News and Blogs
Voices matter
For community news, upcoming events, blog articles and reports see below. If you have something that you’d like to see covered then please get in touch by emailing: [email protected]
Be part of our film for Learning Disability Week 2025
We are People’s Voice — an advocacy organisation run by and for people with learning disabilities and/or who are neurodivergent, based in Bristol and South Gloucestershire. This year, Learning Disability…
NHS Still Failing Deaf Patients: RNID’s 2025 Report Exposes Systemic Discrimination
Listen to this article as audio here A new report from RNID and SignHealth, Still Ignored: The Fight for Accessible Healthcare (April 2025), presents a damning indictment of how…
WECIL Launches Recruitment for New Trustees
You can listen to this article here We’re excited to announce that WECIL is currently recruiting for new Trustees to join our Board and help shape the future of one…
DPO Forum England Letter to Liz Kendall MP re disability benefits
Listen to this article here Below is the wording of a letter sent from DPO Forum to the Minister for the Department for Work and Pensions, expressing our significant concerns…
Letter to MPs challenging Benefits Reforms
Listen to this article here On Tuesday 1st April 2025, WECIL’s Chief Executive Officer wrote to each MP across our area of service to highlight our concerns over the proposed…
Disability Benefits Announcements: What You Need to Know
Listen to this article here The government’s announcement this week of “the biggest shake-up to the welfare system in a generation,” is already sending shockwaves through the Disabled community. For…
Help Shape Inclusive Healthcare – Share Your Experiences with UHBW
Inclusion starts with listening to Disabled people and acting on what we say. That’s why we’re encouraging all our members and the wider Disabled community to take part in an…
DPOs Welcome Last-Minute U-Turn but Criticise Inadequate Scrutiny Process on Assisted Dying Bill
Listen to this article here In a significant development, the parliamentary committee reviewing the Assisted Dying Bill has reversed its earlier decision, now permitting Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs) to provide…
Rowan Kinsella: From Overcoming Bullying to Championing Adaptive Judo
Listen to this article here Rowan Kinsella, a Disabled athlete and advocate based in Bristol, is making waves in the world of adaptive judo. A committed judoka, he recently achieved…
New Bristol Pub Meet-Ups for Dads of Autistic Children Provide Vital Support and Community
Listen to this article here: A new initiative in Bristol is offering much-needed support for fathers of autistic children by providing a relaxed space to meet, share experiences, and form…
Easy Read: Cuts to Access to Work Scheme Threaten Employment Opportunities for Disabled People
Sir Stephen Timms is a government minister. He works in Parliament, where the government makes decisions. His job is to look after issues that affect Disabled people, work, and health….
Cuts to Access to Work Scheme Threaten Employment Opportunities for Disabled People
Listen to an audio transcript of this article here Sir Stephen Timms, Minister of State for Disabled People, Health and Work, has sparked significant concern with recent remarks suggesting potential…
Accessibility & Environment Film Festival
Listen to this article here Iconic Bristol cultural venue the Arnolfini is set to host a showcase event for the Accessibility & Environment Film Festival (A&E Film Festival), a Bristol-based…
Rave and Recharge: Inclusive Daytime Disco Events Coming to Bristol
Listen to this article here An exciting new series of events is bringing the joy of clubbing to Bristol in a unique and inclusive way. Disco Neurotico, a vibrant and…
A Huge Thank You for an Incredible ILP Community Gathering!
