Updated: 28/06/2024

The board are delighted to confirm that the Disability Information Bureau will continue to operate from its Macclesfield base, following an internal re-structure and significant support from CVSCE. The last few months have been a challenge for all who are connected to the DIB; we would like to extend our particular thanks to our dedicated staff and volunteer teams who have shown resilience and patience as we have navigated this period. 

Obviously, the financial constraints of a desolate funding landscape mean that we cannot continue all of our services, as much as we would have liked to, but we are committed to delivering our remaining projects to the highest standard, whilst exploring new funding opportunities to re-build vital activities for the disabled communities we seek to serve. We will share information on any future projects as soon as we are able. 

For now, Shopmobility will continue to run from its current location on Churchill Way, and Welfare, Wellbeing, Work, our National Lottery funded project, will continue to operate from the premises on Pierce Street. Our fantastic volunteers are cooking up a range of ideas for community projects that you can get involved with, so keep updated via our communication channels. 

In the short-term, staff from CVSCE will be working within our organisation to provide managerial and strategic support, ensuring we continue our evolution to become an operation best suited to the needs of local disabled people. Kathryn Sullivan, CEO at CVS said, “DIB is an organisation much loved and needed by the people of Macclesfield and the surrounding area. This current challenge is being faced by countless charities and voluntary sector groups in our region and beyond and we must work together to try and tackle some of the root causes of poor funding streams, disconnected working, and isolated working. We are determined to support the DIB in their rebuilding vision and excited to already be in conversation with VCFSE sector organisations keen to collaborate on new ways of working.”

We would like the take this opportunity to thank individuals from Macclesfield Town Council and Cheshire East Local Authority who have supported the board during this difficult time; the commitment shown to securing the future of the DIB has been heart-warming to see.