MP opens new mobility centre in Armley

John Battle MP (Leeds West) today opens a new building at the William Merritt Disabled Living Centre at St Mary’s Hospital in Armley. The new building will house the Centre’s mobility service and has been built at a cost of £100,000.

The William Merritt Centre is a charity providing information, advice and an assessment service on equipment for disabled people and their carers. Through the mobility service, the Centre offers assessment of driver ability, car adaptations, and advice on getting into and out of cars, and on carrying wheelchairs and scooters in cars.

Mr Battle said: “I am delighted to be opening this new facility to house the mobility service. The Centre has been quietly making a vital and practical contribution to transforming people’s lives through the help and support they offer. The mobility service has broadened the range of assistance the Centre is able to offer, helping many disabled people become more mobile.”

This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the founding of the William Merritt Centre, so the opening was also an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the Centre since it began its work in Leeds in 1981.

But the work of the Centre is still developing. A new project is planned which will create a library of adapted toys for disabled children, loaning small everyday battery operated toys with switches adapted to suit children with special needs. The Centre is hoping to raise £50,000 during the anniversary year to fund the project.

Mr Battle will lend his support to the toy project at today’s opening. He said: “I very much hope that the Centre will be able to raise the money it needs to fund this project. This project is typical of the work of the Centre – with its attention to the detail of the lives of disabled people and sensitivity to individuals. I hope it will get the support it deserves.”

©John Battle MP 11 September 2006

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