A NEW centre for people with disabilities and their carers opened at the weekend.

The newly-crowned Inspiration Station was launched on Saturday in the old Blackburn Fire Station on Byrom Street.

The meeting place, for people with care needs and disabilities, is spread across two floors and includes a sensory room, soft play area, games room, music room, and quiet room for carers or family members.

Community interest company, Personalising Freedom, and charity, Rummage Rescuers, have been working on the centre for more than a year.

The centre also has two wet rooms and a chair lift for those with physical disabilities who are not able to climb the stairs.

Director of Personalising Freedom, Liz Crook, said: “It’s been really busy and we’ve had a really great turnout.

“A lot of families who have children with disabilities attended and have tested out the sensory room and the soft play area and the feedback has been great.”

The Inspiration Station is a volunteer-led project and space and has been funded and equipped by members of the community.

Mrs Crook said it is a space made by the community, for the community.

She said: “We’ve got a lot of space for children and young adults with disabilities but upstairs we’ve also got space where we can teach youngsters about independent living, skills such as cooking and using a washing machine.

“Everything you see in here has been donated to us by the community, organisations and businesses and we are so grateful for their help in getting this place up and running.”

Rooms and facilities at the Inspiration Station are available to hire by the hour for a nominal fee.

More details can be found on their Facebook page or by contacting Liz Crook at Personalising Freedom on 01254 790993.