The Warrington Disability Partnership (WDP) are based in Warrington, Cheshire and are at the forefront of supporting independence in life and work for people with disabilities.  Their annual Disability Awareness Day (DAD) is the world's largest 'not for profit' voluntary-led disability exhibition, held in a huge tented village within the grounds of Walton Hall Gardens in Warrington, Cheshire and is attended by over 22,000 people every year.

It’s a disability event which promotes a ‘can do’ culture focusing on what disabled people can do throughout life and work. The show has around 260 exhibitors and has three main aims:

• To highlight what statutory, private or voluntary services are available to enable disabled people to stay independent
• To promote equipment and aids that could maintain or improve independence, not just what is offered by statutory service providers
• To provide an opportunity to showcase what disabled people can do in the field of Sport, Arts and Entertainment

Sadly, due to the Government restrictions as part of the COVID-19 social distancing rules, as with other events around the country, WDP were sadly faced with the decision to cancel this year’s live event.

However, in response, they have developed an exciting online platform from which people will be able to experience a weeklong schedule of complimentary events, starting with DAD Virtual, taking place on Sunday, 25th October.

United Utilities is once again extremely proud to be associated with WDP and continue to sponsor such an incredible event. 

Amanda Phillips, Priority Services Manager at United Utilities said, “To once again play a part in this amazing event was a no brainer for us.  It especially gives us a chance to promote our free Priority Services scheme, with more than 100,000 of our customers from across the North West now benefiting from this scheme.  This year’s event being virtual means of course we can reach an even greater number of our customers, it’s great news!”

You can take a look at one of the virtual marquees ahead of the event here.  If you’re living in the North West and know someone that may be able to benefit from Priority Services, you can find out more here and apply online too.