Mendip District Council supports disabled people with the costs of home adaptations, to help them live independently and safely.

Disabled Facilities Grants are means-tested grants of up to £30,000, and are available following a referral from an occupational therapist.

Examples of the life-changing facilities and fixtures available include stairlifts, level access shower rooms, heating improvements, better access, and room conversions and extensions.

However, Mendip has now announced it has launched a "fast-track" version of the grant, for smaller sums of up to £5,000.

These fast-track applications can be processed quickly and easily, for those most in need. The council recently approved one such grant to David, from Street.

David has a rare degenerative neurological condition which severely impacts his mobility. He was offered a powered wheelchair from the NHS, on condition access issues to his property were safely put in place.

Working in partnership with David, his family and his social care occupational therapist, a fast-track grant application was received and approved by Mendip the same day.

And all necessary building work to improve access was completed within 11 days, providing a truly rapid solution to meet his needs – and ensure that all-important powered wheelchair was able to be delivered.

David said: "I had been assessed for a wheelchair to use both inside and outside my house, however access to the garden and car meant negotiating three steep steps.

"My occupational therapist explained I might be eligible for a fast-track grant to pay for the building works, and we completed the grant referral.

"The adaptations went ahead almost immediately, and were completed professionally and efficiently within a week.

"I am delighted with my new garden path and so grateful to everyone involved in getting me the safe and easy access I needed to live an independent life at home."

Cllr Richard Pinnock, portfolio holder for housing services and governance at Mendip District Council, said: "These new fast-track grants are changing the lives of disabled residents in Mendip for the better – and so much quicker.

"I'm so pleased to hear that David can now enjoy safe access to his home and car with his new powered wheelchair, and I'm extremely proud of our Private Sector Housing team at Mendip, and our partners, for delivering such an efficient service for David, and others like him."

For information on how to apply for the Disabled Facilities Grant, first contact Somerset Direct on 0300 123 2224 (Press 2 - Adult Social Care) to request an occupational therapy assessment.

For information on all Mendip District Council's grants and loans visit: www.mendip.gov.uk/financialassistance