Sir Alex Ferguson officially opens the Disabled Living Centre

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.”