This week Manchester United Manager, Sir Alex Ferguson took a break from the stressful world of football to help Salford City Council and Disabled Living launch their new £750,000 purpose-built, state of the art ‘Disabled Living Centre’.

From left to right Stephen White Chairman of Disabled Living, Sir Alex Ferguson, Gerry Yeung President of Disabled Living and Councillor John Merry leader of Salford City Council

Sir Alex spent the afternoon learning all about Disabled Living’s new headquarters and range of services, taking a tour of the brand new building, meeting staff and users and unveiling a special plaque.

Located in Burrows House, Worsley, the Disabled Living Centre has been developed in partnership with Salford Disability Equipment Services to provide a ‘centre of excellence for assistive technology.’

The Centre will provide free independent advice, and information to ensure disabled people living in the Northwest are able to make informed choices to lead an easier, safer and more independent life.

The centre will include ‘real life’ demonstration areas such as a living room, bedroom, bathroom and two kitchens for users to try out equipment in a safe environment.

There are also a number of training areas for health and social care professionals. The New Year will see the opening of a Simplyhealth retail shop to compliment existing services.

Sir Alex said: “I’m really impressed by the work the teams at Disabled Living and Salford City Council have been doing to raise awareness of the services for disabled people living in Greater Manchester. From a personal point of view I know it is really important that disabled people can retain their dignity and independence for as long as possible, without others having to do everyday tasks for them.”

Debra Evans, Chief Executive at Disabled Living said:

“Our brand new Disabled Living Centre has been many years in the making, a real challenge and a true delight. It hasn’t always been easy in the tough economic climate in which we find ourselves, making today’s launch even more special. It was a real pleasure to welcome Sir Alex and we really appreciate him taking time out of his busy schedule to meet staff and users.”

Councillor John Merry, Leader at Salford City Council said:

“This year the city of Salford has enjoyed some great achievements, and the opening of the Disabled Living Centre in Worsley gives us another reason to celebrate. Despite all the economic woes affecting local authorities and charities alike, the team at Disabled Living are providing a great service to ordinary men, women and children, as well those who support them. With people living longer and wanting to remain independent for as long as possible, we must work hard to continue to meet individual needs. As Greater Manchester’s oldest charity, it seems only apt that we welcome the Premier League’s longest serving Manager who has never forgotten his roots and is proud to put something back into Salford.”

To download the 2011 December Newsletter please click here

Come and meet the B.W.F.C players at the Reebok Stadium on the 25th of November at 1.45PM in the penalty shoot out area as part of the Kidz up North exhibition. For more details about Kidz up North please click here.

To download the Kidz up North 2011 FREE entry ticket please click here

Come and visit us at our newly refurbished “Centre of Excellence for Assistive Technology” in Salford.

The move, three years in the planning, has now become a reality due to a £680,000 investment package from the Social Investment Business.

We continue to offer free, impartial advice and information to people throughout the North West on all matters relating to the equipment that supports people with disabilities, older people and the professionals who assist them.

Our demonstration showroom houses the latest equipment, a sensory kitchen, training rooms and assessment rooms.

In late autumn we will also be opening an on-site retail facility which will offer further choice to consumers.

Disabled Living will continue to provide training from our new centre and also from our facility at Redbank House in Cheetham (our original location).

The new centre in Salford is close to the major motorway junctions of the M61 and M60. It is five minutes walk from the railway station and is adjacent to the A580 East Lancashire Road.

Ample parking is available.