The Disability Information Bureau (DIB) has secured five years of continuation funding from the National Lottery Community Fund to build on the success of its Welfare, Wellbeing and Work project, helping disabled people, people with long-term health conditions, carers and other vulnerable residents across Cheshire East access the practical support they need to improve their lives.
This funding comes at the end of a restructuring phase of the DIB, which experienced significant issues two years ago, almost causing its collapse. Community and Voluntary Services Cheshire East (CVSCE) stepped in to support, and through a reprofiling of the Welfare, Wellbeing, Work (WWW) grant and a reorganising of the operations and governance of the charity, has brought the charity to a point where it now has the stability and capacity to develop and grow its offering.
The funding will enable DIB to continue and expand its integrated model of support. The project will be delivered through a mix of office-based support and outreach in community and health settings, ensuring more people can access help close to where they live and in ways that work for them.
The continuation funding reflects the strength of DIB’s existing delivery. Through specialist benefits advice, advocacy and tailored coaching, DIB has helped people increase their financial stability, improve confidence and wellbeing, and take positive steps towards greater independence.
What makes DIB distinct is its ability to combine all of these activities in one trusted, disability-focused service. Unlike many statutory or contracted services, DIB is easily accessible and can work flexibly, build long-term trusted relationships and support people whose needs cut across systems, helping prevent crisis and reducing pressure on other services.
As part of the next phase, DIB will also strengthen its outreach work and develop a new community championing approach to raise awareness of disability, challenge stigma and discrimination, and work with local residents, community groups and employers to promote more inclusive communities and workplaces across Cheshire East.
Based in Macclesfield and working across Cheshire East, DIB has supported disabled people and people with long-term health conditions for more than three decades. Its services are designed to be accessible and flexible, with support available face to face, by phone, online and through outreach, helping to reach people who may otherwise remain excluded from vital advice and support.
Aoife Middlemass, Deputy CEO of CVSCE and Interim CEO of the DIB said “I’m absolutely delighted to have helped the DIB to get this funding from the National Lottery Community Fund. The DIB and CVS have worked very hard together to get to this point. The grant means that the DIB can keep standing alongside disabled people, carers and others across Cheshire East with the practical, person-centred help they need. It gives them the chance to build on what works and reach even more people in the years ahead.”
Over the next five years, the project is expected to support thousands of people through welfare advice, wellbeing support, outreach and wider community activity. By combining direct help for individuals with stronger partnership working and community engagement, DIB aims to reduce crisis, improve inclusion and create healthier, fairer communities across the borough.
About CVS Cheshire East: CVS Cheshire East is an independent charity that supports local voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise organisations. We connect groups, provide training, advice, guidance, and encourage partnership working. Acting as a voice for the sector, we empower charities and community groups work effectively together and represent their interests across Cheshire East.
