'Disability support charity means the world to me'

A woman has said a disability support charity means "the world" to her after a life-changing stroke.

Jane Hook has been been using Disability Initiative's (DI) services for 10 years and said the charity was "pivotal" to both clients and their families.

The former nurse said she had limited mobility and needed assistance with day-to-day activities as a result of her stroke.

The charity's plans to expand by purchasing the freehold of its existing building and the plot next to its current building from Surrey Heath Borough Council were approved on Tuesday night.

"It has taken me a long time to regain my memory following the stroke. I used to work and travel the world," Hook said.

"DI has been everything for me. I have made friends there and I've learnt to do many things including carpentry."

Andrea Izadi, who is a caregiver to her husband Bijan, said he suffered brain injuries after a motorbike accident in 2009 when they were living in the United States.

She said when they started receiving support from DI, it "gave her hope and allowed her to believe he would one day be better".

"Bijan has become a better version of himself," Izadi said, adding that her husband had improved in his speech and cognitive abilities.

"He's come a long way. I cannot thank DI enough, the gratitude is immense," she said.

DI, based in Camberley, provides specialised services and support for adults with complex physical disabilities and/or acquired brain injuries.

It was established in 1975 established and supports up to 100 people a week.

Chief executive, Lucy Brown, said: "We identified a real need for purposeful respite for individuals with disabilities and their families."

She added the charity had also been a "lifeline for West Surrey's thousands of informal carers", as well as supporting clients to achieve independent living skills.

Surrey Heath portfolio holder for property and economic development Kel Finan-Cooke said: "Disability Initiative is a vital local charity, and this decision will enable it to expand therapy services and provide essential respite care, giving disabled residents and their families in Surrey Heath and beyond even greater support, in line with the council's values."

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