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