A CHARITY that helps people with disabilities and their families has celebrated 20 years of helping people in Cumbria.

Disability Association Carlisle and Eden have been working as a not-for-profit charity since 1999 with the goal of providing support to disabled people, helping them maintain their independence.

The charity held a party with a cake and snacks at their Carlisle home on St Nicholas Gate.

The team not only gives advice to people who need to appeal benefits decisions, but members have also tirelessly recycled more than 11,000 pieces of aid equipment that would have otherwise gone to landfill.

By recycling the unwanted aids, the group are able to sell them at an affordable price which helps to fund the organisation.

All re-used items are fully repaired if necessary and thoroughly cleaned before they are sold on.

Louise Telford, strategy and organisation development worker for the charity, said: “Twenty years, we just wanted to use the opportunity to bring everyone together: we have staff and people we have helped all in one room. It’s great to see all those we have helped come back and celebrate with us.

“We have James Lands with us, who is employed by Cumbria County Council and has worked with us for the last few years.

“He has been in employment for 40 years which is a real achievement as there aren’t many people with disabilities who are able to work or are enabled to work.

“I think the day went really well and we’re looking forward to the next 20 years.”

Stewart Young, leader of Cumbria County Council, said: “It has been an opportunity to celebrate 20 years of DaCE and I’m particularly delighted to be here as I have been a supporter since they started.

“They provide an absolutely invaluable service to disabled people in Carlisle and Eden.

“Looking round the premises and seeing what they’ve managed to achieve it is really heartwarming.

“Talking to people you find that some people are born disabled, but a lot of people become disabled unexpectedly and they have no idea what they need to do, what help there is available and it is organisations like DaCE that are a godsend.”

Celebrating with the team was Aftab Khan, from AWAZ Cumbria, who is a champion for social justice and equality. He said: “Black and ethnic communities are less well placed to access health and social care and will be more vulnerable.

“A majority don’t have their own family round them to help in time of need or even as they age. Places like DaCE offer the help, support and direction they need.”