Patron HRH The Countess of Wessex Officially Opens New Specially-Adapted Kitchen...

Sophie, HRH The Countess of Wessex, defied snow and ice to visit DI’s Resource Centre and meet many of the charity’s clients

Her Royal Highness toured the Resource Centre meeting many of DI’s clients who had also braved the weather to be at DI on this very special day.

Her Royal Highness officially opened the new kitchen that had recently been purpose-built for DI’s disabled clients.  The kitchen was much needed as part of DI’s Supported Living Programme to run accredited cookery courses such as basic food hygiene, nutrition and NVQs to assist clients towards employment, voluntary work and certainly independent and healthier living. 

DI applied to the Fidelity Trust for part funding and Surrey Heath Borough Council for the other part as it was a £50,000 project.  The new kitchen has height adjustable work surfaces, space for footplates, hobs with front controls, pull out dishwasher, wheelchair-accessible oven etc.  The installation of this new kitchen has helped our disabled clients become self-sufficient and more confident as they strive towards maintaining or increasing their independence, rehabilitation and social skills.

Lucy Brown, Chief Executive of Disability Initiative comments, “We are always delighted to receive Her Royal Highness on such occasions.  Our Members, staff, volunteers and partners always look forward to meeting Her Royal Highness as she takes such an interest in everyone she meets.”