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October 2026 newsletter
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Welcome to the October edition of the Inclusion Barnet member newsletter!
There has been plenty happening this month, from influencing national discussions that affect Disabled people's lives, to celebrating the achievements of our local projects and sharing new opportunities to have your say. You’ll find updates from across Inclusion Barnet, consultations and campaigns, local events, practical resources and ways to help shape change in Barnet and beyond.
Claire Fisher, Head of Communications and Engagement
To find out more about each article, just click on its title.
Inclusion Barnet news
Campaign for Disability Justice update
We've been busy responding to new government announcements affecting Disabled people, working with our partners across the disability movement and helping get Disabled people's voices into the media and policy discussions.
We were pleased to get some media coverage in the Daily Record advocating for more accessible work opportunities for Disabled people.
We're also planning future events and information sessions so supporters can better understand what upcoming changes could mean and how to take action.
Stay informed and add your voice. Sign up to support the Campaign for Disability Justice and be part of the movement for change.
Want to help shape our work? Keep an eye out for details of the next User Voice meeting, coming soon.
In the news - our CEO speaks out on workplace health plans
The Government recently published draft plans for a new Workplace Health System, and we’ve been helping make sure Disabled people’s voices are heard in the discussion.
Our CEO, Caroline Collier, spoke to the Disability News Service about the importance of Disabled people being genuinely involved in designing systems and accessible employment opportunities.
Healthy Heart Project – supporting local heart health
In September, our Healthy Heart Project reached more than 50 local residents in Grahame Park and Colindale with blood pressure checks and healthy heart advice.
It was great to meet local residents, offer useful health information and encourage people to take simple steps towards looking after their heart health.
The project helps tackle health inequalities by supporting African, Caribbean and South Asian communities who are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease, to access information, early intervention and support.
Young People’s Advisory Group – celebrates five years of impact
YPAG recently celebrated five years of ensuring young people's voices help shape mental health research, helping create better support for children and young people across London and nationwide.
By sharing their experiences and priorities, young people are helping influence better support and services for future generations.
The event showcased how co-production and lived experience can influence research, services, and how decisions about services are made.
Quiet hour at South Friern Library
Looking for a time to visit the library where the emphasis is on calmness and quiet? South Friern Library has introduced a Quiet hour on Wednesdays from 1.00 - 2.00pm, supporting those with sensory needs to enjoy the library. The aim will be to keep noise to a minimum. If you can benefit, make the most of this thoughtful idea from our excellent library team!
We are sad to say goodbye to Steff Schidlowski from Healthwatch Enfield and Kate Dickinson from our Touchpoint team, and wish them both every success in the next stage of their careers.
Opportunities to create change
Your lived experience matters!
Decision-makers often hear from only a small number of people, so taking part in a consultation can make a real difference.
Below are the five top opportunities to get involved in this month. Or visit our consultations and campaigns page on the Inclusion Barnet website for more.
New Neighbourhood Health Centres coming to Barnet
New Health Centres are already being developed in other London boroughs under the latest Government plans.
This is your chance to have your say about the plans for what happens in Barnet.
Thursday 15 October, 1.00 - 4.00pm, St Barnabas Church, Woodside Park, 913 High Road, London, N12 8QJ (venue has a lift and a accessible toilet).
Booking and more information with Healthwatch Barnet
or email info@healthwatchbarnet.co.uk for more information:
New section of London Overground between Hounslow and Hendon - consultation
Transport for London is planning to run a new section of London Overground between Hounslow and Hendon.
This could make travelling across west and northwest London much easier!
Let’s make sure local Disabled voices input into this consultation so that it can benefit all of our community to the maximum.
Closes 18 November
What should a truly inclusive Barnet look like for Disabled children and young people?
Barnet Council is asking for views on its new Youth Strategy.
This is an opportunity for young people, parents, carers, and local residents to speak up for accessible activities, inclusive spaces and genuine opportunities for Disabled young people to take part, belong and thrive in Barnet.
Closes 6 October 2026.
Are you Disabled, under 25, and currently working for a Disabled People’s Organisation – or have done previously? The Disability Poverty Campaign Group would like to talk to young people and compare their experiences of working for DPOs and non-DPOs around reasonable adjustments and supportive environments.
