DAS has been working at the heart of the East Suffolk community for over 35 years supporting anyone with a disability related problem including family carers. We provide impartial, free advice on welfare benefits (inc appeals representation); housing rights; adaptations to the home; accessible transport and leisure; employment and support for return to work; help in a crisis and our Listening Service.
It is our mission to build confidence and improve the lives of those experiencing disability related issues:
“Enabling those who live with disabilities to gain the same rights and quality of life opportunities as others.”
The entire service is run by just five part-time staff and over twenty trained volunteers, more than half of whom themselves live with a disability.
In 2019 we handled over 6,000 enquiries, helped 1,200 clients and represented 200 more at appeal tribunals with a 92% success rate. We have excellent testimonials and a number of our volunteers are people who have benefited from the service in the past and want to put something back. Over two thirds of the staff and volunteers (inc the trustees) are disabled or elderly or both.
COVID-19 Update
The well-being of our clients, staff and volunteers is important to us, so our face to face service is only available by appointment and subject to Covid-safe procedures everyone attending the office must comply with.
We are also running a telephone advice service for those who cannot pay us a visit, so please be assured that we are still here for you with advice, support and information.
Christmas Closure
Please note that the office will be closing on Monday, 21st December and we will reopen on Monday 4th January.
We are members of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising and have signed up to its code of conduct.