Disabled dad appeals for help to save CHAD

Apr 3 2008 by Catherine Evans, Rhymney Valley Express

A DISABLED father-of-three has come forward in support of a vital charity under threat of closure.

The Centre for Help and Advice for the Disabled (CHAD) in Bargoed could be forced to shut its doors in a year’s time if extra funding cannot be found.

CHAD, based at the Independent Living Centre in Heol Fargoed, provides disabled aids to around 1,000 people all over the country each year, and advises more than 4,000 on learning opportunities, benefits forms and services available to make their lives easier.

It has previously been funded by the Welsh Assembly Government but its current batch of funding runs out in March 2009 – and won’t be renewed.

Damian Smith, aged 39, of St Gwladys Avenue, Bargoed, says the charity is invaluable to him as he learns to cope with becoming disabled around 18 months ago.

Mr Smith, a former carpenter, is a long-term diabetic and gradually started to lose the feeling down his left side until he was paralysed. He was eventually diagnosed with neuropathy, which causes nerve endings to die.

He now often has to use a wheelchair to get around and has a specially adapted car.

He said: “CHAD have helped me a lot. When I first became ill, they were brilliant and told me about the sort of equipment I could have.

“CHAD really came through for me when I needed them. The staff make you feel important and the centre is somewhere to go for a chat.”

Mr Smith, married to Glenys with three children, says other companies that provide similar equipment to CHAD can be extremely expensive and don’t have the same personal touch as the workers there.

“They provide emotional support.” He said.

“It’s disgusting that they may have to shut. They are always there for you and it’s nice to have somewhere around the corner from home that can help you.

“Becoming suddenly disabled is a life-altering experience.

“The staff at CHAD know my voice on the telephone. It would be terrible to lose them.”

Petitions protesting against the potential closure of CHAD can be found at the drop-in centre in Heol Fargoed, at both Gilfach and Deri Post Offices and at The Pantry bakery in Gilfach.

You can also pledge your support by e-mailing support@chad-ilc.co.uk

If you feel you could offer funding support to the charity, please contact Sheila Hopkins or John Evans at the centre on 01443 822262 or e-mail info@chad-ilc.co.uk

Has CHAD helped make your life easier? If you are a client and would like to give your thoughts on the funding situation, contact the Express on 01685 856506.