The Timeline of WDP
Our Journey
30+ years of making a difference
1991
Foundation Year
- Launched Warrington Information Group for the Disabled at Dallam Day Centre
1992
Expansion & Recognition
- Changed name to Warrington Disability Information Services (WDIS)
- Launched first Disability Awareness Day — now world’s largest voluntary led pan-disability event
- Participated in European exchange projects: Access Europe and HELIOS II
- Launched Warrington Wolves Disability Sports Club
1993–1999
Building Services
- 1993: Launched Warrington Disability Sports Forum
- 1994: Opened Disability Information Point in Warrington Market
- 1995: Opened Warrington Shopmobility (3rd in UK)
- 1995: Launched annual Appreciation of Efforts Awards
- 1996: Received BT Getting the Message Across Award
- 1998: Received Leonard Cheshire Enabled Award
- 1999: Partners in launching the Centre for Independent Living
2000–2006
Growth & Awards
- 2001: Transferred WDIS offices to Centre for Independent Living
- 2003: Launched Warrington Disability Partnership & Forum
- 2004: Launched North West Positive Action Awards
- 2006: Received Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services from Duke of Gloucester
- 2006: Best Contribution to the Community — Warrington Guardian Business Awards
2007–2012
Major Investment & Expansion
- 2007: Purchased first new Caravan in Pensarn, North Wales
- 2007: Took ownership of the Wizard Narrow Boat
- 2008: Secured nearly £1million funding for Centre refurbishment
- 2008: Purchased second Caravan in Rhyl, North Wales
- 2009: Relocated to temporary accommodation during refurbishment
- 2010: Reopened refurbished Centre with new facilities
- 2011: Official reopening by Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire
- 2011: Launched Disability Trading Company social enterprise
- 2012: Opened second MILS store in Liverpool
2013–2018
Innovation & Community Impact
- 2013: Launched Mobility & Independent Living Recycling Project
- 2014: OWCH pain management group joined WDP
- 2015: Founder Dave Thompson MBE DL joins as Chief Executive
- 2016: 25th Anniversary — Launch of Legacy Appeal & Accessible Warrington pledge
- 2018: Opened Smart Flat assistive technology showroom
- 2018: Dave Thompson received Lifetime Achievement Award
2019–2024
Modern Era & Continued Growth
- 2019: Overall winners of High Sheriff of Cheshire’s Enterprise Awards
- 2020: First virtual Disability Awareness Day; Achieved Disability Confident accreditation
- 2021: 30th Anniversary; Launched COVID Community Champions & Long COVID support
- 2022: Launched Springboard COVID employment project & online sales platform
- 2023: Launched Energy Efficiency scheme & Hubs Mobility Advice Service
- 2024: Launched complex pain project & Cream Tea Cruises
2025–2026
Creating Lasting Impacts
- 2025: Replaced our accessible caravan in Pensarn & replaced over half of our fleet of scooters and powered wheelchairs at Shopmobility & completed the installation of energy efficient lighting and 90 solar panels at our HQ
- 2026: Took delivery of our new purpose build accessible canalboat the Wizard II – John B made possible after a very generous legacy donation