Littlehampton’s generosity enables a better future

The Enable Me Project had faced an uncertain few months after it was told by Littlehampton Town Council that its former base, at The Dairy, in Church Street, was to close.

But after an appeal from the charity was reported in the Gazette and on the BBC’s South Today, the town rallied to secure Enable Me’s new premises, in Bayford Road, which opened on Friday (June 7).

The building was provided by Coco Lounge director Gary Haines, who owned the property. Rotarians from the Littlehampton Rotary Club also donated about £9,000 towards the £13,000 renovation costs needed to make the base accessible to people with disabilities.

Nik Demetriades, Enable Me’s chief executive, said: “I always think we’re supporting all these people who really need our help, but who is supporting us? Now I know. It means the world to us.

“We have already noticed an increase in the number of footfall coming by our offices, so it’s made a huge difference.”

Renowned disabled artist Alison Lapper, who featured as a 43ft sculpture unveiled at last year’s Paralympic Games, was a guest of honour.

She said: “This has really enabled a local disability charity to continue its vital work.”