Thanks to almost £10,000 in funding from our Coalfields Community Investment Programme, Disability Solutions West Midlands will launch a new programme to help improve the lives of people with disabilities and long-term health conditions.
With a total fund of £9,840, Disability Solutions West Midlands hopes to reduce the barriers faced by vulnerable people by providing them with essential life and workforce skills.
The Disabled Peoples User Led Organisation (DPULO) will offer a structured programme of training, information, advice, guidance, volunteering and engagement opportunities in a comfortable and informal setting that is adapted for their needs.
Established more than 20 years ago, Disability Solutions West Midlands is run by people with disabilities for people with disabilities. The organisation addresses the needs of disabled people, whatever the disability, and helps them integrate into all aspects of their local communities.
Mandy Rollins, Chief Executive of Disability Solutions West Midlands, comments: “People with disabilities can face many barriers when engaging with their community, sometimes experiencing severe isolation and social exclusion. This is just unacceptable, so we are dedicated to helping those who need it most to break down those barriers and take supported steps closer to reaching their full potential.
“However, achieving this can be extremely arduous, especially in a former coalmining community as the resources we need can be hard to come by. Therefore, the funding from organisations such as the Coalfields Regeneration Trust is absolutely vital if we are to offer these services and make a long-lasting impact for the local residents.”
Chief Executive of the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, Gary Ellis, comments: “As an organisation, our main priority is to improve the lives of people living within coalfield communities, many of whom suffer due to high levels of unemployment and ongoing deprivation.
“These critical issues will only be magnified for people with disabilities and those suffering from long-term health conditions, which is why we are so pleased that we are able to offer financial support to Disability Solutions West Midlands.
“Providing these people with crucial advice and training to help lead better lives falls perfectly in line with our three main priorities for action; Employment, Skills and Health and Wellbeing.”
The Coalfields Community Investment Programme supports organisations and programmes of activity that meet with three key criteria; to address skills, employment or health and wellbeing through funding support and a free practical support service.
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