AN ORGANISATION which helps disabled people in Southend to lead more independent lives has started a fundraising appeal.

National disability charity Livability, which runs Dophin Court, in Southend, wants to help adapt kitchens and bathrooms for disabled people, so they can carry out simple tasks most of us take for granted, such as making a cup of tea.

Livability’s Home Design Appeal is aimed at encouraging homes to be made safer for people with disabilities by using space better and taking advantage of the latest equipment.

Livability is trying to raise more than £110,000 to improve Dolphin Court, which is home to 17 people with profound physical and learning difficulties and five other homes.

The cash would improve all 15 bathrooms and kitchens at the Southend development and upgrade specialist beds and hoists.

The charity wants the community to make donations and volunteer to help at Dolphin Court.

More information on the appeal and to get involved can be found at livability.org.uk/get - involved/home-design-appeal.