Stephen Metcalfe, local MP
for South Basildon and East Thurrock, showed his support for the Disability
Inclusion Society (DIS) last week when he visited one of their projects at
Ashview House.
DIS is a Community Interest
Company based in Essex which actively works towards the true inclusion of
people with Disabilities within society. The charity uses art as a vehicle for
achieving positive change, giving disabled people the opportunity to deliver
artistic projects in the local community.
Ashview House is a
residential care home for severely disabled individuals where DIS is working
hard. The project which initially focused on internal decoration has seen bland
walls transformed into bright murals, and now resident’s personal rooms are being
painted and tailored to their personal requests.
Mr Metcalfe, who is a patron
of the charity, commented: “DIS are doing fantastic work within the local
community. They empower disabled people, giving them the opportunity to gain
invaluable work experience whilst simultaneously using their artistic skills to
improve the lives of others.”
DIS’s work is
made possible by disabled people using their Personal Independence Payments to
participate in DIS’s empowering program.
The local MP added: “The
confidence and sense of self worth gained through this scheme is invaluable. It
is an incredibly innovative and wise use of personal independence payments,
equipping disabled people with the skills and tools they need to thrive in a
workplace. I would like to thank all those who work so hard to make the program
happen and I look forward to supporting DIS in the years to come.”
The charity are currently
planning their future activities which will include a gardening project for
Basildon Hospital, helping elderly people with small jobs in their homes, and
working with a special needs school to create some art work. For further
information, please visit: http://www.robfillarydis.moonfruit.com/
