1 October 2012

Please note: this news article is in our archive. Articles were correct at time of publication, but should not be relied on for accuracy after the passage of time.

THREE worthwhile projects which help people with disabilities lead active lives have been backed by West Sussex County Council.

A grant for £3,000 awarded to the East Grinstead Access Group will help provide a free loan service for mobility scooters and electric or manual wheelchairs to anyone with mobility issues, or the carer of someone who does.

The service will be particularly valuable for individuals who do not meet NHS criteria for mobility support and cannot afford to buy their own expensive equipment.

A contribution of £3,500 has been made towards the Tadpoles Swimming Club, which is affiliated to the National Association for Swimming Clubs for the Disabled. The club caters for all ages and people with a range of disabilities, among them amputees and those suffering from with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis and strokes.

The Club will use the grant to purchase equipment for individuals who suffer from illnesses or disabilities for use at the King’s Centre swimming pool.

An award for £500 has been granted to the East Grinstead Readers’ Group. The group provides visually impaired people with the chance to meet and discuss books available in large print or spoken word.

The contribution will go towards paying travel expenses for members who need transport for group meetings.

All three grants were awarded from the County Council’s Members’ Big Society Fund.

County Council Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, Michael Brown, said: “Giving residents the opportunity to stay active is of the upmost importance, so we are glad to support all three of these schemes.

“Each one meets the ethos of Big Society and Active Communities and we hope they bring a lasting benefit to the people who use them.”