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Business Opportunities for the Physically Handicapped (BOPH)

Canvey Island, Essex

Photo of a large group of the organisations staff and volunteers

Business Opportunities for the Physically Handicapped (BOPH) works with disabled people in Essex to provide work placements for people with learning difficulties or physical disabilities. After full-time education, there aren’t many opportunities for long-term employment for disabled people in the area. At BOPH, the clients receive a work placement that lasts indefinitely. Clients have the chance for a working life like their able-bodied friends. They benefit from a daily routine, make friends with others whom they see regularly, and with guidance, they achieve their goals. Their clients leave work content and fulfilled.

1995

Founded in 1995 by Geoff and Joan Lythgoe MBE. A dilapidated industrial unit was refurbished with the help of local tradesmen to become the workshop which stands today.

1999

BOPH expand their premises and purchase both their current workshop and the adjacent unit.

2010

BOPH charity shops are opened and run by volunteers

2015

Joan Lythgoe is presented with her MBE by The Princess Royal

2018

BOPH presented two AED’s (Automated External Defibrillators) and outside storage cases to the Canvey First Responder Team

2020

Joan Lythgoe won Citizen of the Year and was presented with her award at the annual Canvey Town Council Meeting

2021

BOPH reopen both of their shops after Covid to continue fundraising. The annual outing to Brighton went ahead and was very much enjoyed by all.

2024

BOPH host a barbecue for their clients

Stories from Business Opportunities for Physically Handicapped (BOPH)

After a difficult childhood in East London, Pauline has been working and then volunteering with disabled children, and disabled adults all of her life, as a social worker but also in multiple charities, before ending up in BOPH, where she has been for years.

Listen 27.08

Story: Pauline Smith - Canvey Island, Essex

I can't explain it. It is just this connection. It's like, it would be like walking out on my family.

Listen 08.23

Story: Josephine (Jo) Geary - Canvey Island, Essex

I just enjoy it. I don't call it work. I just enjoy coming to my extended family. That's what it feels like

Listen 06.46

Story: Karen Bowers - Canvey Island, Essex

They're all like family really.

Listen 04.29

Story: Brogan Bowers - Canvey Island, Essex

Joan felt inspired to create BOPH after her disabled granddaughter, Joanne, turned 16 years old. Joanne became disabled during infancy because of improperly injected vaccinations.

Listen 07.59

Story: Joan Lythgoe MBE - Canvey Island, Essex