A DISABILITY support charity has stepped in to secure vital services at risk of closure.
Northwich-based Disability Positive has taken over key services from Dial West Cheshire (DWC), ensuring continued support for disabled people across the area after DWC faced closure due to funding pressures.
The transferred services include DWC’s Advice Service, West Cheshire Autism Hub, and related volunteering and community programmes.
Lynne Turnbull, chief executive of Disability Positive, said: "This is a positive and practical step to protect services that local people rely on.
"Disability Positive has the local knowledge, disability-led expertise and operational experience needed to give these services a secure and sustainable home.
"Whilst we are saddened to see a fellow disabled people’s organisation like DWC have to close, our priority is to preserve specialist disability-led services, retain staff expertise and volunteer contribution, and provide a sustainable platform for future delivery."
The transition follows months of planning to secure a long-term solution for the services after DWC’s funding shortfall threatened their future.
Disability Positive has taken on seven paid staff and volunteers from DWC to support a smooth handover and minimise disruption for service users.
Patricia Bell, interim chair of the board of trustees at Dial West Cheshire, said: "The board’s decision reflects our determination to safeguard effective, community-based services for disabled people.
"Disability Positive understands Cheshire, knows the communities these services support and has the skills and strong local relationships to provide stability at a critical time.
"This transfer provides a clear route to keeping these services available and strengthening them for the years ahead."
The transfer officially took place on Sunday, November 1.
The move is expected to strengthen collaboration across Cheshire’s disability sector by bringing together related services, staff knowledge, and volunteer support under one organisation.
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