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]
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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…
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…
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…
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…
Inquiry into DWP’s Treatment of Disabled People: A Critical Step Towards Justice
The UK government is set to face intense scrutiny over its treatment of Disabled people, as a parliamentary inquiry begins to investigate the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and…
We are The People seek part time Project Assistant
We Are The People (WATP) is a small research team of Disabled academics and non-disabled allies engaged in disability research and disability activism. They have been awarded a five-year, £1million grant…
Bristol Community Climate Action Project seek Inclusive Transport Advocate
We have been made aware of a role that may be of interest to members of the WECIL community. Bristol Community Climate Action Project are recruiting an Inclusive Transport Advocate…
Unpaid Carers Face Financial Strain and Repayment Demands
Many of us rely on our family members and close friends to provide the support we need to to live our lives – from personal care, to managing finances, to…
April 2024 Newsletter
April 2024 Newsletter Welcome to the WECIL newsletter. Stay subscribed for news from the community, events for your diary, general announcements and more… Leading stories Reflection on the Festival of…
Maximising your benefits with Citizens Advice
Receiving Personal Independence Payments (PIP) can act as a gateway for accessing other types of help. If you receive specific rates of PIP you may be eligible for other benefits…
Local Election Hustings Easy Read
What is it? On the 2nd of May people will vote for the political party they want to run Bristol Council. The council make important decisions about things like housing…
Local Election Hustings
Any Easy Read version of this post is available here. Join Us: Speak Up About Disability Issues in Bristol Your Chance to Talk to the People Who Make Decisions On Thursday,…
Reflection on FoSB with Kyrby Brown
Last Thursday, Kyrby Brown, Access Coordinator at WECIL, spoke at Future Leap’s Festival of Sustainable Business Conference, participating in the panel discussion “Leading Change: Brand Activism, Communications, and Business. Kyrby…
Letter from Bristol Disability Equality Commission to Secretary of State on EDI
Recently the UK Government distributed £500 million to local authorities to go towards the national chronic underfunding of social care. Whilst any funds to go some way to easing the…
WECIL Celebrate Success at the Annual Play Awards!
We’re really happy to let you know that we’ve won The Altogether Different Award at the Annual Playwork Awards! This special event took place on Tuesday 5th March at the…
Bristol Youth Council: Youth elections
The Bristol City Youth Council represents the voices of young people in Bristol. It empowers youth aged 11-18 to make change in their communities by having a say on how…
WECIL Celebrates Success at the Bristol Social Impact Awards!
We’re thrilled to announce that WECIL was honoured with the Equity and Diversity Award at last night’s Bristol Social Impact Awards! This prestigious recognition acknowledges our unwavering commitment to fostering…
Food Banks and Cheap Alternatives
Winter and the cost of living crisis can be a tricky time for many, especially in the aftermath of Christmas spending. If you’re struggling with budgeting and affording food or…
Navigating Independence: Nino’s Journey with Direct Payments
Hello I am Nino. I am 25 years old. I have Mosaic Down syndrome which only 1 to 2 percent of people with Down Syndrome actually have. I have a…
WECIL has been shortlisted for two more awards!
This week WECIL have learned that we have been shortlisted for two prestigious awards – having closed 2023 with a big win at the Locality Awards! Locally, we have been…
WECIL calls for legal duty of care for vulnerable claimants after DWP’s shocking refusal
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has been accused of failing to protect vulnerable claimants after it refused to accept a legal duty of care. Disability Rights UK, of…
Disability Equality Role at Bristol City Council
Bristol City Council are seeking somebody with direct experience of disability, a good understanding of the Disabled people’s movement and the social model of disability for the role of Inclusive Community…
University of Bristol’s Appeal Denied in Natasha Abrahart Discrimination Case
Natasha Abrahart’s story resonated deeply within the University of Bristol community and beyond. Her untimely death in 2018 sparked widespread outrage and prompted soul-searching conversations about the responsibilities universities bear…
Accessible Housing Crisis: MPs Under Fire for Failing Disabled Communities
For years, Disabled people have faced significant challenges in finding suitable accommodation appropriate to their needs. As the housing crisis deepens, exacerbated by a lack of accessible options, Members of…
‘Fair and Affordable’ Care Policy is Dropped by Bristol City Council
It’s a positive outcome for local Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs) in Bristol who have been campaigning against Bristol City Council’s proposed Fair and Affordable Care Policy, a policy which was…
WECIL’s Response to the Launch of the Government’s Disability Action Plan
The Government has recently launched their Disability Action Plan with the aim of making the UK ‘the most accessible place in the world’ for Disabled people, but it isn’t nearly…
The Headaches of Hiring Help
The piece below comes from Wheels to Wander, a blog by Kyrby Brown who works as WECIL’s Access Coordinator within our Disability.Inc. team. In it, Kirby shares her personal learning around the…
BNSSG Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership – Antenatal Survey
Have you been pregnant in the last two years? If so, MNVP would like to get your thoughts on antenatal education. The Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership (MNVP), an NHS…
5 Accessible Activities to do this Christmas Holiday
The Christmas holidays are nearly here, a time for many families to celebrate, get together with friends and family and enjoy the festivities.Every parent wants their child to have a…
Trustee Statement to Members on Bristol draft Fair and Affordable Care Policy
12th December 2023 You may be aware that Bristol City Council is currently consulting on what they are calling a ‘Fair and Affordable Care Policy’ . You can have your…
December 2023 Newsletter
Greetings from Dominic Ellison
This year’s Access All Areas event at the Trinity Centre in Bristol was a huge success and it was fantastic to see so many people…
Celebrating the Power of Community: WECIL Wins Locality Award
We are delighted to share the fantastic news that WECIL has won Locality’s Power of the Community Award! The annual Locality Awards ‘23 Ceremony took place at the Bristol Marriot…
Disabled Women Take Action: Sign up to the Community Toilet Scheme!
