When you get invited to share 120 years of care by Disabled Living

Now, it was a privilege this afternoon to have been invited to the event celebrating 120 years of the work of Disabled Living.*

I first came across them in the archive of Central Ref when they were called The Band of Kindness, and I was intrigued by the name.

It led to a blog story** and was followed by a series of conversations with their CEO and culminated in an afternoon, where staff, friends, civic dignitaries and above all the people who use the service came together and reflected on that 120 year as well as having a bit of fun.

During that period the charity has changed direction, starting out as an organization designed to get children to appreciate animals, it developed into one which cared for disabled people and today in their own words, supports “people to maintain independence and improve the quality of their life, and that of their family”.

This it does in part by “providing impartial information and advice about products, equipment (assistive technology) and services for disabled adults, children, older people, carers and the professionals who support them. In addition, we support people with bladder and bowel problems through our service, Bladder and Bowel UK.”

So today was a sort of birthday party, and one in which all those who attended could share the charity’s work.

And because there is 120 years behind them, the charity approached the Heritage Lottery Fund to assist in some exciting projects related to its history.

I could say more, but rather think it would be better if you just followed the links and read about the charity and its history.***

Location; Manchester

Pictures; from the collection of Andrew Simpson


*Disabled Living, http://www.disabledliving.co.uk/

**The Band of Kindness ........ another story of child care from the 19th century,https://chorltonhistory.blogspot.co.uk/2017/07/the-band-of-kindness-another-story-of.html

*** Disabled Living, http://www.disabledliving.co.uk/about-us/history/