Winter support, Benefits Advice update, User Voice news, campaigns + more
No images? Click here
December 2023 newsletter
Read on for information on UK Disability History Month
Your monthly update on Inclusion Barnet services, plus community events and news affecting Disabled people including people with mental health issues and long-term conditions.
Update from our CEO
Dear ,
Hello to all our members and I hope you’re able to look forward to a break over the festive period at the end of the month, and that you’re all keeping warm and well during this cold snap.
It’s also the time of year of UK Disability History Month (UDHM) and International Day of Disabled People (otherwise known as International Day of Persons with Disabilities) – these events do not yet have the traction or media attention of say Pride, but I hope that this will change in our lifetimes.
The disability rights movement, having made some significant gains in the 90s, has been affected by austerity for more than a decade, but still gains have been made:
attitudes to mental health issues are slowly improving, for instance. Let’s hope the 2020s will yield more progress yet.
In the meantime, whilst acknowledging there’s a long way to go, I wish you all a happy and festive end to 2023, and I look forward to working with you all in 2024 and beyond to raise the voices of disabled people in Barnet.
Caroline Collier, CEO, Inclusion Barnet.
UK Disability History Month
The struggle for disabled people to achieve equality in society is ongoing. It's why Inclusion Barnet exists. But there have been some positive developments too. UK Disability History Month (UDHM) is a platform to raise awareness of this battle and reflect on what we have learnt, in order to progress.
This year, UDHM takes place 16 November - 16 December. The theme for 2023 is the experience of being disabled amongst children and young people. While the focus of our work at Inclusion Barnet is on disabled people aged 18 and above, we are of course all in this together when it comes to rights for disabled people.
At Inclusion Barnet, we work closely with organisations for young people, such as the Young Barnet Foundation as part of the Barnet Together Alliance. The UN estimates that one in every ten children is disabled, illustrating why it's so crucial that we make every aspect of society accessible to all.
International Day of Disabled People
You may have seen in the news or on social media that Sunday was International Day of Disabled People (otherwise known as International Day of Persons with Disabilities). It was proclaimed in 1992 by the UN General Assembly, to 'promote an understanding of disability issues and to mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities'.
Of course there is often an intersection between disability and other marginalities, such as poverty or being part of the Global Majority. This is why at Inclusion Barnet, we strive for a society where disabled people live free from barriers, stigma and poverty.
Find out more about how Inclusion Barnet is addressing intersectionality on the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion section of our website.
Inclusion Barnet News
Get info on Voter Photo ID
This year the laws have changed around voting in UK parliamentary elections and by-elections, local elections, neighbourhood planning elections, local authority referendums and the elections for Mayor of London and the London Assembly.
The biggest change to the way we vote is the requirement to show an accepted form of Voter Photo ID to vote in person.
This month, we'll have a stall at two community events, to raise awareness about the laws on Voter Photo ID.
Come and see us if you'd like us to:
· Explain the changes
· Identify if your current photo ID is acceptable to vote
· Help you apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate or other forms of approved photo ID
· Answer any questions about the changes to election law.
Find us on Friday 8 December at the Meridian Wellbeing Cafe (11am-1pm) in the Meritage Centre, Hendon or on Saturday 9 December at OneStonegrove Winter Wonder Party (11am - 3pm) at their Community Centre in Edgware.
Healthy Heart Update
The Healthy Heart team have completed their six-monthly update for NCL ICS (North Central London Integrated Care System). The public health consultant involved said the success of the project is having a wider impact too, as feedback from communities “has influenced wider conversations linked to access inequalities, especially… issues of English as a second language, digital exclusion and access into primary care.”
As well as the weekly sessions at West Hendon Hub, members of the Healthy Heart team gave a presentation to the Barnet Borough Partnership and took part in many engagements across Barnet, sharing information on high blood pressure, hypertension and cardiovascular disease to members of our South Asian, African and Caribbean communities.
Annual Member Survey: Thank you!
Our Annual Member Survey is now closed and we'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has responded. We're currently working through your feedback and will share our findings soon.
Not a member? Sign up here and you can share your views in future surveys: https://www.inclusionbarnet.org.uk/membership/
Benefits Advice temporary closure extended
As we're still in the process of recruiting for roles in our Touchpoint team, we unfortunately have to extend the closure of the Benefits Advice Service until 2 January 2024.
We know that many people need support right now and we will re-open as soon as we can. In the meantime, we suggest contacting one of the following organisations:
Provides free advice on a range of topics to anyone who lives. works or studies in Barnet. Citizens Advice Barnet are a local charity. https://barnetcab.org.uk/
Provides employment and benefits advice for Barnet residents. Boost are part of The Barnet Group, owned by Barnet Council. https://boostbarnet.org/
Keep an eye out on our Latest News page or Touchpoint Benefits Advice page for further updates on this service.
User Voice meeting: Look out for new date
User Voice staff have been busy spreading the word about campaigns you can get involved in and sharing members' views with key organisations. At one event on the cost-of-living crisis, the team shared views directly with Tom Pursglove MP, the Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work.
Unfortunately, we had to postpone the User Voice meeting on 30 November due to staff sickness, so please look out for an email or letter with a new date soon.
Our philosophy is 'Nothing About Us Without Us', so if you're a disabled person living, working or studying in Barnet and are not a member yet, become a member and have your say. Membership is free.
Get to know us
Sukhjeen Kaur
Member Development Officer (faith groups)
Sukhjeen Kaur, our new Member Development Officer (faith groups), talks about joining the Inclusion Barnet team and what she hopes to bring to the role.
1. How long have you worked at Inclusion Barnet?
I started late September!
2. What’s your main focus in your role?
I am supporting organisations, more specifically faith-based organisations, to be able to achieve their goals.
