Earlier this year Helen Cooke, CEO and Founder of MyPlus, was awarded a CBE. The organisation was founded to ensure that having a disability or long-term health condition doesn’t prevent anyone from having the career that they want to have.
‘MyPlus was founded on the belief that we should look beyond disability and focus instead on what people can do—their skills, abilities, strengths, and potential,’ said Helen. ‘In other words, their “plus”. That philosophy remains at the heart of everything we do.’
In this article, the 1992 BA Management Systems graduate talks about how the importance of the sense of inclusion she felt at Hull helped shape her early university and career experiences and led her on the path to set up MyPlus.
What attracted you to come to the University of Hull as a student?
Back in 1989, there wasn’t the expectation that people with disabilities would go to university, and there were very few universities that were accessible to someone in a wheelchair.
My decision came down to a choice between the University of Hull and Oxford Polytechnic. In the end, Hull won because we were really impressed by how accommodating the university was. They worked with us to ensure that the faculty was accessible – including where to park; my accommodation would be accessible and generally that I would be supported throughout my time there.
What do you remember about your time at Hull?
My fondest memories are of the people and the sense of inclusion. Although I was one of only a handful of visibly disabled students, I never felt different or left out. I made some lifelong friends, many of whom I am still close to today.
This may sound silly however….. one memory that stands out is from the very first night in halls of residence and the ‘Welcome Disco’. Naomi, who I had just met earlier that day (and remains a close friend) asked if I was coming to dance with them. A simple question however what struck me was that nobody questioned whether I could dance because I used a wheelchair. It simply didn’t occur to them that I wouldn’t be included.
That moment set the tone for my entire university experience and was the start of feeling fully included in everything that was going on around me.
How did your experience at Hull help shape your career afterwards?
Because I felt included at Hull and didn’t encounter significant barriers, it never crossed my mind that I would face barriers in the workplace. I became very involved in university life, including rowing and becoming President of AIESEC Hull, as well as taking part in Rag Week and many other activities.
Those experiences gave me a lot to draw upon when applying for jobs. They also helped me develop leadership skills, which have served me well throughout my career and later when running my own business.
You are the Founder and CEO of MyPlus, and it is this work that has been recognised with the award of a CBE. Where did the idea and inspiration for MyPlus come from?
When Mars offered voluntary redundancy, a conversation with an outplacement adviser helped me realise that I might have something valuable to contribute in this area. Alongside my lived experience of disability, I had experience working in two large corporate organisations and a background in HR and recruitment.
As I began to explore the landscape of disability and employment, it became clear that there was still a great deal of work to be done. I realised that many people were not as fortunate as I had been to work for supportive employers and enjoy fulfilling careers.
How did it feel to be awarded a CBE?
What has always driven me is a very simple mission: to make sure that having a disability doesn’t prevent anyone from having the career they want. I’m deeply passionate about that. When I set this work up 20 years ago, I hoped we might make a difference, but it was never about recognition or awards – it was about changing opportunities and outcomes for disabled people. So for that work to be recognised in this way is truly amazing.
What words of inspiration would you have for the next generation of University of Hull students?
Believe in yourself and don’t underestimate the value of what makes you different. Focus on what you can contribute rather than what might hold you back. Build on your strengths, keep learning, and remember that success is not about being the same as everyone else—it’s about bringing your unique talents and perspectives to the world. If you do that, you’ll be surprised by what you can achieve.
About MyPlus
MyPlus provides industry leading disability employment expertise to enable organisations to become confident, inclusive employers, while empowering disabled students to pursue ambitious careers.
Our mission is to enable disabled individuals to realise their career ambitions and employers to benefit from the unique talents and strengths that disabled individuals can, and do, bring to an organisation.
University of Hull Alumni Association 