DAG provides information, advice and support to enable disabled people to live independently
DAG is a User-led organisation, run and managed by disabled people and carers. Originally set up in 1995, it has been running since 2009 in its current form. DAG supports disabled people to live independently through providing information and the support to understand and use it effectively, especially important in ensuring appropriate welfare benefits are claimed. DAG also offers many opportunities to reduce isolation and loneliness through social, leisure and volunteering activities.
Why the community needs usDAG is an independent, community-based organisation, managed and run by local people, its main aim being to support people to continue to live in their chosen locality. As well as working directly with individuals, DAG is also involved in improving access to goods, services and activities, both in the town and surrounding area. Access to leisure and sporting facilities, as well as access around the town has been significantly improved following advice from DAG access volunteers and staff.
Our impact on the communityDAG works with more than 1,000 people each year, both residents and visitors to this area. More than 500 mobility equipment bookings are taken for our 25 wheelchairs, scooters and wheelchairs which can go onto the beach and into the water. For many, the quality of their experience spent in the area is dramatically enhanced through being able to hire a scooter or wheelchair. Over 220 people annually are supported to claim their welfare benefits, raising over £250,000 annually for individuals.
DAG is a User-led disability organisation. Many of our volunteers are disabled people or carers and support the organisation in a number of ways. It would be very difficult to provide all our services without their skills and support. At the moment we are particularly looking for volunteers to help run our mobility equipment hire service from Whitby Tourist Information Centre at weekends. This important service enables disabled people to access and enjoy our beautiful town and countryside.
