County Council announcement:

A new service to help people with disabilities maintain their independence will be launched on Monday (19 March).

Durham County Council’s Equipment Advice Service will provide information on aids and adaptations to people of all ages who have difficulty managing everyday activities.

People will be able to call or email the service or visit its base at the Abbey Day Centre, Pity Me, from Monday to Thursday between 10am and 3pm. A small number of demonstration items will be available at the centre.

The service also has a website, where people can carry out an online self assessment of their needs in order to get recommendations on suitable equipment.

Cllr Morris Nicholls, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for adult services, said: “The service can provide information and support to people with a wide range of needs including, adults and children with a physical or learning disability, mental health problem or sensory support needs.

“As well as helping to identify appropriate products and suppliers over the phone, via email or in person, the service can also take people through the process of completing the web-based self assessment.

“Staff have worked very hard in setting up the service and I am pleased that we able to launch it despite the financial constraints we are currently working under.”

To contact the Equipment Advice Service call 0191 384 6726, email equipmentadvice@durham.gov.uk or visit www.durham.gov.uk/equipmentadvice

For an online self assessment visit www.equip-yourself-durham.org.uk