AN ORGANISATION supporting the integration and social development of people with learning disabilities is celebrating after winning a £50,000 award.

The Lisa Dixon Centre, Home of Haswell & District Mencap, was named winner of the national Enterprising Communities awards organised by the Coalfields Regeneration Trust - the only organisation dedicated to supporting the coalfield communities to help themselves.

Securing the funding will help centre managers to build a new purpose-built showroom for its furniture subsidiary, which has doubled in size over the past two years.

Attracting direct and trade customers currently relies on a weather damaged building that is not fit for purpose. As a result of the investment the charity can extend the range it offers and ensure that furniture is not damaged while in storage.

The charity uses the furniture business to help fund the services, activities and support it offers to people with a learning disability, their families and carers and the wider community.

Lisa Dixon Centre chief executive Hayley Hood said: “I was so nervous when I was asked to present but was absolutely adamant that we give it our best shot.

“We are desperate for a new showroom for our furniture business and this was the ideal opportunity to share our story and showcase what we want to do moving forward.

“Not only does this award mean that we can invest in our future business and create a more sustainable model but also that we can extend our services, which in turn means that we can provide more programmes and activities for our service users.

“This is such great news for us – it is literally life changing.”

Head of Operations (England) for the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, Andy Lock, said: “The Lisa Dixon Centre was a very worthy winner of the Enterprising Communities award.

“The dedication and commitment shown by the team was outstanding and their plans for the future mean that they can continue to have a lasting and positive impact on those they engage with.”

He added: “This is a great example of an organisation that is so much more than a charity supporting people with learning disabilities.

“With a full programme of events, along with qualifications and work opportunities they are a best in class example of what can be achieved when you work collaboratively with the community.”

As part of the Enterprising Communities programme one winner received £50,000 and four organisations secured £25,000 each.

For more information about the Enterprise Communities Programme visit www.coalfields-regen.org.uk