Our hearts and souls are in ensuring that you receive the best support possible to give you back your Choice and Control over your own life, your independence, whether your impairment is hidden or visible.
Meet The Team!
Sonya Collins
Director, Manager, Advocate.
Rachel Tomlinson
Personal Assistant
Our Beginning
DAIS began as 'Southern Health Budgets in 2015, the name changed 2016 due to services evolving. The organisation was developed due to the lack of services for the Disabled community. I wanted to ensure that if there is a form that needs filling or information on the Mental Health Act needed for a meeting then it would be readily available and supplied either in person or another mode of communication.
As a Disabled woman who has been working in the voluntary sector supporting Disabled adults, I realised that there are numerous charitable agencies that support people but if you have complex needs then you do not fit! I want to ensure that regardless of your impairment, your age, gender etc that support will always be available.
Equality is the most important criteria for any organisation and at DAIS we strongly abide by this in our work. We make sure that your permission is sought by completing a form with you this ensures that you know all your information is private and confidential and is shared only with people you trust.
Our Mission
At DAIS, our mission is to empower and advocate for all Disabled individuals — whether your disability is visible or hidden, related to mental health, physical health, or a long-term condition, and regardless of age or background. We’re here to make sure you have the right information, guidance, and support to feel confident in taking control of your own life. Whether you’re seeking support for yourself or looking to help a friend, we’re here to walk alongside you.
Our Future Goal
Our future goal at DAIS is to have a FREE phone number for you to call and to access any advice you need. A kind of one stop shop. We believe that information and advice should be available to all and be in one place, regardless of impairment, whether it is visible or hidden. I am confident that this is going to be available in the very near future Of course any information that you require at the present time can be given in the usual ways, telephone, mail, email etc
Volunteering and Internships
As a voluntary organisation run by Disabled people we would like to encourage Disabled people to volunteer with us. One of the ways we could support this is to arrange group sessions run by Disabled adults, families and friends in all areas of Southampton. Each to facilitate the events, coffee or prayer groups but having the main focus on the issues surrounding Disabled Children and Adults in our communities. Each group would have links direct to us at DAIS to ensure that all the correct information, leaflets etc would be given and DAIS would be present when needed or each group meeting if required. If this would be of interest to anyone please complete the contact form or get in touch with us via any mode of communication you prefer.
I really hope that we hear from people who want to make a difference and start shouting about what we as Disabled adults and children need to take our control back.
