‘It affords me a dignified life and wellness, physical and mental’

The ILF is a public body that provides financial support to help disabled people live independently.

It currently provides support to 67 Derry residents and a total of 438 people across Northern Ireland.

However, the fund was closed to new recipients in 2010, leaving many who would have previously qualified without this financial support.

Derry resident Dolores Hannigan from Clon Elagh has a condition that requires round-the-clock support from two personal assistants.

Dolores was one of the first recipients of ILF funding in Northern Ireland.

“I have received funding from the Independent Living Fund for over 25 years and it has truly given me access to independent living,” Dolores said. “Without this fund, I would probably be in a nursing home, cut off from my family, friends and community.

“I have been able to set up my own home and employ my own staff who assist me in dressing, cooking, and going out to church.

“This fund has afforded me a dignified life and ensured my wellness, both physically and mentally. Independent Living Fund support should be offered to a new generation of disabled people.”

An event will be held in Derry later this month where ILF will gather insight and views from disabled people and their carers about the possibility of re-opening the fund.

Further events will take place in Belfast, Enniskillen and Newry over the coming weeks.

Speaking about the upcoming events, ILF Scotland Chair Susan Douglas Scott said: “This event will be a vital opportunity for the disability community in Northern Ireland to voice their opinions on the support available to them and what needs to change.

“We need to hear what people think about the possibility of re-opening the fund. Without hearing from disabled people themselves, we cannot move forward. It’s very important to us that as many people as possible attend the event to offer their insight. I look forward to personally meeting and talking to many of you as I will be attending and speaking at each event.”

The event is open to everyone, and ILF is keen to hear from disabled people, parents, carers and Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs).

The Independent Living Fund Event takes place between 10:30 – 13:00 on Thursday, March 19 at the Everglades Hotel.

To register visit www.ilf.scot/northernireland