Listen to this article here Last week’s Independent Living Payment (ILP) Community Gathering was an incredible success, and we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended, contributed,…
DPOs Challenge MPs to Protect Disabled People from Harm of Assisted Suicide Bill
Listen to this article here For many Disabled people and their representative organisations, the introduction of assisted suicide laws in a society already rife with ableism and deep-seated health inequalities…
Kate Walker appointed as Head of Children and Young People
Listen to this article here: We are delighted to announce the appointment of Kate Walker as WECIL’s new Head of Children and Young People (CYP). Kate steps into the role…
Bristol’s New SEND Strategy: A Step Towards Inclusion with Young Voices Leading the Way
Listen to this article here: Bristol City Council has launched its Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Inclusion Strategy 2024-2028, marking a new chapter in the city’s approach to…
Judge rule Incapacity Benefit Cuts Consultation ‘misleading and unlawful’
Listen to this article here: In a landmark judgment on 16 January 2025, the UK High Court declared the Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) consultation on proposed reforms to…
WorkWell West: Empowering Inclusive Employment in the West of England
To hear this article read aloud click below WorkWell West is a unique support programme dedicated to helping Disabled people including people with long-term health conditions overcome employment barriers, whether…
Devastating Impact of Trust Bank Account Closures on Disabled People
To hear this article read aloud, click below The recent decision by major UK banks to phase out disabled person’s trust accounts has sparked widespread concern among Disabled people and…
The Potential and Pitfalls of AI – Bridging the Gap for Disabled People
Click below to hear this article read aloud As Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology advances, its potential to transform lives is clear. However, the benefits are not being shared equally. Many…
Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre sample Learning Disabled Artists
Click below to hear this article read aloud In an exciting intersection of creativity, activism, and global musical acclaim, Daylight Studio, a London-based learning disability charity, has had their work…
Reports Reveal Persistent Barriers for Disabled People
Two recent reports have exposed the ongoing and critical barriers that Disabled people continue to face in their daily lives, despite decades of campaigning for equality. These findings highlight how…
Alarming Rise in Violent Disability Hate Crime
Recent reports show a disturbing increase in violent hate crimes against Disabled people across the UK, with police data revealing a rise in both incidents and severity over the past…
Inquiry to Examine the Challenges of Special Educational Needs Reform in England
The UK government has launched an inquiry to address the vast challenges of reforming Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision in England. Announced by Helen Hayes MP, chair of…
Shocking Levels of Bullying and Harassment Faced by Disabled Universal Credit Claimants Exposed
New research has laid bare the systemic bullying and harassment faced by Disabled Universal Credit claimants, further highlighting the urgent need for reform in how benefits are administered in the…
Disabled People’s Organisations Demand Funding Justice
Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs) across the UK are calling for urgent reform to address decades of systemic funding inequalities that threaten their survival and effectiveness. At the centre of…
Join the Launch of Disability Activism Bristol
Click below to hear this article read aloud Bristol Disability Equality Forum (BDEF) is proud to announce the launch of the Disability Activism Bristol project, an innovative collaboration with Bristol…
Easy Read: Call for Disabled People from Global Majority Backgrounds to Take Part in Research Workshops
The full version of this article, which includes an audio recording of the article, is available here. We Are The People are inviting Disabled people to take part in an…
Disability Services Face £266M Crisis
The recent increases in employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) and the National Living Wage, as outlined in the UK Government’s budget, are creating a financial storm for organisations providing essential…
Call for Disabled People from Global Majority Backgrounds to Participate in Research Workshops
Any Easy Read version of this article is available here. We Are The People, a small research team of Disabled academics and non-disabled allies engaged in disability research and disability…
Labour Government Faces Backlash for Endorsing Conservative Plans to Tighten Work Capability Assessment
Disabled activists and advocacy groups have expressed profound disappointment and concern over the Labour government’s decision to proceed with Conservative-initiated reforms to the Work Capability Assessment (WCA). These reforms are…
Ellen Clifford Challenges ‘Cataclysmic’ Cuts to Out-of-Work Benefits in High Court
Disabled activist Ellen Clifford, who spoke at WECIL’s Access All Areas event in 2022, has initiated a legal challenge against the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) over proposed reforms…
MPs, Activists, and Families Unite in Call for Public Inquiry into DWP-Linked Deaths
MPs have joined Disabled activists and bereaved families in calling for a public inquiry into the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) following years of deaths linked to its…
DPO Advice Services Under Threat due to Funding
Advice services provided by Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs) are facing significant financial challenges, despite a surge in demand for their support, according to recent research by AdviceUK. A survey of…
Remembering Baroness Rosalie Wilkins
Baroness Rosalie Wilkins, who passed away on 1 December 2024 at the age of 78, was a distinguished advocate for Disabled people’s rights and a pioneering figure in disability broadcasting….
7 Accessible Christmas Activities for Families in 2024
The festive season is the perfect time for families to come together and enjoy magical moments. To ensure everyone can take part, we’ve curated a list of inclusive and accessible…
Bristol Disability Equality Forum Celebrates CIO Status with Launch Event
On November 21, 2024, Bristol Disability Equality Forum (BDEF) will officially launch its new status as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) at an event held at Easton Community Centre. This…
New Aviation Taskforce Led by Tanni Grey-Thompson to Tackle Barriers for Disabled Passengers
In a landmark initiative to address long-standing issues faced by Disabled passengers, the UK government has appointed Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson to chair the Aviation Accessibility Taskforce. This new expert group…
National Youth Work Week Spotlight: An Interview with Jo Bale, WECIL Sessional Worker
In celebration of National Youth Work Week, we’re highlighting the dedication and passion of WECIL’s sessional team. Meet Jo Bale, who has been working with WECIL for over four years….
