Thursday 4 July 2013

Stephen Metcalfe MP shows support for the Disability Inclusion Society

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/