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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Paul completed his 10K run to raise funds for our charity. Well done Paul! What a great achievement. And he broadcast his run, himself, all live on Facebook.
Read all about Paul’s 10K
Important information for individual employers and PAs
Please see some important information about PPE, Personal Health Budgets, shielding, COVID 19 testing for PAs and more up to date information to support PAs and individual employers.
Latest news
A big thank you to all our volunteers…
Volunteers Week 2020 Jill Pick, the chair of our charity’s Board of Trustees said “The Disability Resource Centre is fortunate to have an amazing group of volunteers who are part of our team working both front of house and behind the scenes. On behalf of the Board of Trustees I would like to thank you
Thrilled to receive vital funds for our charity
We are all thrilled to receive a grant of up to £7,500 from BLCF as part of the Bedfordshire Coronavirus Emergency Fund.
Paul completed his 10K run to raise funds for our charity
Well done Paul! What a great achievement. And he broadcast his run, himself, all live on Facebook.
Read all about Paul’s 10K…
The Best of Me programme is a series of free online courses for Bedfordshire residents. We can help improve your health, confidence & wellbeing.
Important information for individual employers and PAs
Please see some important information about PPE, Personal Health Budgets, shielding, COVID 19 testing for PAs and more up to date information to support PAs and individual employers.
Latest news
A big thank you to all our volunteers…
Volunteers Week 2020 Jill Pick, the chair of our charity’s Board of Trustees said “The Disability Resource Centre is fortunate to have an amazing group of volunteers who are part of our team working both front of house and behind the scenes. On behalf of the Board of Trustees I would like to thank you
Thrilled to receive vital funds for our charity
We are all thrilled to receive a grant of up to £7,500 from BLCF as part of the Bedfordshire Coronavirus Emergency Fund.
Paul completed his 10K run to raise funds for our charity
Well done Paul! What a great achievement. And he broadcast his run, himself, all live on Facebook.
Read all about Paul’s 10K…
Help for carers in Luton
Introducing the free support service for unpaid carers in Luton, Carers Central. We offer lots of free 1-2-1 help and advice by phone, email and online meetups.
Donate
Please consider donating to The Disability Resource Centre today so we can continue our vital services.