19/03/2009

Cash Boost For Organisations Run By People With Disabilities

More than £1 million will help disabled groups run their own organisations and help people to live full and independent lives, Care Services Minister, Phil Hope has today announced.

Twenty-five "user-led" organisations, which are run locally by disabled people and carers, will have access to a £1 million pot as part of the Action and Learning Sites programme.

A further £100,000 will also be shared across the North West, South East and Eastern regions to help local authorities understand and work better with these organisations.

They promote independent living and provide a range of services including information, advocacy and advice as well as support in using direct payments.

Speaking at the user-led organisation Action and Learning Site Network conference in London, Mr Hope said: "Organisations run by people with disabilities for people with disabilities play a vital role in delivering high-quality, personalised services. These organisations can really help people to lead full and independent lives.

"I want to see more organisations led by the very people they help – service users themselves.

"This funding will help user-led organisations grow their services and mentor the development of new, similar organisations in other areas."

Thirteen new "user-led" organisations from across the country will receive a share of £800,000 under Wave two of the Action and Learning Sites project announced in March last year.

The 12 organisations from wave one of the Action and Learning Sites programme will receive £13,000 each to continue their work.

Phil Hope will also launch a new leaflet for local authorities on the value of working with user-led organisations at today’s conference.

(JM/BMcC)

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