Helping independent living
Independence Matters
Do you have difficulty using your bath, or find stairs and steps difficult?
Through the Independence Matters service, we can provide advice on home adaptations and eligibility for Disabled Facilities Grants, and kick-start the application process for you.
Whatever it is you need to make access easier and safer, please get in touch, and one of our friendly and experienced advisors will be happy to talk things through with you.
We can also advise on loans for essential work, such as roof and window repairs or a broken boiler.
These are both FREE services supported with funding from New Forest District Council.
What help is available?
Funding for home adaptions
For New Forest residents living with a disability, funding is available to help you live safely and independently in your own home. We can help with a wide range of adaptations, including:
- installing a level access shower
- widening doors for wheelchair access
- fitting grab rails, ramps or stair lifts.
Arranging specialists
We can assist with arranging a needs assessment, surveyor and builder to carry out the work - even if you are funding the work yourself.
Loans for essential work
Loans are also available to help with essential work, administered by the Parity Trust, a charitable organisation.
Support with your application
New Forest Disability Information Service can help you start your application. This is a free service - contact us for more information.
Who can apply?
Council or housing association tenants, private tenants and homeowners can apply. Applications for adults will be means-tested, and you may have to contribute to the cost. Applications for children are not means-tested.
Support our work
Make a donation
Every regular or one-off donation, of any size, helps us to provide guidance and support for families living with disabilities.
Play the lottery
Play New Forest Community Lottery in support of New Forest Disability Information Service, with a chance to win cash prizes.
Leave a gift in your will
A gift in your will of any size will help our charity to support families living with a disability into the future, providing a lasting legacy.