Registered Charity No. 1041712

Supporting independence, choice and wellbeing

We're an independent organisation providing free, confidential advice and support to disabled people, carers and families across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes.

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How we can help

From benefits advice to wheelchair hire, we provide a range of free and affordable services to help you live more independently.

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Disability Advice

Free, confidential and independent advice on benefits, housing, debt, employment and more.

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Mental Health Support

Practical information, events, activities and links to local mental health support.

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Direct Payments

Support to help you live independently at home with payroll, managed accounts and guidance.

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Equipment & Wheelchair Hire

Affordable pre-owned equipment and wheelchair hire to support independent living.

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For Carers & PAs

Carer support, PA job vacancies, the carers toolkit and our Carers Central service for Luton.

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Training & Resources

Care skills training, employment support programmes and useful links for the community.

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The difference we make

For over 30 years, we've been a trusted voice for disabled people and carers in our community.

30+
Years supporting the community
1,500+
Newsletter subscribers
Free
Confidential advice service
3
Counties served across the region

Know we are here

The Disability Resource Centre is an independent organisation supporting disabled people, carers and families across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes. We provide free, confidential advice and a wide range of services to help people live more independently.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and are registered on the UK Register of Learning Providers (UKPRN 10054081).

More About Us
The Disability Resource Centre team

Free Wellbeing Hub in Dunstable

Come to our free Wellbeing Hub every week in Dunstable. Everyone is welcome. Enjoy a welcoming, warm space with free tea, coffee and activities to support your wellbeing. Every Tuesday and Wednesday.

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Latest News & Events

Stay up to date with everything happening at the Disability Resource Centre.

Latest Update

We welcome Anne Bland as our charity's new CEO

The Disability Resource Centre is delighted to welcome Anne Bland as our new Chief Executive Officer.

Weekly Event

Come to our free Wellbeing Hub in Dunstable every week

Everyone is welcome at our warm, friendly Wellbeing Hub. Enjoy activities, support and community connection.

Training

Care skills training for carers at the Care Academy

Our new Care Academy opens with a range of care training courses open to all, delivered for free.

Need help? Get in touch today

Our friendly team is here to help. Call us, email us or visit our centre in Flitwick.

Serving Bedfordshire, Luton & Milton Keynes since 1994

About The Disability Resource Centre

Free, confidential and independent advice for disabled people, carers and families. We empower people to live independently with dignity and choice.

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About the DRC
DRC team
DRC community
DRC services
DRC at work

Our Story

The Disability Resource Centre (DRC) has been a cornerstone of support for disabled people, carers and families across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes for over 30 years.

Founded with the belief that everyone deserves to live independently with dignity and choice, we provide free, confidential and independent advice on benefits, housing, debt, employment and much more.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader, registered on the UK Register of Learning Providers (UKPRN 10054081), and a registered charity (No. 1041712).

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DRC diverse community

Our Mission & Values

Everything we do is guided by our commitment to empowering people and building a more inclusive community.

Independence

Empowering people to make their own choices and live life on their own terms with the right support.

Inclusion

Creating welcoming spaces where everyone is valued, respected and able to participate fully in their community.

Trust

Delivering confidential, impartial advice that people can rely on — always acting in the best interests of those we serve.

Community

Working together with local partners, volunteers and supporters to strengthen the communities we serve across the region.

Excellence

Continuously improving our services and training to deliver the highest quality support and outcomes for our clients.

Wellbeing

Promoting holistic wellbeing through our services, events and the Wellbeing Hub — supporting mind, body and community.

Key Facts

A snapshot of the impact we make across our communities every year.

30+
Years supporting the community
3
Counties served across the region
Free
Confidential advice service
1,500+
Newsletter subscribers

Meet the Team

Led by a passionate team dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of disabled people and carers.

Anne Bland

Anne Bland

CEO
Jill Pick

Jill Pick

Chair of the Board of Trustees
Sandra Brown

Sandra Brown

Vice Chair
Chelsea Smith

Chelsea Smith

Operations Manager
Team Member

Team Member

Role Title

Our History

Over three decades of championing independence, inclusion and community across Bedfordshire, Luton & Milton Keynes.

1989

The Beginning

The concept of a local resource centre is established by local disabled people. Partnerships are formed with the local health authority and community trust. A project group is formed.

1994

Charity Founded

Charity created and first employees hired. Poynters House opens and welcomes first services and tenants. Information & Equipment services begin.

1996

Royal Opening

Poynters House officially opened by HRH The Duchess of Gloucester. The DRC partnership model is replicated across the country, setting a national benchmark.

1998

Expanding Reach

Bedford office opens. Direct Payments Support Service commences. NHS facility, Independence Square, opens. Services expanded to include Direct Payments Support.

1999

National Recognition

The DRC receives a national HSJ Award commendation for multi-agency partnership working — recognised as a leading example of collaborative care across the UK.

2002

Community Outreach

Information Outreach Service introduced. Lord Howland (later The Duke of Bedford) becomes Patron. Services grow to include Information, Equipment, Direct Payments Support and Outreach.

2004

Growing Services

First BBC local radio interview. Direct Payments Support Service expands. Transport Matters project commences, helping disabled people access transport across the region.

2005

Best Practice

Milton Keynes Direct Payment Support Service commences. Recognised by the Department of Health as providing best practice. First Information Guide published.

2007

New Facilities

Woburn Suite conference facilities open. The DRC website launches. Wins local Equality and Diversity Training award — cementing our role as a community anchor.

2009

Enterprise Hub

Marsh Farm Advice Service commences. Enterprise Hub opened by The Duke of Bedford. The DRC becomes a Department of Health National User-Led Action and Learning site.

2010

Northamptonshire CIL

Northamptonshire Centre for Independent Living established in Corby and Northampton, extending our support to a new county and reaching more disabled people and carers.

2012

Paralympic Ambassadors

The DRC becomes a Paralympic Ambassador, leading on Paralympic Flame events throughout Bedfordshire and Luton — celebrating disability, sport and community pride.

2014

LuDun Room Opens

LuDun room opened by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire. Health, Learning and Work team created. First Scouts welcomed for Disability Awareness badge sessions.

2015

21 Years Strong

The DRC celebrates 21 years of service. AdviceCentral piloted. Service users receive Community Learners Award. Continuing to grow, innovate and champion independence.