What our clients say

Thank you so much for providing Jackie to present a talk about your Welfare Benefits services to our RNIB  Living with Sight Loss course. Our newly sight-impaired residents gained a lot of confidence from meeting her. Thank you again in helping us reduce the risk of people giving up in their striving to be independent.

Kendrick, Rehabilitation Worker (Visual Impairment), London Borough of Barking & Dagenham

Loretta was referred to us by her social worker in January 2017 as she was feeling very bored at home and her chronic arthritis was impacting on her life.

 Loretta has had epilepsy since 1989 after a blood vessel burst in her brain. She is a few years younger than our usual Golden Years participants but on meeting her it was clear that she was desperate to get out of the house.

 Loretta was clearly depressed after the trauma of looking after and then losing her partner at home after 16 years. She had undergone counselling but still felt very low. She has no family around and with only one close friend her world had become very small.  She felt she needed ‘something for me’.

 After meeting one of our Golden Years Project Officers, Loretta started to attend our groups at Dawson Hall, Dagenham on Wednesday and Thursday each week. She has to get two buses to and from the hall which is a struggle because of her arthritis but she is happy to do so to be among other people.

 Loretta looks forward to the groups and has become a very active participant.  So far she has made a patchwork quilt and has support to use her iPad. 

She says: ‘I have gained so much from knowing and learning from others in the Golden Years groups. I love being able to go on the outings and attend social events and I am looking forward to the holiday that is being organised this year in July. 

 Above all Golden Years has given me hope and perspective for the future.’

Loretta, Golden Years Member

I’ve been learning new things on the Apprenticeship and getting a knowledge of ICT. I would recommend an Apprenticeship to others.

Shelbie, Business Admin Apprentice

With an Apprenticeship you can find out a lot more when you are actually doing the job, as well as finding out about your own capabilities. It helps you to believe in yourself.

Megan, Business Admin Apprentice

I have developed so many new skills and I’m so much more confident in the business role.

Abbie, Business Admin Apprentice

DABD are very helpful, I’m impressed with the service. Through them I have been able to get many more interview opportunities.

Jack, DABD client