AAA24: Thank you for attending the WECIL AGM!
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this year’s WECIL Annual General Meeting (AGM)! It was a day filled with updates, gratitude, and big plans for the future as…
AAA24: Shaping Positive Representation for Disabled People Through Marketing and Advocacy
At this year’s Access All Areas event, Martyn Sibley, CEO of inclusive marketing agency Purple Goat, captivated attendees with insights into his work reshaping disability representation in media and advertising….
AAA24: Climate and Disability: Building Bristol’s Inclusive Future
At Access All Areas, Dr. Emma Geen, co-founder of the Climate and Disability Programme, shared her pioneering work on climate justice for Disabled people, emphasizing the need to make Bristol’s…
AAA24: Speaking Up for Learning Disabled and Neurodivergent People
At Access All Areas, members of the People’s Voice and Know Your Rights groups shared their powerful journey of self-advocacy. This inspiring team, which includes Kim, Robert, Jemma, Mol, Karl,…
AAA24: Learning and Advocating for Inclusive Recreation
At Access All Areas, WECIL’s Access Coordinator Kirby Brown captivated audiences with stories from her Churchill Fellowship, where she journeyed across the USA researching adaptive recreation for Disabled people. Through…
AAA24: Creating Accessible Blue-Green Infrastructure for All
At Access All Areas, Dr. Glyn Everett, Senior Research Fellow at UWE’s Centre for Architecture and Built Environment Research (CABER), gave an engaging talk on how Blue-Green Infrastructure (BGI) can…
AAA24: We the Curious Welcomes Attendees to Access All Areas with a Message of Partnership and Inclusivity
Donna Speed, CEO of We the Curious, warmly welcomed attendees to the Access All Areas event, underscoring the powerful collaboration between WECIL and We the Curious. For over seven years,…
New Civil Society Covenant Aims to Strengthen Partnerships Between Charities and Government
In a move to redefine the relationship between the government and civil society, the UK government has announced the launch of a Civil Society Covenant. This framework, spearheaded by Culture…
Rising Costs Push Disabled People Further into Poverty: Urgent Action Needed
The rising Disability Price Tag continues to place immense financial pressure on Disabled people across the UK, with recent figures from Scope showing that the additional costs faced by Disabled…
Props’ disability-led brewery celebrates 2 years
Bristol’s Tapestry by Props, the city’s first disability-led brewery, has recently celebrated its second anniversary, marking a significant milestone in breaking barriers around disability and employment. Located in St Philip’s…
Bristol Sign Language Festival Platforms Deaf Experience
The recent Sign Festival in Bristol celebrated the richness of Deaf culture with a diverse range of exhibitions, performances, and film screenings, held at key city venues, Watershed and Bristol…
Access All Areas 2024
WECIL Presents Access All Areas 5: Inclusive Curious City WECIL is excited to bring back Access All Areas, happening again this year at We The Curious. The theme is Inclusive…
Pedestrianisation Plan Risks Excluding Disabled People from Bristol City Centre
Proposals to pedestrianise large parts of Bristol’s city centre have sparked major concerns among Disabled activists. Cllr Kelvin Blake, former Chair of WECIL, has spoken out against the plans, warning…
Easy Read: People’s Voice Petition: Fighting for Fair and Inclusive Bus Travel
People’s Voice want to change the Diamond Bus Pass so Disabled people can travel for free before 9:00 am on weekdays. To change the Diamond Bus Pass, People’s Voice have…
A Summer of Fun and Growth with WECIL’s Children and Young People’s Services
As summer draws to a close, we’re looking back on a season filled not only with fun but also with tremendous growth for the children and young people we support….
Urgent Calls for Action After Grenfell Report: Disabled Campaigners Push for Safety Reforms
Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs) are calling for urgent action from the UK government in response to the final report of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. Disability News Service (DNS) reported that…
People’s Voice Petition: Fighting for Fair and Inclusive Bus Travel
An Easy Read version of this article is available here. People’s Voice has launched a petition urging the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) to extend the usage hours of…
Remembering Micheline Mason: Champion for Inclusive Education
It is with deep sadness that we reflect on the passing of Micheline Mason, a towering figure in the Disability rights movement and a champion for inclusive education. Micheline founded…
Last chance to for WECIL Membership before the AGM!
