A disability charity is celebrating 40 years of vital life-changing support.
Disability Advice North East Suffolk (DANES), formerly known as D.I.A.L., has supported people across Lowestoft and north east Suffolk since 1986.
The organisation marked a new chapter as its milestone anniversary was celebrated.
Less than two years after opening its expanded community hub on Rotterdam Road in Lowestoft, demand for services continues to rise.
It remains "the go-to charity" for disabled people and the organisations that support them.
Its impact was recognised at the charity's annual trustees meeting, held at Dale End Community Centre in Carlton Colville.
The annual report stated: "Demand increased (from 24/25 to 25/26) by 13 per cent, reflecting growing need and trust in our service.
"Our advisers secured £4.1m in financial gains for local people - a 29pc increase on last year."
DANES also delivered regular outreach services to those unable to travel or are isolated, including in Kessingland, Halesworth, Beccles, and Bungay.
Gwen Parsons, chairman of DANES, said: "2025/26 has been a year of rising demand, growing impact and deepening partnerships.
"Behind every statistic is a person whose life has been made a little easier because DANES was there for them."
New ventures included a community voices project and an eastern area research network.
Trish Riches, service manager at DANES, said more than 1,000 people have taken part in group activities at the Community Hub over the past year.
This has included coffee mornings, seated exercise, a veteran's kitchen, crafty creations, easy IT, a Warm Space - as part of a network of Warm Rooms across East Suffolk during the winter - and a workability project.
She said the facility has become a vibrant and inclusive space for disabled people and carers alike.
Established in 1986, DANES provides advice, information and practical support to disabled people across north east Suffolk.
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