A NEW driving assessment centre is set to open to help support people with debilitating medical conditions.

The assessment centre, launched by East Anglian DriveAbility, will open in Wakes Colne on July 25 and is being supported by quadruple amputee and disability rights campaigner, Helen Dolphin MBE.

East Anglian DriveAbility is one of 17 accredited centres across the UK that offers information, assessment, advice and recommendations to people who want to continue driving despite reduced mobility.

A special opening day event will celebrate the first day with talks from healthcare professionals, driving instructors and demonstrations of specially adapted vehicles by specialist Autochair, who is supporting the new centre.

Jules Allen, Autochair sales and marketing director, said: “We have more than 30 years experience providing vehicle adaptations including hoists to lift people from wheelchair to car, hoists which lift wheelchairs and scooters into a car and additional driving aids.

"Helen and I feel privileged to bring our combined industry expertise to advise those who want to maintain their independence through driving.”

Helen Dolphin, who chairs the East Anglian DriveAbility board, said such centres can be a lifeline for people who have recently been diagnosed with disability issues.

She said: "I lost all of my limbs after a devastating case of meningitis almost 20 years ago so know much about the minefield and emotions that are involved in trying to sustain your independence against all odds.

“People often feel that a medical diagnosis may lead to having their license revoked but driver assessment centres are all about ensuring people can stay behind the wheel for as long as possible.

"The East Anglian DriveAbility open day is a fantastic opportunity to speak to occupational therapists and driving instructors who can run through the physical and cognitive aspects of an assessment and meet the experts manufacturing the products that genuinely make a positive difference to your lifestyle.”

The open day takes place on Tuesday, July 25, between 10am and 4pm at the centre on the Wakes Colne Business Centre.

Contact Kimb@eastangliandriveability.org.uk or call 01787 222 873.