DABD used the Recovery Loan Fund for bridging finance for delayed invoices being paid and to update essential infrastructure.
The Disablement Association of Barking & Dagenham, affectionately known as DABD, has been a beacon of hope for the borough’s disabled people for over 70 years. DABD provide a wide range of services for the East London community including transportation, clubs for both elderly and young people, skills and employability development, help and support in the home as well as benefits advice. Most recently services have been extended to include a community larder and a warm space in the colder months.
DABD have evolved to meet the needs of residents young and old alike, operating out of two sites, the headquarters in Parsloes Avenue and a satellite base in Pembroke Gardens. The Parsloes Avenue site is host to day-to-day operations and services such as the community larder and benefits advice, whereas the Pembroke Gardens location has been converted to a safe space for young people with special educational needs. It boasts a modified playground, sensory room, a de-escalation room, family facilities and garden. It is described by many as an “oasis in the middle of the borough”.
Adapting to meet the needs of every service user, DABD are able to offer support at every level empowering patrons live an independent and fulfilling life. The organisation is an active participant in BD Collective, a group of charities and social enterprises, that engage with the local authority to assist them in identifying gaps in service delivery and offering social sector solutions. This approach has seen a host of new programmes introduced to help locals deal with ongoing issues like the cost-of-living crisis.
“
We were going through a bit of a rocky time. The Recovery Loan Fund was a lifesaver, and it really gave us breathing space. It could have been disastrous if in that time period we hadn't had the loan, we really would’ve struggled to carry on.”
Dawn James
Head of Finance - DABD
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, DABD continued to offer multiple services and during that period they ran into difficulties. Payment terms on invoices were missed and bills failed to be paid which left DABD suffering short-term cashflow problems. Their bank assisted as long as it could, but it became evident that DABD would need to seek bridging finance.
Using the Recovery Loan Fund to allow them to continue day-to-day operations, DABD was able to use this space to ensure all outstanding invoices were paid. It also allowed the organisation the opportunity to update essential infrastructure like their IT system.
To find out more about the Recovery Loan Fund click here.
