Warrington Disability Partnership
Promoting Independence throughout Life & Work
For the past 16 years Warrington has become a focal point for disabled people, their carers and families from across the UK. The reason is Disability Awareness Day, which this year takes place 10am till 5pm on Sunday 8th July at Walton Hall Gardens.
Affectionately known as “DAD”, the event is organised by Warrington Disability Partnership and principally sponsored by the North West Regional Development Agency and is the finale of a week long programme of events offering something for everyone from children and young people, learning disability and mental health, wheelchair users and carers, employers and students, a BBQ and quiz night.
This years “DAD week” is launched on the 30th June at Golden Square with a celebration of diversity through the arts including dance and live music including Bollywood Dancers, a Samba Band and the nationally acclaimed “Heroes”.
Visit the website for more details www.disabilityawarenessday.co.uk
On Sunday the 8th July a huge tented village will provide cover for the majority of the 280 exhibitors that includes support groups and equipment suppliers promoting the latest designs, alongside health, social, employment and education providers all promoting independence throughout life and work.
One marquee will provide a focus on performing arts whilst the Sports Zone will offer have a go and exhibition events. Another marquee will house the inclusive play and crèche area, plus a main entertainments arena and finally a children’s entertainments area that includes fairground rides and inflatables.
With over 140 stewards and support staff on hand it’s easy to see why the organising team received the prestigious ‘Queens Award for Voluntary Services’.
Last years events attracted 27,000 visitors from across the UK, and a fly past by the famous Red Arrows underlined the fact that DAD is Europe’s largest voluntary led pan disability event. DAD covers physical, sensory, learning and mental impairment and is both Warrington’s largest community event and one of the largest in the North West.
Past visitors to DAD include delegates from across Europe. Subsequently DAD events have since been organised in Gibraltar, Sweden, Denmark, Cornwall, Rotherham and Wigan. The team are currently in communication with a group planning an event in America. If you are interested in arranging a local DAD event, then visit the website to download a simple step-by-step toolkit on how to organise an event.
Event co-ordinator Dave Thompson MBE, said:
“The whole team is still on a high after receiving the Queens Award for Voluntary Services, this has added to the continuing success of the event which provides a platform for small family run organisations to promote their services alongside the biggest National charities and businesses, and its thanks to the hard work and commitment of our management team, our stewards and assistants, our exhibitors, our visitors and the support of our sponsors that keep it developing each year. We would like to thank our colleagues at the NWDA and all of our other sponsors for their continuing support”.
Steven Broomhead, NWDA Chief Executive, said:
“The NWDA is delighted to be sponsoring this important event, which will provide a great opportunity to highlight the range of services that are available to disabled people in England’s Northwest. One and a half million disabled people make a valuable contribution to our region and it is vital that we create an environment that allows them to fulfil their potential. The Agency is proud to be supporting the outstanding work achieved through Disability Awareness Day, which will raise awareness of disability issues and promote the skills and talents of the region’s disabled people.”
For more details about visiting, exhibiting or sponsoring events held in DAD Week, or if you require information about the Park & Ride scheme, wheelchair loans, enabler services and BSL support on the day please visit
www.disabilityawarenessday.co.uk
or call the DAD team on 01925 240064.
We look forward to seeing you at Walton Hall Gardens Warrington on
Sunday the 8th July!
DAD 2007 Amended Advert.pdf