In February 1991 Vale Royal Disability Services (VRDS) came into existence. The service was started at Elmhurst, Winsford in an upstairs flat, with a telephone answering machine and a computer loaded with an information database.

 

Vale Royal Social Services provided VRDS with a computer and theoretically, it was imagined that this computer would be located within a publicly accessible building and that the public would come and use the computer to access relevant disability information for themselves.  The group recognised that, for a variety of reasons, this would not work and that disabled people would prefer to talk to someone personally on the telephone or call in for a face-to-face meeting.

 

VRDS is run and managed by staff that have direct experience of disability, or who have had disability awareness training, or who work with disabled people in the community.

 

The aim of VRDS is to improve the quality of life of disabled people, their families, carers, and friends primarily within the Vale Royal area.

 

VRDS provides free impartial disability information at six of our accessible sites.  VRDS also provides free information to professionals working in the field of disability.

 

·        In 1992 VRDS hosted the Cheshire Disabilities Federation and was instrumental in founding the organisation.  

·        In 1992 VRDS needed a more accessible office to provide a disability information service to the general public. In early 1993 there was an opportunity to join the local CVS who were moving to new premises.

·        In 1993 VRDS moved into the Council House in Church Road, Northwich.

·        In 1993 VRDS became a registered charity. Its overall management is the responsibility of an Executive Committee, elected annually at the AGM.

·        In June 1993 the Duke of Westminster officially opened the VRDS office.

·        In 1993 VRDS was invited by Cheshire County Council to give a disability awareness presentation at Chester Race Course as part of the Helios project to celebrate the International Year of Disabled People.

·        In February 1994 VRDS was commissioned to produce a Disability Community Resource Directory by Cheshire County Council.

·        In June 1995 VRDS was commissioned to produce a large quantity of Disability Information Cards by the former South Cheshire Health Authority.

·        In August 1996 VRDS produced and distributed a free monthly disability newsletter.

·        In February 1997 VRDS developed the first website describing our services, which is continually updated and developed. This is now located at www.vrds.org.uk

·        In April 1997 VRDS opened a Shopmobility Service in Northwich working in partnership with Vale Royal Borough Council.

·        In November 1997 VRDS opened a disability information point in the reception area of the Integrated Care Centre, at Northwich Infirmary working in partnership with the Hospital Trust.

·        In September 1998 VRDS produced an “A to Z of Services for Young People in Cheshire” with funding from the lottery. 

·        In November 1998 VRDS was named Chronicle and Manweb “Community Champion Voluntary Group of the Year” in Cheshire.

·        In March 1999 VRDS was awarded the Positive about Disabled People Two Ticks symbol.

·        In September 2000 VRDS updated the “A to Z of Services for Young People in Cheshire” with funding from the lottery.

·        In October 2000, 4 volunteers and 2 staff members gained NVQ awards in accessing and verifying the training needs of all staff and volunteers.

·        In May 2001 VRDS opened the Shopmobility service in Winsford working in partnership with Vale Royal Borough Council.

·        In June 2002 VRDS opened a newly equipped Learning Centre at Dane Walk, Northwich working in partnership with Vale Royal Borough Council, Cheshire Social Services, the Learning Skills Council and learndirect.

·        In January 2003 Bert Grange, Chairman, Cheshire County Council hosted a reception to present 8 VRDS volunteers with long service award certificates.

·        In 2003/4 VRDS engaged their first employed staff members – Administrator, Clerical Assistant, Disability Support Worker, IT Training Manager, IT Tutor and  Policy & Contracts Manager.

·        In January 2004 VRDS were awarded a CCC Supporting People Contract and engaged a full-time Disability Support Officer.

·        In February 2004 VRDS achieved the National Quality Mark, Level One from Dial UK as an accredited disability information and advice service provider.

·        In March 2004 VRDS achieved the National Quality Mark from the Legal Services Commission as a Community Legal Service Information Point.

·        In March 2004 VRDS moved into to new accessible premises at Hartford Business Centre. 

·        In August 2004 VRDS achieved the Matrix Quality Standard Mark for information, advice and guidance services at the VRDS Learning Centre.

·        In Oct 2004 Vivienne Stone, Regional Partnerships Manager, Disability Rights Commission officially opened the new VRDS premises.

·        In 2004 one of VRDS’ founding members was named in the Queen’s Honours List and received the MBE.

·        In Dec 2004 VRDS was accredited with the Investors in People award.

·        In January 2005 VRDS engaged an Outreach Tutor commencing in post.

·        In April 2005 VRDS engaged a Personal Development Coordinator commencing in post.

·        In July 2005 VRDS developed a new ‘Get a Job’ programme and signed a Partnership Agreement with Jobcentre Plus.

·        In September 2005 VRDS was shortlisted for a Star Award, the national adult education ‘Oscars’.

·        In December 2005 as part of the Cheshire Positive Business Awards, VRDS achieved the award for Outstanding Innovation and Creativity in recognition of the number of disabled people that are helped from benefits into work through learning and support.

·        In June 2006 VRDS was awarded a Microsoft Community Learning Award.

·        In July 2006, the Wife of the Prime Minister, Cherie Blair, opened the new VRDS Community Learning Services facility in Hartford.

·        In September 2006, VRDS was awarded a Northwest Positive Action Award.

·        In September 2006 VRDS was again shortlisted for a Star Award, the national adult education ‘Oscars’.

·        In June 2007 VRDS was awarded The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2007.

·        In July 2007 one VRDS learner won the Learning for Employment Award in the North-West learndirect Achievement Awards and the VRDS Learning Centre was Highly Commended for Innovation.

·        In July 2007 another VRDS learner was awarded the Cheshire Adult Learner of the Year Award for Vale Royal.