral palsy means I have had to work very hard to be independent.

"The worst part is that I don’t even get a chance to give them a proper impression of me because my chair scares people away. It’s all too much hassle and a health and safety overload."

Iesha's mum Karen Francis, said: "Iesha has never let her disability get in her way and I'm proud she is so determined.

"She wants a part time job for the same reason any other 17 year old wants one - so she can go out with her friends, buy nice make up and clothes and to save for holidays."

For more information, go to Ieshalouiseblog.wordpress.com