Join WECIL Membership – Have Your Say! WECIL’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) is fast approaching, and this is your opportunity to make your voice heard. As part of WECIL’s commitment…
WECIL seek a new Community Engagement Navigator (Somali and other migrant communities)
Community Engagement Navigator (Somali and other migrant communities) Contract: Fixed term until May 2026 £29,093 – £30,267 per annum 37.5 per week. We will accept applications for part-time working, or…
WECIL seek a new Participation Coordinator
Contract: Fixed term until September 2025 £17,456 – £18,166 (based on a full-time equivalent of £29,093- £30,276) per annum 22.5 hours per week. 3 full days – 2 of these…
WECIL seek new Executive Assistant
Executive Assistant and Governance Coordinator £27,415 – £30,267 per annum 37.5 hours (full-time) We will accept applications for part-time working, or job share arrangements. WECIL Offices, The Vassal Centre, Gill…
Ad Infinitum seek a new General Manager
Ad Infinitum is looking for a proactive, organised and enthusiastic General Manager to join the company from Autumn 2024. This is an exciting opportunity for a driven, resourceful and collaborative…
Remembering Laura Welti: A Champion for Disability Equality in Bristol
It is with deep sadness that we learn of the passing of Laura Welti, a passionate and dedicated disability campaigner whose work has left an indelible mark on Bristol and…
More Disabled MPs in House of Commons Than Previously Thought, New Figures Reveal
A recent Freedom of Information (FOI) request by Disability News Service (DNS) has revealed that there are significantly more Disabled MPs in the House of Commons than previously reported. The…
WECIL Newsletter – Employment Special
Subscribe to our mailing list Employment Special Ready to move your career into supporting Disability Rights? There are many opportunities at WECIL and elsewhere in the movement. Working at WECIL…
August 2024 Newsletter
Subscribe to our mailing list August 2024 Newsletter Welcome to the WECIL newsletter. Stay subscribed for news from the community, events for your diary, general announcements and more… Bristol Stands…
Join the Workshop to Shape New Technology for Preventing Pressure Sores
WECIL has been asked to share a unique opportunity for Disabled people to participate in a groundbreaking research workshop aimed at preventing pressure sores through innovative technology. The event is…
Celebrating Playday 2024 at The Ardagh
Yesterday marked the much-anticipated national Playday 2024, celebrated annually on the first Wednesday of August. Playday is a unique event dedicated to the importance of play in children’s lives, highlighting…
Bristol City Centre Transport Changes Consultation: A Closer Look from a Disability Equality Perspective
Bristol City Council has launched a public consultation regarding proposed transport changes in the city centre, aimed at creating a more accessible and vibrant urban environment. The consultation, running from…
Bristol Disability Equality Forum are recruiting
Bristol Disability Equality Forum (BDEF) are seeking Disabled applicants for two new roles. BDEF is a Disabled People’s Organisation (DPO) which has operated in Bristol and the surrounding area for…
Bristol Stands United: A Community Defiant in the Face of Far-Right Violence
This week, Bristol has been in the headlines because of a troubling surge in far-right violence, leaving many in our community feeling unsafe and under threat. However, what the headlines…
Sharing Self-Advocacy Experiences and the Good Lives Framework: By Gary Bourlet
Following a visit to our People’s Voice and Know Your Rights group, Gary Bourlet from Learning Disability England posted this blog. The blog is reproduced in full below, but the…
Public Statement on Recent Racist Violence in Bristol
WECIL are deeply saddened and appalled by the recent surge of racist violence sweeping across our country and particularly our community here in Bristol. Our thoughts and solidarity are with…
Crowdfunder to Educate Labour MPs on DWP Violence
A powerful crowdfunding campaign has been launched to educate Labour MPs on the systemic violence perpetuated by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) against Disabled people. Spearheaded by John…
Call for Participation: Electoral Commission’s Surveys on Voting Accessibility
The Electoral Commission is conducting two important surveys aimed at evaluating the experiences of Disabled voters during the recent UK Parliamentary General Election. These surveys are critical for assessing the…
South Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood Consultation: Enhancing Accessibility and Community Wellbeing
South Bristol has been selected as the second Liveable Neighbourhood project in Bristol, including the wards of Bedminster, Southville, and Windmill Hill. This initiative, aimed at creating safer, more pleasant,…
Job Opportunity: Research Assistant – We Are The People project
We Are The People (WATP) is a small research team of Disabled academics and non-disabled allies engaged in disability research and disability activism that WECIL are working with. They have…
Commission opportunity: Food and Nature project with Disabled people