Disabled Women Take Action is a partnership project from WECIL and Bristol Women’s Voice (BWV), who are proudly coming together to campaign for the importance of the Community Toilet Scheme…
The Importance of Authentic Representation of Disability in the Media
We all often turn to TV, books, films and the media for entertainment, inspiration, learning and as a point of reference, particularly as a young person learning to navigate the…
Empowering Communities: Meet Maya Knowles, Our Community Navigator for Disabled Minority Groups in Bristol
My Name is Maya Knowles, I have worked in Health and Social Care over Eighteen years. I joined WECIL recently. My role is Community Navigator for Somali, Refugees and Asylum…
5 ways to support your family’s mental health this half term
The school holidays can be a challenging time for families, with a new routine and different support system to term time. For Disabled children and young people, these changes can…
Essay from WECIL’s CEO features in new Bristol Ideas book
WECIL’s Chief Executive, Dominic Ellison, features in a new book from Bristol Ideas bringing together essays from over 30 contributors, addressing some of the challenges Bristol faces and sharing ideas about how we…
Access All Areas is back!
WECIL’s annual celebration event, Access All Areas, is back on Thursday 19th October from 2-5pm at the Trinity Centre, Bristol! (map) Access All areas is our biggest event each year. Previous highlights…
WECIL shortlisted as finalists for 3 national awards!
We are utterly thrilled to have been shortlisted as finalists in three categories at this year’s Locality Awards! The Locality Convention is an annual highlight for a number of the WECIL team….
The Disabled People’s Manifesto Launched
WECIL is a member of DPO Forum England, a national collective of Deaf and Disabled people’s organisations, and Deaf and Disabled people-led groups across the UK which aims to raise our…
Disabled women come together urging for greater access to toilets in Bristol
A new film launched today by Bristol-group, Disabled Women Take Action (DWTA), aims to get more businesses signing up for the Community Toilet Scheme. Under the umbrella of Disabled Women…
Have your say on Bristol Council’s Fair and Affordable Care Policy
Bristol City Council have released a draft of their new Fair and Affordable Care Policy for public consultation. The policy was developed in response to current financial pressures and the…
A day in the life of a Personal Assistant
Are you looking for a job where you can make a difference? A role that is fulfilling, where you can connect with people and no day is the same? Well,…
Make an impact this academic year!
With the start of the new academic year about to commence, you may be looking for opportunities alongside your studies to learn new skills, gain experience and make new friends…
Paid opportunities for Disabled creatives at Bristol Museums
The Learning Team at Bristol Museums is developing teaching and learning resources that explore the work of creative practitioners from diverse backgrounds. They are currently looking for 4 creative professionals who are…
A window into the world of volunteering: A conversation with a long-standing volunteer
At WECIL, our volunteers are at the heart of what we do, they have an incredible impact on both our services and the Disabled people that we support. Our befriending…
Paid opportunity for Disabled people to collaborate on Virtual Reality (VR)
Applications are now open for an exciting paid MyWorld Micro-Residency for up to eight people to spend approximately four days over three months in residence with the Pervasive Media Studio, a…
Fun, accessible activities for your child this summer
With the summer holidays in full swing, making sure your child has a fun and enjoyable break is likely to be on your mind. For families, the summer is often…
The Importance of Inclusive Play
Children being able to play, use their imagination and explore the world around them is a vital part of growing up. Disabled children should be given the same opportunities to…
Disability Rights UK seeking stories of your experience as a Disabled Consumer
Which? (the independent consumer association) is funding projects which address harm done to consumers, which takes many and varied forms, and is often difficult to spot. Which? wants to make…
Celebrating Disability and Pride from the Listening Partnership
With Pride month in June it is important for everyone to feel safe, included and welcomed no matter your sexuality or identity. At The Listening Partnership, WECIL’s Disabled youth forum,…
WECIL Community Conferences
WECIL are excited to be launching our quarterly Community Conferences! We are committed to having a strong connection with the people who access our services and support and want to…
Celebrating Time2Share
This Volunteers Week we are thanking every single one of our volunteers who have helped to make WECIL’s services what they are today. Without each of you, we wouldn’t have…
What support is available to me and my Disabled child?
Whether your child has recently been diagnosed or is in the process of being diagnosed, it is totally normal for them to face struggles – whether that is at school,…
Voter ID requirement
Did you know that from 4 May 2023, voters in England will need to show photo ID to vote at polling stations in some elections? If not please read on…
10 Reasons you should become a volunteer!
Do you want to help your local community but don’t know how? Interested in making a positive impact on a young person’s life? Want to spend your time in a…
Free Save Money Save Energy Workshop
Wednesday 1st March 2pm – 4pmorTuesday 14th March 10am – 12noonatThe Vassall Centre, Gill Avenue, Fishponds, BS16 2QQ WECIL are hosting two FREE workshops for Disabled people. With thecurrent cost…