3. How does having lived experience as a disabled person impact your role?
My lived experience gives me an insight into how people run their faith-based/grassroot organisations to be able to see their perspective and support effectively.
4. What’s the best thing about working at Inclusion Barnet?
The like-minded staff members support you to discuss the barriers you’re facing and explore ways to address them together. I am also loving the opportunity to enhance my skillset.
5. What’s your favourite way to spend time when you’re not working?
Different forms of self-care! Sometimes that involves spending time with family or friends but most of the time it involves a good book, a bath and a nap!
Find out more about our Community Organisation Support work.
Leavers and starters
Leavers
No leavers this month but we've got three new starters to introduce to you!
Starters
This month we welcomed Liba Ravindran as our Community Organisation Support (COS) Manager, Daria Duda as the Healthwatch Barnet Research Co-ordinator, and Johannah Read in the new role of Trainee Benefits Adviser in the Touchpoint team.
Consultations and campaigns
Help transform West Hendon Playing Fields
Barnet Council plan to transform West Hendon Playing Fields into a 'natural sanctuary' for residents and visitors. They need your help to create a haven for nature which is accessible and inclusive.
Share your views on Barnet's parklet scheme
Barnet Council want the views of local residents on which parklets around Barnet have been a success, which aren't and why. Parklets are small seating areas which take up sections of pavement or parking areas, giving extra space to local businesses like cafes.
Barnet community news/events
Age UK Barnet's Dementia Services
Age UK Barnet offer a Dementia Adviser Service for people who have been diagnosed with dementia, and their family, friends and carers. This includes information, support and advice on a variety of topics. Find out more, including how to access the service, below.
On 4 December, they are also running a Wellbeing event involving talks and activities on memory and living well with dementia. It will take place at The Ann Owen's Centre in East Finchley. More details here: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/barnet/activities-and-events/events/
Support from Middlesex Association for the Blind
Middlesex Association for the Blind have created a service for anyone with a visual impairment living in Barnet, who would like support with completing forms.
You can make an appointment for an admin support worker to assist you, either at your home or another location of your choice. The service was created in conjunction with Barnet Council.
To book the service or find out more, call 07858311410.
Become a Barnet Health Champion
Are you passionate about the health of your community? Do you live, work or study in Barnet? Then become a Barnet Health Champion, sharing the latest health info with your friends and family, and feeding back their issues and concerns to Groundwork. More info and express your interest below.
Meridian Wellbeing Cafes
In collaboration with New Barnet Community Centre, Meridian Wellbeing have opened a second Wellbeing Cafe. This takes place every other Monday 11am-1pm.
Their first cafe opened at the Meritage Centre in Hendon and runs every other Friday 11am - 1pm.
Find out what activities are offered at these sessions and register your place on the meridian Wellbeing website.
Brent Cross West station opens
The new Brent Cross West mainline station will open on 10 December with step-free access from street level to the platforms from the eastern and western entrances.
The new pedestrian bridge will connect parts of Barnet and Brent and it's proposed that 3 bus routes will also stop outside the station.
Winter Checks + Household Support Fund available
Aged 55 or over and living in Barnet? Age UK Barnet are offering Winter Home Energy Checks for £25 (free if you meet the criteria for their concession rate or are referred by the Household Support Fund). They will check your home and provide free draft proofing materials if they're needed.
Age UK Barnet are also distributing the new Household Support Fund to Barnet residents over 55 who are facing financial hardship. Details on their website.
Be an inclusion champion
'Being Seen' blog series: Neurodivergence
Image By Sketchepedia on Freepik
The next blog in our 'Being Seen' series is coming soon! Members of staff at Inclusion Barnet have just met with our copywriter, Jo, to discuss their experiences for the second blog. The topic of this is neurodivergence.
The aim of the Being Seen blog series is to provide insight into the barriers we face as disabled people, share tips with others living with similar challenges, and suggest ways that everyone can be more effective allies in the fight for equality.
Look out for Blog 2 on our Latest News page very soon!
If you missed Blog 1, you can still read it at the link below.
Tip of the month: Use closed captions
Image by Jermain Allen from Pixabay
When adding videos online, it's better where possible to use closed captions rather than the subtitles provided by the platform.
While subtitles are embedded in the video, closed captions are uploaded by you as a separate file. This file can then be adapted by individuals to suit their requirements, such as changing the font size or colour.
Not all platforms support closed captions but on these you can usually edit embedded ones to at least correct any inaccuracies.
Work/Volunteer with us
Volunteer at South Friern or New Barnet Library
Interested in volunteering with us?
We still have vacancies for volunteers at New Barnet and South Friern Libraries. You’d be working with our managers, who would welcome you and show you the ropes. We especially need help for Saturday mornings at New Barnet (9am-12pm) but other shifts are available too.
The libraries are both on the ground floor, accessible for wheelchair users and have an accessible ground floor toilet. The libraries are co-run by Inclusion Barnet and Barnet Council.
For more details, email nick@inclusionbarnet.org.uk, phone or text: 07732 901 129, or look at our dedicated web page below.
Sign up to this newsletter
If this newsletter was forwarded to you, sign up and get the next edition straight to your inbox!
You are receiving this email as a member or friend of Inclusion Barnet, or because you signed up to receive it. If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter please:
About Us
Inclusion Barnet is a Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisation (DDPO), based in Barnet, North-West London. This means that all of our Trustees and most of our staff have lived experience of disability. Learning to use lived experience for social change is a skill. We use this understanding to design and deliver higher quality, more person-centred services.
Share YOUR lived experience:
become a member of Inclusion Barnet
Our Services
Did you know we run libraries, Barnet Voice for Mental Health, community organisation support, and more? Find all our services and the other newsletters you can subscribe to, below.
