About New Forest Disability Information Service

Our story

The New Forest Disability Information Service was established as a registered charity in 1998 to provide information and advice to anyone affected by disability. The original team consisted of two part-time staff and four volunteers. In the first year of operation, we were open for nine hours a week and supported approximately 350 clients.

In 2004, we moved from a shared room in the Leonard Cheshire Centre into our current premises in Osborne Road, New Milton. In addition to providing support with a broad range of information and disability-related welfare benefits applications, we had the space to sell mobility equipment and daily living aids.

In 2008, we began our long-standing service at Lymington New Forest Hospital, supporting patients and their families with the transition home from hospital.

Demand for our advice services has grown year on year. By 2012, we were supporting an average of 2,000 clients annually. The team grew in size to respond to this level of need, and, out of necessity, we expanded into the first floor of the building.

In 2023, the founder of New Forest Disability Information Service, Jacki Keable, stepped down as the long-term Chief Executive. Now a volunteer for the charity, Jacqui was awarded the British Empire Medal for her services to charity and the community in 2025.

We now support around 3,000 people each year. The charity has eight members of staff, seven part-time and one full-time, and fifteen volunteers. All are overseen by an experienced Board of Trustees.

As well as providing support to anyone of any age, affected by any disability, we are also an essential resource for statutory and voluntary services.