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Scope will merge with umbrella disability advice body Dial UK next month to create an expanded national information advice service for disabled people of all ages.

Under the plan, Dial UK will become part of Scope Response, the national charity’s helpline, after the merger won backing from its member Disability Information and Advice Line (DIAL) groups. The 120 groups will retain their independence under the merger.

A statement from Dial UK said the union would create a more powerful lobbying voice for disabled people as well as improving the advice network’s infrastructure and resources. Jane Thompson-Brierley, operations director for Dial UK, said: “This marks the new start of a whole new future for Dial UK and our network and we are looking forward to working with our members and with Scope on plans for the future.”

Scope operates its freephone Response helpline on 0808 800 3333 from 9am to 7pm from Monday to Friday and 10am to 2pm on Saturdays.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission also runs a helpline providing advice on issues covered by the Disability Discrimination Act, which it inherited from the Disability Rights Commission when the EHRC was created last October. The number is 0845 6046610.

More information

DIAL UK