History
Watch our founders remember how The Disability Resource Centre all started.
1989
The concept of a local resource centre is established by local disabled people.
Partnerships are formed with the local health authority and community trust.
Initial user engagement commences and a project group is formed.
1994
Charity created.
First employees.
Poynters House opens and welcomes first services and tenants.
Services provided: Information and Equipment.
1996
Poynters House opened by HRH The Duchess of Gloucester.
The Disability Resource Centre partnership model repeated all over the country.
Services provided: Information and Equipment.
1998
Bedford office opened.
Direct Payments Support Service commences.
NHS facility, Independence Square, opens.
Services provided: Information, Equipment and Direct Payments Support.
1999
The Disability Resource Centre receives national HSJ Award commendation for multi-agency partnership working.
Services provided: Information, Equipment, Direct Payments Support and Community Loans project.
2002
Information Outreach Service introduced.
Lord Howland becomes our Patron, who later succeeded to The Dukedom of Bedford.
Services provided: Information, Equipment, Direct Payments Support and Information Outreach.
2004
First BBC local radio interview held.
Direct Payments Support Service expands.
Transport Matters project commences.
Services provided: Information, Equipment, Direct Payments Support, Information Outreach and Transport Matters projects.
2005
Milton Keynes Direct Payment Support Service commences.
The Disability Resource Centre is recognised by Department of Health and National Centre for Independent Living as providing best practice.
Information guide first published.
Services provided: Information, Equipment, Direct Payments Support, Information Outreach and Transport Matters projects.
2007
Woburn Suite meeting rooms and conference facilities opened.
The Disability Resource Centre website launches.
The Disability Resource Centre wins local Equality and Diversity Training award.
Services provided: Information, Equipment, Direct Payments Support, Information Outreach and Transport Matters projects.
2009
Marsh Farm Advice Service commences.
Enterprise Hub opened by His Grace,The Duke of Bedford.
The Disability Resource Centre becomes Department of Health National User-Led Action and Learning site.
Services provided: Information, Equipment, Direct Payments Support, Carers’ Support, Information Outreach and Transport Matters projects.
2010
Northamptonshire Centre for Independent Living established in Corby and Northampton.
Services provided: Information, Equipment, Direct Payments Support, Carers’ Support, Disability Rights, Information Outreach and Transport Matters projects.
2012
The Disability Resource Centre becomes Paralympic Ambassador.
The Disability Resource Centre leads on Paralympic Flame events throughout Bedfordshire and Luton.
Services provided: Information, Equipment, Direct Payments Support, Carers’ Support, Information Outreach and PA Training Academy.
2014
LuDun room opened by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire.
Health, Learning and Work team created.
First Scouts welcomed for Disability Awareness badge sessions.
Services provided: Information, Equipment, Direct Payments Support, Carers’ Support, Information Outreach, Employers and PA Training Academy.
2015
The Disability Resource Centre celebrates 21 years.
Advice transformation project pilots AdviceCentral.
The Disability Resource Centre service users receive Community Learners Award.
Services provided: Information, Equipment, Direct Payments Support, Carers’ Support, Information Outreach, Employment Support, Employers and PA Training Academy.
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Phone: 01582 470 900
Email: info@drcbeds.org.uk
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Free online workshops for Individual Employers
Join us at a series of free webinars (or online workshops) especially designed for Individual Employers, who are supported with Direct Payments and/or Personal Health Budgets.
Employment support programmes
We have 5 programmes providing individually tailored employment support. All delivered for free by our award-winning charity team.
New wellbeing course for Luton residents
Our brand new and free wellbeing course, Wellbeing Matters (for Luton residents), aims to help improve your mental and physical wellbeing.
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Ways to look after your mental wellbeing during the pandemic
Read all about the support that is available to help with your mental health during this difficult time. We have compiled over 50 websites, apps, videos and services, so please do take a look…
Free online exercises classes
We are breaking down the barriers to exercising at home.
For people living in Bedfordshire and Luton only.
We are breaking down the barriers and are launching an exciting package of support to help people living in Bedfordshire and Luton to exercise safely at home including:
- Free beginner-level online classes by local fitness professionals
- Join the free classes online by live video or watch pre-recorded sessions and exercise any time
- Free exercise equipment hire of items like resistance bands and balls
Free tablet computer hire and technology training for people without a smartphone, PC/Mac or tablet, so they can join the online sessions
Employment support programmes
Choose from 5 brand new and free employment support programmes from our award-winning team…
Your open door to advice in Central Bedfordshire
AdviceCentral helps residents of Central Bedfordshire to find the best local and national advice on a wide range of topics including:
Help for carers in Luton
We offer lots of free 1-2-1 help and advice by phone, email and online meetups.
