A DUDLEY self advocacy group is celebrating a new lease of life to help give people living with learning difficulties a voice.

Dudley Voices for Choice has received funding from the National Lottery to help create paid jobs for people living with a disability to raise awareness and address each others concerns.

The funding has also allowed the group to join forces with similar groups across the area to create the West Midlands Self Advocacy Network for people with learning disabilities and people with autism.

Neil Davies, Chair Person from Dudley Voices for Choice, said: "It is important for us to have a voice and for the government to listen to us."

The newly established network will meet throughout the year to discuss and resolve everyday concerns, barriers, health inequalities and restrictions faced by people who have learning disabilities and autism, such as lack of employment opportunities, staying safe in the community, social barriers and relationships.

A spokesperson from the group added: “ Dudley Voices for Choice would like to thank the National Lottery Players for supporting this great opportunity to strengthen the voice of people who have traditionally had no voice."