A Chester charity has been celebrating three decades of supporting disabled and older members of the community.
DIAL West Cheshire – which stands for Disability Information and Advice Line – was delighted to welcome guests, volunteers and staff at their recent 30th anniversary party at Chester Racecourse.
The charity, based in Hamilton Place, is committed to enabling disabled people and older people across the borough and surrounding area to lead independent lives.
Its range of valuable services includes advice and information, a community café, Shopmobility scooter hire service and a volunteer and learning scheme.
As a local charity with only 12 paid staff, DIAL relies on the commitment and dedication of more than 80 volunteers each week to deliver its services to thousands of disabled and elderly people in the local community.
And bear in mind that about 70% of their staff and volunteers have a disability or long term health condition themselves.
The celebration was attended by around 150 guests, including high-profile public figures David Briggs MBE, Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, Cllr Angela Claydon, Lord Mayor of Chester, local councillors and Chester MP Chris Matheson, as well as representatives from partner organisations, funders and the business community.
Keith Roper, DIAL's chief officer, said: “The event was a delightful occasion which marked how the charity has been improving the lives of disabled people for 30 years. On behalf of the board of directors, I would like to thank our sponsors and guests, not forgetting our staff and especially our wonderful volunteers, for supporting the event and being there with us to celebrate this milestone.”
In common with many charities, DIAL has faced the ‘double whammy’ of a reduction in income due to cuts at the same time as the demand on its services has rocketed.
Mr Roper continued: “On a more serious note, challenging times lie ahead.
“The austerity cuts are not only affecting our disabled client group – but also biting us as a charity and we are struggling to cover the costs of running the organisation. So whilst we are putting some exciting plans in place to help us become more sustainable over the next few years, we will also be approaching the local business community, partner organisations and key influential figures to develop business partnerships and corporate sponsorship packages.
“In order for us to continue to deliver our vision of a society where disabled people and elderly people can participate equally as full citizens, we hope that you will do all you can to support us on this journey.”
The Cheshire West and Chester Council-backed Northgate Development retail scheme could also see DIAL move location but there is an obligation to secure new premises for the charity which it is hoped would be purpose-built.
For more information about DIAL, visit the website. To donate click on the charity's Just Giving page.
