PLANS for a centre to cut attempted suicides, depression and loneliness among disabled people in Stockton will be discussed tomorrow.

The Gateway to Independence organisation hopes to set up a centre where disabled people can meet and talk about their concerns, as well as join in sports and learn about living in the community.

The centre would include a bedroom, kitchen, laundry room and bathroom, so disabled people could be assessed and taught how to live independently.

It would also be open to those with learning difficulties and blind people in the area.

Spokesman Trevor Sterling said: "A lot of the disadvantaged have spent the earlier years of their life living with parents, grandparents or in hostels, and, when they find they are in their own flat, they have no knowledge of how to live independently.

"Although social services do provide these people with some home care, they are left to their own devices for long periods of time.

"We aim to provide a centre for people like this and tackle issues such as social isolation, loneliness and depression."

As well as suicide, Gateway to Independence believes there is an increased risk of heart attacks for those struggling to look after themselves.

The centre would employ an occupational therapist, social workers and community nurses, as well as tutors from the Stockton Learning Town and Stockton Adult Education Centre.

There would also be facilities for drama and sport, and a community caf, open to anyone with disabilities in the area.

The organisation already has a learning kitchen in Stockton and can teach ten students at a time how to cook. It also has some equipment which is being stored until the centre is built.

Single Regeneration Budget funds of £85,000 have been received for building the centre, close to North Tees Hospital, and other funding is being sought.

Mr Sterling said: "Our intention is that, wherever possible, we will employ disabled people and it will be a centre designed by them, for them and run by them.

"The only other centres of this sort are at Bishop Auckland and Newcastle. Both are more than 30 miles from Stockton."

The meeting will explain to organisations and agencies what the centre will offer and how they can get involved