24/4/2009 - Media opportunity: Opening of Cumbria Centre for Independent Living

A new centre to help disabled and older people live independently will be formally opened next week (Monday 27 April).

Councillor Stewart Young, Leader of Cumbria County Council, will unveil a plaque to open the Cumbria Centre for Independent Living at 3pm at Port Road Business Park, Carlisle.

Print and broadcast journalists are invited to attend. Councillor Young will join the centre's management, adult social care staff at Cumbria County Council and service users for a tour of the new centre. Interview opportunities will be available in the afternoon. 

Run by disabled people for disabled people, the centre will provide a range of services and support to help disabled and older people live independently. The centre provides aids and equipment for daily living, organises social events, offers advice and information, provides training courses and employment coaching, and also offers support for direct payments and users of individual budgets.

Centres for Independent Living are a national initiative, but the new Carlisle centre is Cumbria's first. There are plans in place to deliver a countywide user-led service for disabled people in Cumbria. As part of this drive, the range of services available at locations across the county will be broadened over the coming year.

The centre is supported by Cumbria County Council, Cumbria Disability Network and Disability Association Carlisle and Eden.

ENDS

Media enquiries to Gareth Cosslett, News Manager on 01228 226332