Disability centre getting stronger

Getting volunteers involved in running Oldham’s prestigious Link Centre will improve the service.

That’s the view of council chiefs after the Chronicle reported how users of the Union Street centre fear redundancies could signal the demise of a vital service which helps them cope with their disabilities.

The facility has been the centre of excellence in the borough for delivering services for disabled people since March, 2000.

But with five members of staff taking voluntary redundancy, users are concerned as to how remaining staff will continue to provide services and fear it could even close.

Oldham Council is now appealing to the borough’s disabled people to get involved in the centre’s running.

The authority is looking for residents and local charities to help provide information and advice to fellow disabled people about how to find their way around the system.

Charities are being encouraged to run information days about the help they can offer.

The council’s deputy leader, Jackie Stanton, said: “The Link Centre does a great job in helping disabled people of all ages to live as independent a life as possible. In the future we aim to improve what is on offer by developing a volunteer network under the banner of the Oldham Centre for Independent Living.

“This will provide services that will significantly improve the quality of life of all citizens with a disability by providing peer advice, solutions and support to help them tackle the most common daily living issues that challenge them.

“I am confident these plans will ensure that the Link Centre remains a key facility in the borough for helping people to remain independent and in their own homes for as long as possible — which we know is what they want.”

Information about the Link Centre, its services, or getting involved, call manager Paul Whalley on 0161-770 4786 (paul.whalley@oldham.gov.uk).