Independent Living Hub

Photo showing a member of the Independent Living Hub maintaining the sensory garden

A member of the Independent Living Hub maintaining the sensory garden.

Independent Living Hub

The Independent Living Hub is located at West Lodge, West Crescent, Darlington, the building is single storey with electric doors and 4 accessible toilets, including one with a hoist. There is a computer/administration room, an Internet café, a large kitchen with adjustable height work surfaces, a main activity/training room and a quiet study/meeting room. There is also a small meeting room, a chill out / relaxation room and a sensory garden. The Independent Living Hub is used as a base for people to progress in their personal development.

Aims

• To continue to develop as a ‘user-led’ initiative, whilst promoting the Social Model of Disability and a positive image of disabled people
• To promote self progression and inclusion in respect of education, training leisure, voluntary experience and employment
• To recruit a sufficient number of referrals, thereby ensuring that the Independent Living Hub reaches full capacity and supports as many people as possible.
• To develop additional disability related courses and secure funding for additional learning opportunities
• To ensure that the ‘Self Directed Support agenda’ remains a key issue in the development of the Independent Living Hub.
• Working in partnership with individuals and organisations towards reablement, rehabilitation and recovery models.

Introduction

The Independent Living Hub is a ‘user-led’ initiative which promotes and maintains self progression, independence and choice. Based on the Social Model of Disability, we recognise the need to challenge and break through the physical and attitudinal barriers which disabled people face on a daily basis. Independent Living Hub members work at their own pace to devise Personal Development Plans, setting goals which include access to education, training, leisure, voluntary opportunities and employment.

Independent Living Hub members have accessed a wide variety of social and training opportunities including Confidence Building, Assertiveness, Independent Living Skills, Key Skills, Information Technology and Disability Equality Training. We also offer less formal projects and workshops including Art and Design, Digital Camera Course and Deaf Awareness.

The Independent Living Hub is actively involved in the consultation of disabled people locally and nationally on a wide variety of issues.

Personal Development

Members of the Independent Living Hub devise their own Personal Development Plans (PDPs) from which they set individual goals or organise group projects.
Volunteers and Staff are available to support Members to produce and action their PDPs. This could be learning new I.T skills, cooking, getting ready for employment or college, accessing the community to name a few.

Photo showing a member supported in his fitness regime

A member supported in his fitness regime

Photo showing a member developing his independent living skills

A member developing his independent living skills

Quotes from Members

A separate page of quotations from past and present members of the Independent Living Hub can now be read here

How to access the Independent Living Hub

The Independent Living Hub are always looking for new members to join and enrich our current group. We feel that new members bring their own skills and experiences that we can all learn from.

If you would like to learn more about The Independent Living Hub, how to become a member or simply arrange a visit and/or taster session please use the details below to contact us.

Volunteers

The Independent Living Hub needs volunteers to assist in supporting members who are accessing training courses, workshops, leisure activities and employment. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer then please contact the Volunteer Co-ordinator, Stacey Allan. Stacey's contact details can be found at the foot of the Volunteer Project page.

Opening Hours

9.00am - 5.00pm, Monday - Friday. Alternative times, evenings and weekends may be arranged.

For more information contact

Lynn, Jeff or Rosemary at:
D.A.D. Independent Living Hub
West Lodge
West Crescent
Darlington DL3 7PS
Tel: 01325 254840
Minicom: 01325 243007
Fax: 01325 254841
Email: independentlivinghub@darlingtondisability.org

The Independent Living Hub is provided by Darlington Association on Disability (DAD) in partnership with Darlington Borough Council Social Services Department.

Photo showing members, staff and volunteers relaxing and joking together

Members, staff and volunteers relaxing and joking together.