Tom visited, at his request, on 30 June 2022. Afterwards, he put the following on his Facebook page:-

‘Today I met Pat, to talk about the Ipswich Disabled Advice Bureau and see their facilities.

The Bureau is a local independent agency, supporting people with disabilities, carers, and families in Ipswich. For many, this organisation is a valuable helpline for things like paperwork, providing clarity with things like finances.

The organisation runs with 7 staff members and 7 volunteers, helping over two thousand people every year. This includes supporting adults with dyslexia – helping push for diagnoses, assisting with initial assessments, and ensuring support is provided. Many adults with dyslexia, especially in older generations, didn’t get diagnosed at school. Providing the support to help get diagnoses and support in adulthood is incredibly important and can be transformational. Supporting people with dyslexia is something I am very vocal on, and I am pleased to see this life-long provision from a local organisation.

The Bureau is currently struggling with funding, with costs rising. I will be working with my team to look at funding sources which the organisation could use, to support this valuable service.

Next year sees the Bureau’s 50th anniversary, celebrating half a century of supporting people in Ipswich. Thank you to Pat and the team there for all you do.’