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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New, free courses for PAs at our Care Academy
We’ve just launched a brand new series of free workshops for PAs in care at our Care Academy…
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Please help us. Our charity changes people’s lives every week. A donation of £5 could help us to run our community cafe for vulnerable older people in Dunstable. To donate £5 by mobile phone text: Simply text DRCBEDS 5 to 70085 Please donate in person, online, by post or by text.
Friday art workshop
A splash of colour to end your week. Gain the therapeutic effects of art and learn lots of new skills in a small and supportive group. Every Friday afternoon.
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Care Academy
Whether you are an employer or a personal assistant (PA) you can access a range of relevant and engaging workshops delivered by specialist trainers.
Disability equipment advice
We offer expert, impartial & free disability equipment advice. Book an appointment today.
Meeting rooms for hire
Hire our fully equipped meeting rooms with free wifi, a digital projector, tea & coffee facilities, flexible room space and on-site parking for over 100 cars, including 12 dedicated disabled parking bays.
Donate
Please consider donating to The Disability Resource Centre today so we can continue our vital services.
On this form-filling workshop (held most Mondays) you will have help and guidance to complete your PIP or AA (attendance allowance) claim form.
Hire our fully equipped meeting rooms with free wifi, a digital projector, tea & coffee facilities, flexible room space and on-site parking for over 100 cars, including 12 dedicated disabled parking bays.
Come along to our Friday drop-in session for 1-2-1 support from our employment coaches. We help people across Bedfordshire who are looking for work.
Every Thursday we offer expert help with seating and a full demonstration of all the chairs and riser-recliners we have in our shop. Our seating specialist is here to advise and help you choose the best seating.
For new or existing Personal Assistants (PAs) our free training will help improve your skills in a way that is specific to your role. We are holding monthly PA induction training sessions…
Check this page to download the timesheet you need for PAs and employers that we are supporting with direct payments including payroll and other services.