DABD

DABD is a local charity that enables independence for vulnerable people, helping them to achieve a better quality of life and to make their own choices.

We have been helping local people for over 75 years. Our roots are in Barking & Dagenham where our organisation originally grew from the Physically Handicapped Associations of Dagenham and of Barking – groups set up for disabled people who had little or no support at the time. These Associations grew into the Disablement Association of Barking & Dagenham which then became DABD. Today we work across five London Boroughs (Barking & Dagenham, Havering, Redbridge, Newham and Waltham Forest) with a team of over 150 dedicated staff and volunteers.

The services we provide cover all ages and include:

• support with welfare benefits and financial independence – benefits checks, filling in forms, helping families maximise their income, advocacy and challenging benefit decisions
• door to door transport – accessible transport for people with limited mobility using our fully accessible vehicles
• care at home for adults and children – for people who want to live an independent life – help with all aspects of personal care including overnight care. Also befriending and offering a helping hand with domestic chores or support to attend appointments
• Kid’s Patch Clubs – weekend clubs for children and young people aged 5 – 18 with disabilities or additional needs. Crafts and activities to promote confidence, positive relationships and fun (SEND@dabd.org.uk) 
• support for families including befriending and independence skills (SEND@dabd.org.uk)
• Golden Years clubs and groups for 60 + - social and activity clubs in Barking & Dagenham to combat loneliness and isolation in the older age group (GoldenYears@dabd.org.uk)
• independent travel training - supporting young people with disabilities, special educational needs (SEN) or additional needs develop coping strategies and road and personal safety skills so that they can make the journey to their place of education independently (traveltraining@dabd.org.uk)
• Community Kitchen - a foodbank accessible by referral from our Welfare Benefits and Community Teams, open Mon-Thu 10am-4pm

Over the years, our services have changed and adapted due to changing needs and a changing climate, but we continue to be committed to supporting all vulnerable people in our local areas to achieve greater independence.

Page updated 04.06.25