A NEW centre in Dundee which is designed to help disabled people of all ages remain living in their homes as long as possible is already attracting interest from other parts of the country.

Opened just last month in a converted unit at Claverhouse Industrial Park, the £1.6 million Dundee Independent Living and Community Equipment Centre is a joint venture between the city council social work department and NHS Tayside.

Centre manager Andrew McGhee said, “This is one of only five in Scotland and we have already had people interested in setting up something similar in other areas of the country coming here to see what it has to offer.”

Among the benefits of the service is a significant reduction in waiting times for the delivery and installation of equipment.

Mr McGhee and social work and health committee convener Helen Wright said the centre was a vast improvement on the previous fragmented service which was available locally and urged the public to make use of it.

There are three complementary strands to the operation—the independent living centre, a community equipment service and an occupational therapy service.

The independent living centre provides up to date advice, information, demonstration and training across all aspects of disability.

People can try what aids are available, from items such as cutlery and crockery up to a tracking hoist which helps lift someone from a wheelchair into bed.

Anyone interested in finding out more can contact the centre by Email at dilc@dundeecity. gov.uk or by phoning 01382 307635.