Almost 15 years ago two local disabled people were experiencing issues relating to disabling barriers in housing. Individually they had been unable to resolve these issues and decided that collective action would possibly effect change. They were right! Both of them resolved their housing issues.
Fuelled by their success they set up the Disabled Persons Housing Group. Individually and collectively the group amassed experience and knowledge of the housing systems and providers in Renfrewshire. They used this knowledge and understanding of disabling barriers to assist others to resolve their housing issues.
Meanwhile, the Disabled Persons Housing Service Lothian had been set up in Edinburgh providing a similar service. In partnership with DPHS Lothian, the Renfrewshire group attracted funding from Renfrewshire Council Social Work and Housing Departments, Argyll and Clyde Health Board, Scottish Homes and the Northern Rock Foundation to develop a DPHS in Renfrewshire.
DPHS Renfrewshire is now a company limited by guarantee with charitable status. Many of the Board members are individuals who formed the initial action group ten years ago. As a disability-led organisation, disabled people are involved in the management and development of DPHS Renfrewshire.
The fully-accessible office is based within Advice Works Johnstone, the service has been up and running since November 1999.
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