A BARROW team who give financial and practical advice to disabled people and those with additional difficulties every day has been rewarded with the Bouquet of the Week.

Staff and volunteers at the Disability Advice and Benefits Service, which is based at the Barrow and District Disability Association in School Street, have been recognised for five years of supporting people in applying for benefits and grants.

The team helps disabled people and carers fill in sometimes confusing application forms for benefits such as the disability living allowance and Personal Independence Payment.

It has been a difficult few weeks for the DABS team as the service's application for five-year continuation funding from the Big Lottery Fund was turned down.

A bid to keep the service open beyond the end of the year is building momentum and organisers are trying to raise cash and source alternative funds from charitable trusts.

The DABS team were put forward for the Bouquet of the Week by former client, Stephen Turner.

The Bouquet of the Week was a great reminder of how treasured the team is among the disabled community at a difficult time.

Julia Everett, DABS adviser, said: "It completely took me by surprise when Mr Turner walked through the door carrying the most beautiful bouquet of flowers. It certainly was unexpected, but also very lovely to know that people hold us in such high regard.

"For me, I'm just doing my job which is hopefully helping vulnerable people get the right financial help and support they deserve and need.

"I just hope we are fortunate enough to secure enough funding to keep the service going for many years.

"The changes to disability benefits due to the welfare reform are still being introduced.

"It is a very worrying and uncertain time for disabled people, their families and carers.

"They need help more than ever now to navigate through the complexity of the whole benefits system and appeals process.

"Our DABS service is invaluable and much needed and we want to stay and continue doing the good work we do for our community."

As featured in Tuesday's Evening Mail,

Mr Turner is grateful to DABS for assisting him applying for benefits as he coped with mental health issues and caring for his late wife.

Thanking DABS adviser Julia Everett in particular, he said: "She helps and puts things in a way that are easy to understand.

"I've known her for several years and she is a wonderful person."

Margaret Burrow MBE, chief executive officer of the BDDA, said: "It is extremely heartening to recognise that disabled people appreciate the Disability Advice and Benefits Service provided by the Barrow and District Disability Association, who will do everything possible to make sure funding is found to hopefully continue the DABS service."

Previous Bouquet of the Week winners

Barrow volunteer brings art joy to Dalton care home residents

Ulverston community champion receives Bouquet of the Week

Fond farewell to much-respected Walney School star