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 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 eventually showed was a powerful and heartening show of solidarity, with thousands standing together to defend our city’s core values of diversity, inclusion, and mutual respect. Read more here.
WECIL’s original statement on the racist violence in Bristol is available here.
Direct Payments and Payroll Services
Thank you to everyone who shared their feedback on WECIL’s Direct Payment Support. As a Deaf and Disabled people-led organisation, your opinions matter to us.
Are we meeting your needs? How can we do better? If you haven’t filled out the survey yet, there’s still time. Click here to have your say.
WECIL Community
Gary Bourlet of Learning Disability England shared his experiences on self-advocacy and the Good Lives Framework at WECIL’s AGM in 2023. He recently returned to meet WECIL’s groups, discussing advocacy, the Good Lives Manifesto, and encouraging members to support its goals. WECIL is proud to be a member of Learning Disability England. Read more here.
Children and Young People's Services
Playday is celebrated annually on the first Wednesday of August, highlighting play’s vital role in children’s lives.
This year, WECIL supported festivities at The Ardagh Community Trust in North Bristol, where the day was filled with energy, laughter, and a strong sense of community. Read more here.
Disability.Inc.
Last month, Kinny Chinangwa took part in a roundtable discussion presented by We Made That on the subject of Spatial Justice. The breakfast discussion was chaired by Phineas Harper, writer and curator at The Guardian, and brought together experts from across the industry to discuss how spatial justice can be achieved in cities up and down the country. Read more here.
Climate and Disability
A Green Future is Possible, but only if Disabled people are invited in – “Talking about disability rights in environmental spaces can get you some odd looks. It’s not uncommon for people to look over me or appear disappointed when they realise that I, a Disabled woman, will be representing projects instead of colleagues from ethnic minority or working-class backgrounds. Panels on justice and climate change rarely include Disabled speakers and these events are often run in inaccessible venues, using inaccessible language. So it would be easy to write off the climate movement as an ally to the disability rights movement”. Read the whole article by Emma Geen from the Climate and Disability Programme here.
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 food as part of the new Climate and Disability strand of the Community Climate Action Project. The total commission fee is £50,000 to cover everything involved in the delivery of a one-year project between October 2024 – October 2025. Read more here.
General Announcements
Bristol Disability Equality Forum are recruiting – BDEF is emerging from a period of transition following the departure of their long-term Director in 2023. They have a new Board of experienced and enthusiastic trustees who are committed to guiding the organisation through its change to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, and to securing funding for its long-term stability. Find out more here.
Bristol City Centre Transport Changes Consultation: A Closer Look from a Disability Equality Perspective – Bristol City Council is consulting on proposed city centre transport changes to create a more accessible and vibrant environment. The consultation, from 12 August to 30 September 2024, is part of a broader plan to support population growth and improve infrastructure. It is essential that these changes are carefully considered from the perspective of Disabled people, ensuring inclusivity in the city’s development. Read more here.
Look out for Access Ava – Our chatbot coming to the WECIL website in September that will give you FREE legal advice on challenging any decisions related to health or social care, something you told us you wanted at our last Gathering Event in January.
What's on?
Understanding autistic overwhelm, meltdowns and shutdowns, August 27th, 1-3pm, online – Join this event to learn about autistic overwhelm, meltdowns, and shutdowns for Personal Assistants. Loren Snow, an experienced autism educator, will guide the session, covering causes of distress and support strategies. Loren also trains NHS staff and reviews autistic care in mental health settings. More details are available on their website and YouTube channel. Book your tickets here.
Workshop to Shape New Technology for Preventing Pressure Sores, September 16th & 17th, at Hilton Doubletree Hotel – 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 designed to ensure that Disabled voices, especially those from minoritised communities, are at the forefront of this vital work. More information here.
Access All Areas, October 22nd, at We The Curious – We are excited to announce that the Access All Areas event is scheduled for October 22nd at We the Curious. This event will feature WECIL’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) and promises to be a day filled with insightful discussions and engaging activities. While specific details are still being finalised, we will keep you updated as more information becomes available. Stay tuned for further announcements and make sure to mark your calendars for this important date!
What difference does a Direct Payment make to your life? “Amazing, for all these years probably about 14, given us the chance to get the respite we need, chance for our son to get out without us and have fun and life skills learning. All with the amazing backing of the WECIL team to support us with the extra details to enable all this to work so well.”
