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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Fergurson helps launch new disability centre
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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has helped Salford Council and charity Disabled Living launch their new £750,000 purpose-built Disabled Living Centre.
Sir Alex spent an afternoon learning about Disabled Living's new headquarters and range of services, taking a tour of the brand new building, meeting staff and users and unveiling a special plaque.
Located in Burrows House, Worsley, the Disabled Living Centre has been developed in partnership with Salford Disability Equipment Services to provide a 'centre of excellence for assistive technology'.
The centre will provide free independent advice, and information to ensure disabled people living in the North West are able to make informed choices to lead an easier, safer and more independent life.
The centre will include 'real life' demonstration areas such as a living room, bedroom, bathroom and two kitchens for users to try out equipment in a safe environment.
There are also a number of training areas for health and social care professionals. The new year will see the opening of a Simply Health retail shop to complement existing services.
Debra Evans, Chief Executive at Disabled Living, said: "Our brand new Disabled Living Centre has been many years in the making, a real challenge and a true delight. It hasn't always been easy in the tough economic climate in which we find ourselves, making today’s launch even more special. It was a real pleasure to welcome Sir Alex and we really appreciate him taking time out of his busy schedule to meet staff and users."
Councillor John Merry, Leader at Salford City Council, said: "This year the city of Salford has enjoyed some great achievements, and the opening of the Disabled Living Centre in Worsley gives us another reason to celebrate. Despite all the economic woes affecting local authorities and charities alike, the team at Disabled Living are providing a great service to ordinary men, women and children, as well those who support them. With people living longer and wanting to remain independent for as long as possible, we must work hard to continue to meet individual needs. As Greater Manchester's oldest charity, it seems only apt that we welcome the Premier League's longest serving manager who has never forgotten his roots and is proud to put something back into Salford."
