'Infobar will be an invaluable resource for people with learning difficulties or disabilities across the county.'

David Ruffley MP, the Shadow Minister for Welfare Reform, has today welcomed the arrival of the Infobar project to Bury St Edmunds.

Infobar is a drop in centre for young people and adults with a learning difficulty or disability. Facilities include computers, a coffee bar and an activity room where courses are taught including arts and crafts and skills for day to day living.

The Infobar project was made possible because of a successful bid by Suffolk West PCT on behalf of all Suffolk PCTs for £650,000 of capital funding from a national budget and joint working with Suffolk County Council's Children and Young Peoples Directorate and Adult Care and Community Services to provide revenue funding.

The project is believed to be the first of its kind in the eastern region as it caters for both young people and adults.

David said:

'This project, which is the first of its kind in the region, will be an invaluable resource for people with learning difficulties or disabilities across the County.

'Infobar will operate not only as a drop in centre for young people and adults but also as a centre where valuable skills for daily living can be taught.

'It will give young people with a learning difficulty or disability the opportunity to meet with their friends outside school hours and will go some way to address the sense of isolation that adults with these challenges face in the community.

'I look forward to seeing Infobar develop and congratulate everyone involved on the hard work it took to get the project off the ground. I hope to visit the project in the next month at a time to be arranged.'