It has helped thousands living with disabilities providing vital support across Lowestoft and north east Suffolk over the past 38 years.

And charitable organisation Disability Advice North East Suffolk (DANES) has marked a new chapter with a special celebration.

A new DANES community hub has opened its doors - with expanded facilities unveiled at its Rotterdam Road base in Lowestoft.

The official opening of DANES Community Hub in Lowestoft. L-R: Gwen Parsons (treasurer), Lowestoft MP Jess Asato, Trish Riches (Manager) Margaret Oldham (Chairman). Picture: DANESThe official opening of DANES Community Hub in Lowestoft. L-R: Gwen Parsons (treasurer), Lowestoft MP Jess Asato, Trish Riches (Manager) Margaret Oldham (Chairman). Picture: DANES (Image: DANES)

The new facilities were officially opened by Lowestoft MP Jess Asato last week.

Disability Advice North East Suffolk - or D.I.A.L. as it used to be known - has served as a lifeline for people in Lowestoft since it launched in 1986.

The DANES base on Rotterdam Road, Lowestoft.The DANES base on Rotterdam Road, Lowestoft. (Image: Submitted)

And now the expanded facility is dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities across the region - representing a significant milestone for the organisation.

The service's manager Trish Riches said that after acquiring the lease for the vacant side of the building in the last year, funding had been secured to update and furnish it inside.

With the initial aim of getting two rooms up and running, within two months enough funding had been sourced to update the whole of the building - along with a new fitted kitchen.

Mrs Riches thanked the financial support of local councillors, Lowestoft Town Council, Morrisons Foundation and Nicholson's Solicitors.

Praising DANES for its transformative role within the community, Ms Asato said: "DANES doesn’t just meet people’s needs — it empowers people and, as I’ve heard from countless residents, changes lives.

"This new space is a true testament to DANES’ commitment to respect, resources, and hope for those living with disabilities."

The new hub is serving "as a community gathering place" as it offers expanded facilities and resources as well as new services including coffee mornings, Otago classes, seated exercise classes, a craft group and more.

A Warm Space - as part of a network of Warm Rooms across East Suffolk - will soon open on Mondays and Tuesdays.