Bristol Climate and Nature Partnership are seeking a Disabled People’s Organisation (DPO) / organisations working in collaboration with a DPO to deliver a project on the theme of nature and/or…
Review: “Sophie Morgan’s Fight to Fly” – A Powerful Exposé on Disability Rights
Last night, Channel 4 aired “Sophie Morgan’s Fight to Fly,” a gripping documentary exposing the shocking realities Disabled people face when traveling by air. Hosted by Sophie Morgan, the programme…
Sir Stephen Timms Appointed Minister of State for Social Security and Disability
Sir Stephen Timms has been appointed as the new Minister of State for Social Security and Disability in the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), effective from 8 July 2024. …
Disability Access Events Programme at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
Bristol Museum and Art Gallery is running a series of accessible events for Disabled people to enjoy its current exhibitions. International Inclusive Storyteller Cassandra Wye has 30 years experience working…
Celebrating a Decade of Inclusion: Bristol Down’s Syndrome Football Club Marks 10th Anniversary
In the heart of Bristol, a remarkable milestone is being celebrated. Bristol Down’s Syndrome Football Club (BDSFC) is marking its 10th anniversary, a decade filled with passion, inclusion, and empowerment….
A Green Future is Possible, but only if Disabled people are invited in
This article by Emma Geen from the Climate and Disability Programme is reproduced from Bristol 24/7. The original article can be found here. Talking about disability rights in environmental spaces…
DPOs Respond to New Government with Calls for Action and Accountability
As the new government settles into office, Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs) across England, including WECIL, have voiced their congratulations, their concerns and outlined their expectations. With a collective aim to…
Threats to PIP system in Government Green Paper
The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) recently released a Green Paper proposing significant changes to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) system. As a community of Disabled people and allies,…
What the new Government Means for Disabled People, DPOs, and the VCSE Sector
The recent general election has ushered in a new era with Keir Starmer’s Labour government taking office, promising significant changes that could impact Disabled people, Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs), and…
Bristol Budget Cuts to Short Breaks for Disabled Children Threaten Family Stability
In a recent decision by Bristol City Council, the budget for Short Breaks for Disabled children will be cut by 10% starting next April. This move, initially proposed by the…
The voting day Easy Read
You need to vote at your nearest polling station. You can find your nearest polling station using your local council website Find your polling station and ward in Bristol, South…
Join Our Team as a Sessional Worker: Make a Difference This Summer!
Are you looking for a rewarding and flexible job opportunity this summer? WECIL is seeking enthusiastic sessional workers to join our Children and Young People (C&YP) department. If you’re passionate…
General Election Hustings Easy Read
What is it and when? On the 4th July people will vote for the political candidate they want to represent Bristol as a Member of Parliament (MP) MPs make important…
Bristol Deaf & Disabled People’s Hustings
An Easy Read version of this page is available here. On Tuesday 25th June, from 11am to 2pm, WECIL and Bristol Reclaiming Independent Living will be co-hosting a special General…
A Call to Disabled People in Bristol to join the Climate Action Forum
In 2021-2022, Disabled people in Bristol collaborated to create a community climate action plan. This plan outlines actions to ensure climate initiatives in Bristol improve rather than harm the lives…
The Critical Need for Enhanced Funding and Social Investment in Disabled People’s Organisations
Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs) play a pivotal role in advocating for the rights and inclusion of Disabled people. Despite our significant contributions, DPOs often face severe funding challenges that limit…
Watershed Unveils New Immersive Exhibition Space: Undershed
Watershed is set to open its innovative new exhibition space, Undershed, with an immersive and thought-provoking exhibition titled “Sing the Body Electric.” This space, located under the Watershed in the…
Disability Renters Rights Webinar
Are you a Disabled person? Do you feel lost in the private renting sector, unable to get the support you need? Mikey Erhardt from Disability Rights UK will be speaking at…
We The Curious Celebrates Reopening with Citywide Treasure Hunt for Free Tickets
We The Curious, Bristol’s beloved science and arts centre, is celebrating its reopening with an exciting citywide treasure hunt offering free Curiositickets to lucky participants. We The Curious has hidden…
Our Life Our Way Event
All our Payroll and Direct Payment Support users are invited to come and have a look at the new WECIL product that is going to make managing your Direct Payment…
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