Internationally acclaimed, Warrington Disability Partnership (WDP) is appealing to businesses, organisations and individuals, to support their 30th anniversary in 2021.
WDP, is one of a small number 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 charities income has been badly affected, including rentals from their accessible caravans in North Wales and Wizard accessible narrow boat. Dave explained that mooring and site fees, and insurances still have to be paid which has resulted in huge losses. Dave added, pre-COVID-19 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 was also cancelled, and to was their Santa’s Grotto and Santa Dash.
In true WDP problem solving tradition, this year they took their flagship event, Disability Awareness Day, virtual, and against the odds, together with local 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, that is why we needed to find a way to hold our 29th annual event.
Dave shared a few mind-blowing facts about 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.
- since they purchased their accessible Wizard narrow boat, over 20,000 people have enjoyed a day-out on the Bridgewater Canal, and
- 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 Disability Awareness Day (DAD) events, and local charities have not only raised awareness about what they do, but over £1million for their organisations. DAD was held online via www/dadvirtual.org.uk attracting exhibitors and visitors from across the world.
- Since April 2020, WDP has freely distributed nearly 1 million pieces of PPE to personal assistants, carers and disabled people.
WDP has launch a Legacy Appeal, aimed at supporting jobs for young disabled people. Warrington Business Exchange Manager Jackie Emson has set herself a Cycling Challenge, Business Exchange member Gary Skentlebury, MD at Warrington Worldwide, has set himself a challenge to do 30 5k runs with the aim of raising £3,000. Dave said, people are really getting behind the appeal with a number of innovative ways to raise funds pertaining to 30.
If you or your organisation can help, please contact Dave on 01925 240064 or email davethompson@disabilitypartnership.org.uk