A BARROW man who developed agoraphobia has spoken of the value of a financial support service for people coping with disabilities and difficulties amid its uncertain future.

Stephen Turner is backing the campaign to keep the Disability Advice & Benefits Service (DABS) open at the Barrow & District Disability Association in School Street.

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The Time for Change champion is grateful for all the support the service gave him in applying for benefits and filling out complicated means forms as he struggled with anxiety and depression and caring for his late wife, Christine.

Mr Turner has now thrown his weight behind the campaign to save DABS, which could close at the end of the year unless more funding is secure.

The future of DABS is uncertain after its application for five-year funding worth £361,246 from the Big Lottery was turned down.

The 59-year-old said: "I think it's such a vital service and also not just for physically disabled people, it's mental disability too - they show no discrimination whatsoever. Anybody who approaches them they try to fit in.

"I didn't know how to deal with claims forms and they got me the help I needed straight away.

"I just can't find the right words to describe how amazing they are. To lose this funding, it's going to be devastating."

Mr Turner, who has previously stayed at Ridge Lea Hospital in Lancaster to overcome his mental health problems, said the pressure of financial jargon can sometimes be too much for many people. Without DABS, he fears some people in similar situations will just get by without applying for the support they are entitled to.

DABS was set up in 2011 and has secured more than £6,600,000 for local people in first-time applications for benefits like the disability living allowance and appeals following wrong assessments.

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The campaign to save the service is exploring various options to secure funding, including looking at other grant making bodies and trusts.