Allendale Community Centre becomes Disability Confident Committed

Allendale Community Centre, Wimborne is delighted to announce that it has officially become a Disability Confident Committed employer (Level 1).

The government-backed Disability Confident scheme supports employers to improve how they recruit, retain and develop disabled people and those with long-term health conditions.

This recognition reflects Allendale Community Centre’s existing commitment to providing meaningful paid and voluntary opportunities for people with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, neurodivergence and mental health challenges.

Importantly, this commitment is informed by lived experience. An internal survey found that more than 50% of Allendale Community Centre’s staff and volunteers have personal experience of disability or have a close family member with a disability.

Carole Chedgy, a trustee for Allendale Community Centre said:

“We are very proud to have achieved Disability Confident Committed status. People with disabilities are already valued members of our paid and volunteer teams, working alongside colleagues in public-facing roles across the café, reception, theatre and events.”

“Our approach is shaped by people who understand the realities of disability, either through their own experiences or those of someone close to them. This is an important step in our wider vision to make disability accepted and visible throughout the Wimborne community.”

“We want people to be recognised for their skills, contribution and potential, and we will continue working to remove barriers and create more inclusive opportunities.”

The Level 1 commitment marks the beginning of Allendale Community Centre’s formal Disability Confident journey, with the Centre intending to continue developing its employment practices and progress through the scheme.