At the end of July we were delighted to host two ministerial visits; the first from Maria Miller, Minister for Disabled People, and the second from Paul Burstow, Minster for Care Services.

Mike Adams, Chief Executive, gave an overview of ECDP and introduced the different projects and services we run to enhance the everyday lives of disabled and older people. 

We were able to put forward some of the concerns and questions our members had about the new government and its services for disabled people, and members kindly gave their time to give their perspective on this too. 

Both Ministers then enjoyed a tour of the ECDP office. They met staff - who spoke about how ECDP services and projects work and their role in running them - and service users - who spoke about how ECDP’s work has supported them directly.

The visits gave us an opportunity to share with Ministers our members’ concerns about issues like DLA and ILF and other changes to benefits. It was also a good opportunity to show what a positive difference a user-led organisation like ECDP can make to the everyday lives of disabled people.

Following the visit from Paul Burstow a joint press statement with Essex County Council was released and can be read here.

To view photograhs of the two Ministerial visits, please visit the ECDP on Flickr website.