Making a difference through the pandemic
The Charity, Disability Initiative known as DI, has been awarded a £100,000 grant from the Government’s Coronavirus Community Support Fund, which is distributed by The National Lottery to provide a community based “Slow Stream Rehabilitation Initiative.” This will help to improve the health and social well-being of adults with physical disabilities or brain injuries across Surrey and Hampshire who have been affected by Covid-19.
The impact of the virus has accelerated the need for more community-based services for vulnerable disabled people, especially those who had been hospitalised or have not been able to access services during the pandemic and their wellbeing has deteriorated as a result.
The lottery funding will help develop the essential infrastructure to support the Slow Stream Rehabilitation Initiative, including functional mobility equipment, technology and dedicated staff.
The award coincides with DI developing an innovative partnership with the Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust. DI will be seeking further support from both Hampshire and Surrey County Councils to ensure an integrated approach for some of the most vulnerable people in society.
The Charity will be working with the Trust and others to create bespoke programmes for disabled patients upon discharge from Hospital or whose conditions have worsened as a direct or indirect result of Covid-19. The aim is to enable people to reach and retain their optimum wellbeing; rebuild their lives and to be offered family support. DI wants to reduce the likelihood of repeated hospital admissions by providing timely input and drawing on its 45 years of experience and expertise along with its excellent partnerships.
The Charity`s Chief Executive, Lucy Brown explained how DI has continued to deliver support to the Charity`s existing clients throughout the pandemic, many of whom had to isolate and whose conditions could have deteriorated without the support of the remarkable DI Team.
She said “Our Operational Team are truly outstanding and have been ceaselessly providing essential outreach and centre based services since lockdown. However, we are more aware than ever that there are many people who are in desperate need of Slow Stream Rehabilitation and the services we offer, so we are looking forward to developing the pathway with Frimley Health NHS Trust and Partners to help more people.
The Slow Stream Rehabilitation Initiative would not have been possible without the funding from the Government Department of Culture, Media and Sport and The National Lottery Community Fund that distributes money raised for good causes. This will make a significant difference to the lives of those with physical disabilities, brain injuries and supporting their loved ones during this unprecedented period.
Disability Initiative is a charity with over 45 years of experience specialising in the provision of services to adults with physical disabilities and/or acquired brain injury.
Contact: Lucy Brown – Chief Executive
Email: [email protected] Tel: 01276 676302
https://www.disabilityinitiative.org.uk/
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