East Suffolk Council
Funding boost for essential disability support services
Services providing support to those living with a disability in East Suffolk have been given an extra boost following a decision to increase council funding for two established organisations.
At a meeting on Tuesday 5 October, East Suffolk Council’s cabinet agreed to increase funding for support services which provide advice and information to people with disabilities in the district.
In the north of the district, disability support is provided by Disability Advice North East Suffolk (DANES) and by Disability Advice Service – East Suffolk (DAS) in the south.
DAS will now receive £10,000 funding per year, ensuring these essential services are supported across the district. An additional £2,000 will be provided to cover rent and building costs. Funding is already provided to DANES and this will now be increased to £10,000 per year to match the support given to DAS. DANES currently operates from a council-owned building and the value of this contribution is approximately £2,000.
Cllr Letitia Smith, East Suffolk’s cabinet member for Communities, Leisure and Tourism said: “In East Suffolk, we have a higher-than-average proportion of people living with disabilities and life-limiting long-term conditions. Given the impact of the pandemic on people with disabilities and the increase in demand seen by both organisations, this investment is vital to ensure people in East Suffolk can continue to receive this essential support.”
Rod Gibson, Secretary of DAS said: “The Disability Advice Service (East Suffolk) would like to express its gratitude to East Suffolk Council for the grant awarded this week. Our hard-pressed beneficiaries have suffered disproportionately during the pandemic and this significant grant will enable DAS to help more disabled children and adults across the local area.”
Both DAS and DANES provide free independent advice, helping people with applications for benefits and housing, challenging discrimination, ensuring equality of opportunity and empowering people with disabilities to maximise their choice and control over their lives.
You can contact Disability Advice North East Suffolk (DANES) by calling 01502 511333 or emailing info@danesonline.co.uk.
You can contact Disability Advice Service – East Suffolk (DAS) by calling 01394 387070 or emailing advice@daseastsuffolk.org.