Building a better future for disabled people

A pioneering Warrington charity is set to extend its range of services for disabled people as it prepares to move back into its new look home.
Warrington Disability Partnership’s (WDP) are on course to move back to the Centre for Independent Living (CIL) in Beaufort Street off Liverpool Road in May, following a major £1 million facelift.
While the lottery funded works have been taking place the charity has identified further opportunities that will extend the range of services they provide to local disabled people and the wider community.
During various site visits, founder and chair of trustees Dave Thompson MBE DL and his team have developed plans for new and exciting services including:
* A new two storey workshop that will provide a base for a mobility equipment recycling, maintenance and training service
* An additional meeting room in a conservatory style extension from the new community cafe
* An additional single storey extension to the caretaker’s house will house new computer training facilities
* An innovative mobility training & test track for users of mobility equipment including electric scooters and wheelchairs
WDP need to raise approximately £200,000 to cover the cost of the new projects and the new furnishings needed for a new community cafe, training and meeting rooms, reception, showrooms and IT training suite and are appealing for the support of local businesses and the community to help them to achieve this goal.
Fund-raising could be made by a donation, organising a coffee morning, raffle, quiz night or tombola, taking part in a sponsored event such as swimming, running, walking, cycling, organising a dress down or fancy dress day at work, school, club or pub or by signing up for a sponsorship deal.
Sponsorship deals range from community supports to platinum sponsors with prices ranging from £500 to £10,000.
In return WDP can offer recognition ranging from acknowledgement on their website and in their annual report, to name plaques in the main reception at the CIL, projects and rooms that have been sponsored, and invitations to open days.
The initial refurbishment project was started after WDP and their partners Warrington Borough Council (WBC) successfully secured a Community Assets Transfer Grant of £922,055 from the Cabinet Office and £22,000 from WREN. As part of the project the Council has offered WDP a 30-year rent free lease on completion of the refurbishments. The CIL is located in a 100-year-old former primary school and disused caretakers house in the Beaufort Street site which will be transformed to provide a community hub that will be used by the WDP and the wider community.The initial refurbishment project includes renovating two buildings and building a two-storey extension to the old caretaker’s house. The new buildings will accommodate a range of services for the wider community including support for children; young and older people plus people from diverse backgrounds.
The new work identified by WDP will further extend the services they offer to over 34,000 disabled people living in Warrington.
For more details please contact the WDP Fundraising team on 01925 240064 or visit www.disabilitypartnership.org.uk
Pictures show the ongoing works at the Beaufort Street HQ.