LIVING independently is something that most adults take for granted but for some people, such as the elderly or the disabled, a little extra help is needed to make this a possibility.

An organisation like Options Plus can make the difference between people having to rely on others or retaining self-sufficiency.

The charity aims to offer unbiased advice sessions on a range of equipment that would help people in the Swindon and North Wiltshire area maintain the best quality of life.

It also offers hour-long sessions with its occupational therapist, Jenny Bayliss, who carries out clinical assessments based on the client's history and looks at their difficulties in a holistic way.

As well as offering guidance on equipment, Options Plus maintains a database of contacts of national and local groups ranging from disabled photography clubs to national charities as well as a resource library where people can borrow publications on disability issues.

Michelle Howard is tetraplegic and paralysed from the chest down. She first came across the centre when she moved to Swindon 12 years ago and now volunteers as a member of the management committee as well as being the chairwoman of trustees.

She said: "When I was growing up in Bournemouth we didn't have anything like this centre and without it people could spend a lot of time and money being advised on getting what may not necessarily be the best piece of equipment for them.

"We can offer support for anyone who has independent living issues such as getting in and out of a bath or some people who have arthritis have difficulty opening jar lids. It could be that simple or it could be people who have a full-blown disability like myself.

"The main thing is that we offer impartial advice on equipment that is going to suit people's needs."

The charity has been located at the Marshgate Industrial Estate, Stratton Road since 1992 but has been offering guidance on independent living for the past 22 years.

More than 600 pieces of equipment, ranging from tools to help boil a kettle safely to stair lifts, are on display.

Michelle said she received advice on a walk-in-shower and a special wheelchair.

"Because I am 6ft 2ins and have extra long legs, I needed a high wheel chair and a comfortable seat because I am going to be in it all day. It also drops down so I get under the desk when I am working."

Vanessa Morgan, manager of the centre, said it helped 5,000 people last year but want to offer their service to more people.

"If we don't have the information that people need we can refer people on to get expert advice," she said. "It's very rare we can't refer someone to a service they require.

"We can also help some people who may not consider themselves to be disabled such as older people who are finding it more difficult to live by themselves.

"We help people make decisions about buying their own equipment because there may be long waiting lists or because equipment may not be available through statutory channels such as the social services and the NHS."

People wishing to seek advice need to make an appointment in advance and the centre's website shows some of its products. For more information contact Vanessa Morgan on Swindon 643966.