ASTRiiD’s mission is to help people with long term, chronic illness find meaningful work. They believe that value of work is far more than the wages that are paid. Work provides normality, routine, challenges and rewards and help gives members a positive mental attitude. ASTRiiD helps bridge the gap between the Invisible Talent Pool (i.e. the cadre of people who have long term chronic illness but who still wish to use their skills and experience in work) and the UK skills crisis.

Through its online matchmaking service – the first-of-its-kind in the UK, ASTRiiD aims to connect the millions of people with chronic, often incurable and advanced health conditions with businesses seeking skilled volunteers or staff.

After becoming a registered charity in January 2018, ASTRiiD has attracted more than 300 members boasting a variety of skills. The unique community is inclusive to people with any health problem or disability, and their care-givers.

Nearly 100 companies have registered nationwide ranging from NHS Trusts to world-leading engineering consultancy firms, with businesses of all sizes and sectors invited to sign up. Advertised jobs span general management, operations and finance, board level, legal services, people management and many more.

For more information, to register or donate, visit www.astriid.org.uk and join the conversation using #InvisibleTalentPool on TwitterFacebook and Instagram.