WORK and Pensions Minister Maria Miller visited the East End on a fact-finding mission to see what services the disabled are getting through the winter.

She looked in at Whitechapel’s Apasenth centre for last Friday’s International Day of Disabled People.

The centre in Hanbury Street provides services for disabled Asian children and young people and those with learning disabilities.

The minister said afterwards: “The disabled have to get the right help to find work and stay in those jobs to achieve equality and independence.

“Organisations and centres like this help disabled people build up skills and confidence so they can gain more independence and get into work.”

She met those attending the day centre to hear their views on services for the disabled and what more can be done for them. The support Apasenth provides includes educational and training activities, help with work placements and voluntary work, as well as support for families and help for the disabled and elderly in their homes.