WHAT I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT What I am Passionate About... Chief Officer of Dial West Cheshire by Micha Woodworth

Since 1986, Dial West Cheshire (DWC) has been passionate about supporting disabled people across Cheshire West and Chester. Our vision is clear: a society where disabled people can participate equally as full citizens. Our mission is equally focused: to improve the lives of disabled people.

Who we are

As a Disabled People’s User-Led Organisation (DPULO), more than 70% of our workforce – staff, volunteers and directors – live with a disability or longterm health condition. This diversity reflects and strengthens our work, ensuring that the services we provide are truly shaped by lived experience. The local need is significant. Recent census data shows that 17.9% of Cheshire West and Chester residents are disabled as defined by the Equality Act 2010. Around 27,000 households include someone whose daily activities are limited by long-term health conditions. The disability community here is both substantial and diverse – and for nearly four decades, Dial has been a trusted support and voice.

What we do

Our offer is wide-ranging, practical, and person-centred:

• Accredited Information & Advice Service – helping people secure the financial stability and support they need. Last year alone, our Welfare Advice team achieved £1.71 million in successful benefit claims and appeals for clients.

• Dial House Café – known as the “Heart of Dial”, this welcoming, inclusive space has been serving affordable food and drinks for almost 40 years. More than a café, it empowers independence, offering volunteering opportunities that often lead to employment. Chamber members can also get a 10% discount so be sure to pop by!

• West Cheshire Autism Hub – providing support, signposting and connection for autistic people and their families.

• Volunteering & Learning Programmes – a structured, safe and inclusive environment where people grow, learn and thrive. Some volunteers have remained with us for more than 30 years.

• T-Club - where the T stands for Tea, Tunes, Technology, Television and most importantly, Togetherness. T-Club is a monthly social group for those aged 50 and above. The social group is a user-led initiative, where all members, have a say in what activities take place.

One volunteer described Dial House Café best:

“When anyone feels unsafe, unsure or simply just needs company, they come to DIAL House like a homing pigeon.”

Our values and approach

• Holistic support – a safe place where everyone is welcome.

• Innovation – listening, learning, and testing ideas that meet real needs.

• Partnerships, Collaboration & Coproduction – building bridges across business, health, education, and community sectors.

• Reducing inequality – aligning our work with NHS England’s Core20PLUS5 priorities to tackle health inequalities locally.

A new chapter of leadership

As our newly appointed Chief Officer, I am proud to join a team that lives its values every day. I have seen first-hand how partnerships between businesses and community organisations deliver mutual benefits:

• Businesses gain more resilient and motivated employees through workplace volunteering and social responsibility initiatives.

• Communities gain investment, opportunity, and hope.

That is why we value membership of the Chamber of Commerce. It provides a platform where conversations between business and community can lead to real, lasting change.

Looking ahead

What excites me most about Dial is the power of innovation and collaboration. I have seen how small, creative shifts can ripple into big changes, from piloting social prescribing connectors in GP practices to pioneering community led initiatives that went on to influence national practice. Innovation for me is never about change for the sake of it. The greatest change happens when sectors work together – business, community, health, and education –to build stronger, fairer, more resilient communities.

At the heart of everything we do is a simple belief: when people are valued, heard and supported, individuals thrive, and whole communities are strengthened.

We welcome every opportunity to work with others who share our vision.

To support us or learn more, please visit www.dialwestcheshire.org.uk