Dial Secures over £330,000

Dial , the advice and information service for the disabled, has been awarded a substantial grant by the National Lottery. Based in the Basildon Centre and supported by the council, the Basildon and south Essex group has won its highest ever award of £330,580.

The cash will go to finance a project to cater for the needs of people with disabilities and their carers in Basildon, Thurrock and Rochford. Dial Basildon and South Essex helps people to access information, in one centre, supplied by staff who know and understand the problems disabled people face.

The project will now recruit more volunteers to provide the service and improve the training available to existing volunteers. It will also extend a home visiting service for housebound people over 55.

Jan Stevens, who runs the Basildon and south Essex scheme said: “This is great news for Basildon and south Essex. It will allow us to expand this invaluable service and bring added confidence and well being to some of the region’s most vulnerable residents."

Dial will now be looking to recruit two more staff members and additional volunteers.