DI is proud to have partners - experts in their field!

Brooklands College

DI and Brooklands College developed their relationship in 2002 which has gone from strength to strength and, to date, 90% of DI’s clients have undertaken a course with some kind of recognised qualification for either vocational or recreational purpose.  This partnership has been so successful that DI is proud to boast that each year for the past 5 years, a DI Member has won the accolade of Adult Learner of the Year out of 14,000 students across the Surrey area.

Oakleaf

DI hosts Oakleaf’s Employment Advisers who reside part-time at DI to support clients in their efforts to find the right job.  Oakleaf helps individuals compile CVs, carry out job searches, complete applications forms and write covering letters. If required, they will provide interview practice and accompany clients to job interviews.  Oakleaf also offers practical advice about benefit entitlements so clients feel confident about managing financially when they return to paid employment.

North West Surrey Association of Disabled People

NWSADP advocacy service provides a free, independent, confidential advice and support service for disabled people between the ages of 17-64 with a physical, cognitive or sensory impairment.  Whilst it is based at DI, it is totally independent of DI and not part of any statutory agency.

Rushmoor Healthy Living

Rushmoor Healthy Living is a founder member of the Healthy Living Alliance and provides opportunities for DI’s clients to improve their health and wellbeing.  RHL provides both exercise and nutrition classes on a weekly basis.  Examples of classes include Tai Chi and Seated Dance.

British Red Cross

In January 2007, the British Red Cross launched a unique first aid programme, designed to work with groups or individuals who may require a more flexible approach to learning first aid skills.  DI and British Red Cross pioneered two first aid courses in 2007 and has not looked back.  This unique session is designed to provide a more flexible approach to learning first aid skills and increases confidence, independence and the ability to react in a crisis which may result in someone becoming a potential life-saver. All DI clients who participate receive a certificate for the modules that they have completed.

Camberley Theatre & Nomad Theatre     

Drama is renowned for its benefits in building confidence and self-esteem.  The Nomad Theatre Group has helped DI clients to script and perform their own radio play. DI also has a long association with The Camberley Theatre that is based next door by hosting DI clients at productions.

The Lifetrain Trust

The Lifetrain Trust provides DI with personal development sessions based around person centred planning which supports an individual in planning parts of their life, based on the principles of inclusion.

Parity

The ability to appreciate and respond to music is an inborn quality in human beings. DI’s clients benefit from the power of music to help them overcome their difficulties and to draw out their potential.  Clients are encouraged to experiment with accessible percussion instruments and to use their voices if they wish.

Frensham Sailing Club

Since 2001, The Farnham & District Association for the Disabled (FDSAD) has been providing DI’s aspiring sailors with a wide range of small boat sailing.  Frensham Pond Sailability provides first class sailing facilities and training for disabled people at the beautiful setting of Frensham Pond Sailing Club, near Farnham.

Riding for the Disabled

Horse riding offers an opportunity for enjoyment, challenge, friendship, laughter, achievement, independence and confidence.   Medical professionals recognise that there are also significant therapeutic benefits for the rider. DI’s clients have been attending the local RDA for many years and thoroughly benefit and enjoy their regular riding sessions.

The Wheel Life

The Wheel Life is the social and lifestyle website created for wheelchair users and their wider community.  Many of DI’s wheelchair users link in to the site to meet their social lifestyle aspirations.

Surrey Heath Borough Council
(Ian Goodchild Centre : Dial-A-Ride)

DI acknowledges the support it receives from Surrey Heath Borough Council. SHBC’s Ian Goodchild Centre provides freshly prepared daily meals for our clients and its Dial-A-Ride service provides six specially adapted minibuses to provide a door-to-door service to Surrey Heath residents attending DI who are not able to use public or other transport.

Surrey County Council                                                   

DI also acknowledges the support it has received from Surrey County Council since inception.  Surrey County Council provides a contract arrangement for some clients and also works with DI to develop and approve services to meet the needs of physically disabled people.

DI also works in partnership and has associations with many other government bodies, organisations, voluntary services and private companies that interact with us on an occasional basis, too many to mention!