A charity supporting thousands of disabled people is celebrating its 15 year anniversary this November.

Sutton Centre for Independent Living and Learning (Scill) has spent 15 years working to make disabled people more independent and give them more control over their lives.

Finance Manager Guy Morris said: “Our mission is to enable every disabled person to become an equal and active citizen in the community. We want disabled people to have the same choices as the able-bodied.

“But, as well as the serious aspect, a lot of people also come along to make friends and have fun.

“We have a cafe on site for drinks and snacks and everything at the centre is wheelchair friendly.”

The charity, which started life as a council department, became an independent charity in 1995. It still receives 80 percent of its funding from the council.

It provides a free and confidential information service advising on everything from benefits and education to holidays and sport.

It also provides classes in subjects as diverse as pottery and photography to cookery and computers as well as administrative support for those employing personal carers.

The anniversary will be celebrated at the charity's annual review meeting on November 10. The meeting will be open to the public and a buffet will be provided.

There will be first hand accounts from those who have benefited from the charity's services as well an exhibition and talks from councillors and MPs.

Chief Officer Sam Edwards said: “Scill's success reflects the dedication and expertise of staff and volunteers as well as its unusual status as a provider of a wide variety of facilities on site.

“My team and I look forward to broadening further the appeal of Scill over the next 15 years.”

The annual review and anniversary celebrations will take place at 3 Robin Hood Lane from 5pm to 7pm.

For more information call 020 8770 4065 or email information@scill.org.uk.