Email Disability Poverty Campaign Group to find out more: dpcg@inclusionlondon.org.uk
Under 25 and not working, but want to?
The London Assembly has launched an investigation into Youth unemployment.
They would especially like to hear from Disabled young people aged 16-24 about what support City Hall can provide to help Disabled Londoners access employment. The survey is open to Disabled young people, parents and carers. The deadline to answer the survey is 11th October 2026.
Complete the Standard English version
You will need to make an account to answer the survey online in the Standard English Version
Complete the Easy Read version
For more opportunities to have your say visit the consultations and campaigns page on the Inclusion Barnet website or click on the quick links below:
Local and London news and events
People’s Question Time 2026 - London Assembly
People’s Question Time is a free online or in person event in Islington on Wednesday 21 October 2026, 7–9pm. You can ask questions and raise issues with a panel from the London Assembly.
Let's make sure issues affecting Disabled people are raised and discussed.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible and induction loop. BSL interpretation and speech-to-text reporting.
In-person registration closes 14 October 2026.
Able To Travel – free travel training
Want to feel more confident about travelling? Able To Travel offers free, interactive travel training for children and young people aged 10+ and adults with additional needs to travel independently. Sessions take place on a private bus in Edgware and cover travel safety, road safety, asking for help and using travel cards.
Dates this year: 20 October, 3 November and 8 December 2026, with morning or afternoon sessions available. Individuals, families and organisations can book by contacting Sharada Osman: sharada.osman@barnet.gov.uk.
Online and national resources
Deafblind UK’s free helpline offers information, advice and support to people living with sight and hearing loss, as well as their families, friends, carers and professionals. Support is available with questions about sight and hearing loss, local services, benefits, housing and more.
Contact: 0800 132 320 | Text: 07903 572 885 | Text relay: 18001 then 0800 132 320 | Email: helpline@deafblind.org.uk.
The helpline is open Monday–Thursday, 9am–5pm and Friday, 9am–4pm, excluding bank holidays, and support is available in English and British Sign Language (BSL).
Hub of Hope – Mental Health Support Directory
Hub of Hope is a free UK-wide directory that helps people find mental health support in their local area or online. You can search for support by your needs, age, location and type of service, including NHS services, charities, community organisations and peer support.
National news - local impact
Access Tips
Elara Health – Support for people with ME/CFS and Long COVID
Elara Health is a free pacing diary designed for people living with ME/CFS, Long COVID, PEM, fibromyalgia and related chronic fatigue conditions. It allows users to track symptoms, energy, exertion and recovery, helping them understand their own patterns and manage their day-to-day activities.
Aidova – a free communication app
Aidova is a free communication tool for people who find speaking difficult, including some autistic people and people living with conditions such as cerebral palsy, stroke or dementia. Users can tap words, phrases and symbols to build sentences that are spoken aloud.
Spokin: allergy support app
Spokin is an app designed to help people and families manage food allergies by providing information, reviews and resources to support everyday decisions. It can help users find allergy-friendly restaurants, products and recipes, connect with others who share similar experiences, and access guidance to make managing allergies easier.
Be an inclusion champion
A small challenge for you
Feeling welcome, included and respected can make a real difference to people's lives.
Too often, Disabled people face all sorts of barriers that make it harder to take part in everyday activities, services and community life.
We can all help create a more inclusive Barnet by asking people what support they need, rather than assuming, so that we can make information and events even more accessible for everyone.
Small actions can make a big difference and help ensure everyone has the opportunity to take part and belong.
This month, why not challenge yourself to make one activity, conversation or piece of information more accessible and inclusive?
Visit the Accessibility page on our website to learn about some of the things we do to make our services more accessible.
Join us
Share YOUR lived experience:
become a member of Inclusion Barnet
Individual membership is FREE and is for Disabled people, which may include long term conditions or mental health issues, and/or carers. Find out how being a member and sharing your lived experience can lead to positive change on our website.
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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.
Support our national campaign:
Every sign up counts
We're calling on the Government to work with organisations led by Disabled people to make employment easier to access and to improve social security so that everyone can live a decent life, whether they’re in work or not.
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