Our Journey
For more than 30 years, The Disability Resource Centre has stood alongside people with disabilities and long-term health conditions, helping individuals overcome barriers, build confidence and live more independently. Explore the milestones that have shaped our journey and the communities we’ve supported along the way.
2026 - Looking to the Future
More than three decades after our journey began, we continue to innovate, grow and champion independence, ensuring disabled people and those with long-term health conditions can access the support, opportunities and communities they deserve.
2025 - A Legacy of Leadership
Our Chief Executive, Melanie Hawman, retired after ten years of dedicated leadership, having guided The Disability Resource Centre through growth, transformation and the challenges of the pandemic.
In the same year, Advice Central supported more than 3,000 Central Bedfordshire residents, connecting people with advice, services and life-changing support.
2024 - Recognising Community Impact
Our team’s dedication and commitment to supporting local communities was recognised through an invitation to attend the Community Christmas Carol Service.
2023 - Supporting Communities Through the Cost-of-Living Crisis
In response to rising financial pressures, we launched our Warm Hub, providing a safe and welcoming space for local people. We also celebrated the King’s Coronation through The Big Lunch, supported by Eden Project Communities.
2021 - Changing Lives Through Employment
Our Support into Employment programme helped more than 300 local people move into paid employment. We also relocated our customer-facing services to Unit 4, The Mayfield Centre, creating a welcoming space for continued face-to-face support.
2020 - Adapting Through Change
After 25 years at Poynters Road, we moved to a new home and adapted our service delivery to ensure people could continue accessing vital support during an unprecedented period of change of Covid-19.
2018 - Supporting More People Than Ever
As our services continued to grow, we expanded the support available to disabled people, individuals with long-term health conditions, carers, families and employers across Bedfordshire and neighbouring counties.
2015 - Celebrating 21 Years
Celebrated 21 years of service as a registered charity dedicated to supporting disabled people across the community.
Pioneered new approaches to support through the launch of the AdviceCentral pilot project, transforming local advice delivery.
Recognised our service users’ achievements as they received the Community Learners Award.
Delivered key support initiatives, including Information, Equipment, Direct Payments Support, Carers’ Support, Information Outreach, Employment Support, and the Employers and PA Training Academy.
2014 - Investing in Futures
Opened the LuDun room, officially launched by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire.
Established our Health, Learning and Work team to help people build skills, improve wellbeing, and access employment opportunities.
Welcomed our first Scouts groups for interactive Disability Awareness badge sessions.
Delivered key support initiatives, including Information, Equipment, Direct Payments Support, Carers’ Support, Information Outreach, and the Employers and PA Training Academy.
2012 - Inspiring a Nation
Designated as a Paralympic Ambassador organisation, celebrating inclusion, achievement, and community spirit across the region.
Led the official Paralympic Flame events throughout Bedfordshire and Luton to inspire and unite local communities.
Delivered vital support initiatives, including Information, Equipment, Direct Payments Support, Carers’ Support, Information Outreach, and the PA Training Academy.
2010 - Expanding Beyond Bedfordshire
Established the Northamptonshire Centre for Independent Living in Corby and Northampton, extending our expertise, reach, and support to even more communities.
Delivered key support initiatives, including Information, Equipment, Direct Payments Support, Carers’ Support, Disability Rights, Information Outreach, and Transport Matters.
2009 - Supporting New Opportunities
Opened The Enterprise Hub—officially inaugurated by His Grace, The Duke of Bedford—to expand dedicated support for local users and groups.
Designated a National User-Led Action and Learning Site by the Department of Health, reinforcing our position as a leader in user-led services.
Launched the Marsh Farm Advice Service to extend tailored guidance and outreach deeper into the local community.
Delivered key support initiatives, including Information, Equipment, Direct Payments Support, Carers’ Support, Information Outreach, and Transport Matters.
2007 - Entering the Digital Age
Launched our official website to improve access to vital information, advice, and direct support for disabled people across the community.
Honoured with a local Equality and Diversity Award in recognition of our ongoing commitment to community inclusion.
Opened the Woburn Suite, offering dedicated accessible meeting rooms and conference facilities for local groups and organisations.
Established key support programmes including Direct Payments Support, Information Outreach, Equipment Services, and Transport Matters.
2005 - Recognised as Best Practice
The Department of Health and National Centre for Independent Living recognise The Disability Resource Centre as an example of best practice in supporting independent living.
Milton Keynes Direct Payment Support Service commences.
Information guide first published.
Services provided: Information, Equipment, Direct Payments Support, Information Outreach and Transport Matters projects.
2004 - Breaking Down Barriers
The Transport Matters project begins, helping tackle accessibility challenges and improve opportunities for independent travel.
First BBC local radio interview held.
Direct Payments Support Service expands.
Services provided: Information, Equipment, Direct Payments Support, Information Outreach and Transport Matters projects.
2002 - Bringing Support Closer
Our Information Outreach Service launches, making advice and support more accessible to people within their own communities.
Lord Howland becomes our Patron, who later succeeded to The Dukedom of Bedford.
Services provided: Information, Equipment, Direct Payments Support and Information Outreach.
1999 - Award-Winning Partnership Working
The Disability Resource Centre receives a national HSJ Award commendation, recognising our pioneering approach to multi-agency collaboration.
Services provided: Information, Equipment, Direct Payments Support and Community Loans project.
1998 - Growing Our Reach
A new Bedford office opens, alongside the launch of our Direct Payments Support Service and NHS partnership facilities, helping more people access independent living support.
1996 - National Interest
Poynters House was officially opened by HRH The Duchess of Gloucester. Our innovative partnership model begins to attract national attention and is replicated in communities across the country.
1994 - Opening Our Doors
The Disability Resource Centre becomes a registered charity, welcomes its first employees, and opens Poynters House, providing information, support and equipment services to the local community.
Watch our founders remember how The Disability Resource Centre all started.