Internationally acclaimed, Warrington Disability Partnership (WDP) is appealing to businesses, organisations and individuals, to support their 30th anniversary in 2021.
WDP, one of a handful of local charities that have continued to deliver vital support services throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic, has been hit hard during the past eight months.
Chief Executive and co-founder Dave Thompson explained that the charity’s income had been badly affected, such as their accessible caravans in North Wales and Wizard narrowboat. Dave explained that mooring and site fees, and insurances still have to be paid which has resulted in huge losses.
He added: “We attend or hold over 150 community engagement and fundraising events, but due to the lockdowns and social distancing regulations, the programme has been decimated. WDP’s annual Charity Dinner has already been cancelled, and it is likely their Santa’s Grotto will also be cancelled for the first time in 16 years.”
In true WDP problem-solving tradition, this year they took their flagship event, Disability Awareness Day, virtual and against the odds, together with design partners, 4WardFutures, they delivered an amazing web-based version that has led the country in terms of mobility and independent living events.
Dave said, disabled people and their families need information, advice and guidance, more than ever before, which is why they needed to find a way to hold our 29th annual event.
Dave shared a few mind-blowing facts about the impact of WDP’s services:
•over 1.5million calls have been taken on their 240064 telephone number, many of the enquiries are from disabled people, desperate for support.
•over 20,000 people have enjoyed a day-out on WDP’s Wizard narrowboat.
•nearly 1,000 families have enjoyed accessible and affordable holidays in WDP’s caravans in North Wales.
•over 400 local disabled people have been supported by WDP’s Employment Team into sustainable employment and hundreds more into volunteering opportunities since it was launched 15 years ago.
•over 600,000 people have attended DAD events, and local charities have not only raised awareness about what they do, but over £1million for their organisations.
WDP aim to relaunch its Legacy Appeal, aimed at supporting jobs for young disabled people. If you or your organisation can help, please contact Dave on 01925 240064 or email [email protected]
