Council and voluntary group open advice centre for disabled

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A third advice centre run by and for disabled people has opened as part of a pioneering Surrey County Council initiative. Woking Hub is staffed entirely by volunteers from the Surrey Disabled People’s Partnership (SDPP). It follows the opening of centres in Epsom – the first of its kind in the country – and Redhill.

Quotes:

Clive Wood, chief executive of the Surrey Disabled People’s Partnership, said: “This new chapter in the way disabled people access support has only been possible through SDPP, Surrey County Council and Woking Borough Council working together to make it happen.

“Although we have been based in Woking for 25 years, this new high-profile location has already attracted people who were not aware we existed.”

Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health Michael Gosling said: “By taking a one team approach, we’re working in the best interests of Surrey.

“Whether help is needed with direct payments, the blue badge scheme or mobility equipment, volunteers are on hand to draw on their experiences to give valuable guidance, information and support.

“We will now look to set up other similar hubs around Surrey as part of our commitment to helping people live independently in their own homes.”

Further information:

Woking MP Jonathan Lord attended the official launch.

Last year the Epsom Hub won the ‘connecting people’ category in the Improvement and Efficiency South East awards.

The hubs help disabled people live independently by supporting them in making more informed choices about care and support.

Surrey was one of four local authorities nationally chosen by the Department of Health to develop ‘user-led organisations’ after joining forces with the Surrey Coalition of Disabled People, the Surrey Independent Living Council and the network of user and carer-led organisations in Surrey.

The Woking Hub is at 51 Commercial Way and is open between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday.

Ends

Picture caption: (from left) Cliff Bush, of the Surrey Coalition of Disabled People, Sarah Davies, a Surrey Disabled People’s Partnership trustee and volunteer, Woking MP Jonathan Lord and Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health Michael Gosling