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February 2024 newsletter
February is LGBT+ History Month. The theme is contributions to medicine and healthcare.
#LGBTplusHM and #UnderTheScope
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
Welcome to the February edition of our newsletter. This month, we are remembering former trustee Maria Nash, who sadly passed away in January.
Maria was a one-off: absolutely committed to justice for disabled people, fearless in her willingness to challenge authority, and a seasoned campaigner.
She served on our board for many years, and will have been a familiar face to many of you. We remember the contribution she made with thanks and great affection.
The battle for disability rights, when finally won, will be built on the work of generations of campaigners like Maria, all of whom moved the conversation forwards.
To hear how we’re continuing their work, do book a place at our forthcoming AGM, details below. We’re looking forward to sharing our activities and plans with you.
Wishing all our members mild weather and good fortune in February.
Caroline Collier, CEO, Inclusion Barnet.
All are welcome at our Annual General Meeting
If you're a member of Inclusion Barnet, you should now have received an invite to our Annual General Meeting (AGM) This year's AGM is open to our community partners and key stakeholders too. It will take place online on Thursday 14 March. You can book your place via Eventbrite.
Learn about how your feedback and our partnerships and collaborations across the Barnet community sector are making a real difference. Hear from our staff about the impact of our work as disabled leaders and how it benefits everyone in Barnet. Members can also exercise voting rights to re-elect our board of trustees, including our new Co-Chair.
Please let us know of any access requirements when you book. We have arranged a space at South Friern Library for anyone who doesn't have online access, to come and join the meeting.
Inclusion Barnet News
You spoke - we listened!
Your voices guide us in everything we do. We recently listened to your feedback and are excited to share the actions we're taking to improve how we engage and share information with you.
Firstly, we are changing the format of this newsletter. From next month it will be shorter and easier to find information about what matters most to you, like paid workshops, focus groups, consultations, and updates on our other community projects.
Our User Voice team is looking at ways to revamp our member meetings, to prioritise insightful discussions and debates on specific policies, campaigns, and events affecting disabled people in Barnet.
We're also giving you more time to plan for attending events. Invites for our next AGM went out last week, giving six weeks’ notice. We hope you can join us!
Thanks again to all our members who participated in the survey.
Benefits Advice re-opens for new referrals
We are pleased to share that the Touchpoint Benefits Advice Service re-opened on 5 February.
Our Benefits Advice service supports disabled people in Barnet to access the benefits they are entitled to. We offer FREE practical advice on all aspects of benefits. Most of our staff have their own lived experience of disability, so we understand many of the frustrations people experience.
You can apply for support using the referral form on our website. You will then be contacted by a member of the team to book in your initial assessment. If you have any issues completing the referral form, call 0203 475 1305 or email benefits@inclusionbarnet.org.uk.
The service Touchpoint Peer Support is also open to new referrals. Find out more on our website: https://www.inclusionbarnet.org.uk/touchpoint-support/.
IB awarded funding by Garfield Weston Foundation
We’re delighted to announce that we’ve been awarded a grant of £25,000 from the Garfield Weston Foundation toward our core costs. We'd like to thank them for their generous support.
This funding will enable us to continue our vital work creating more inclusive services, and delivering peer support based on understanding, trust and respect.
What can Healthwatch do for you?
Inclusion Barnet is commissioned by Barnet Council to deliver the local Healthwatch contract. Healthwatch is a national network dedicated to making health and social care services better for everyone. It gives people the opportunity to share their views and shape the services they receive.
What makes Healthwatch Barnet special is that we are a Healthwatch group led by staff with lived experience of disability. Find out more about Healthwatch Barnet and how you can get involved: Get Involved | Healthwatch Barnet.
Don't forget: the Healthy Heart team are now part of Healthwatch Barnet. Find all the info on Healthy Heart on the Healthwatch Barnet website, where you can also sign up for the Healthwatch newsletter.
Final Voter ID awareness sessions are a success
Patrick Anderson, Project Officer at Inclusion Barnet, stands with attendees at the awareness session with Mencap.
Last month, we ran the last of our in-person awareness sessions about changes to the laws on voting at elections. One of these was run by our Project Officer, Patrick Anderson, at the Mencap offices (see photo above). Attendees said they found the session very useful and Patrick was able to confirm they all held valid photo ID to vote.
To find out about changes to the laws on voting and the accepted forms of photo ID, see https://registertovote.london/voter-id/.
Get to know us
Salna Abdallah
Healthy Heart Peer Worker, Healthwatch Barnet
In the last edition of our 'Get to know us' feature, we're interviewing our team member Salna Abdallah. Salna shares what it's like to be a Peer Worker on the Healthy Heart project, now part of Healthwatch Barnet.
1. How long have you worked at Inclusion Barnet?
I've been part of the Inclusion Barnet team (including Healthwatch Barnet) for a year and a half.
2. What’s the focus of your work?
Our African, Caribbean, and South Asian communities are at higher risk of suffering from high blood pressure, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. The Healthy Heart project helps people in these communities to understand the risks and how they can manage their blood pressure. With my colleagues, I work on a range of activities such as arranging or attending community events, running sessions for local groups, and identifying new communities which might benefit from this support.
"(Inclusion Barnet is) a space where the value of lived experience is embraced at the highest level."
3. How does having lived experience impact your role?
My lived experience allows me to naturally connect with and comprehend the needs of the individuals I support. This enables me to engage with clients effectively while delivering services.
4. What's the best thing about working at Inclusion Barnet?
Inclusion Barnet provides a nurturing environment that respects and acknowledges me as a person and my contributions. It's a space where the value of lived experience is embraced at the highest level, fostered by a team that's not only talented and dedicated but also immensely supportive.
5. What’s your favourite way to spend time when you’re not working?
I cherish spending time with my family, exploring markets for arts and crafts, and participating in charity activities where I can support others.
Find out more about Healthy Heart on the Healthwatch Barnet website.
Leavers and starters
Leavers
Last month we said goodbye to Natacha Israel, Community Project Lead for Grange Big Local. We also said farewell to Project Officer, Patrick Anderson, who worked on projects such as Ukrainian Support and User Voice. Patrick will be joining the Single Homeless Project.
Starters
We have two new members in the Touchpoint team: Rezwana Bresaola, our new Peer Support Worker for Peer Support, and Zhara Kendall Morris, Peer Welfare Benefits Caseworker for Benefits Advice.
Two new members of staff have also joined the Grange Big Local project: Karen Hart as Project Manager and James Little as Community Engagement Lead.
Plus, Cristina Andreatta has joined Inclusion Barnet's leadership team as Director of Communities.
Consultations and campaigns
Join research project on learning disabilities and cancer
A university research student is looking for disabled people to interview about their experiences of radiotherapy. Charlotte Nutting is a Learning Disability Nurse and Social Worker. She'd like to speak to people with Learning Disabilities who've had cancer.
Sign petition against monitoring of bank accounts
The charity Big Brother Watch says the government's proposed amendments to a data protection bill are “wholly unnecessary” and a “disproportionate violation” of privacy. With the aim of identifying benefit fraud, millions of bank accounts could be monitored. The bill raises concerns about privacy, potential for error, and the impact of false accusations.
Find out more on the Disability Rights UK website and sign the petition on 38 Degrees website. Over 33,000 people have already signed.
Take this key opportunity to raise issues
Overview and Scrutiny committees conduct in–depth investigations into areas of underperformance and those that matter to the community. They scrutinise services run by the council and partner-run public services. This is your chance to suggest what issues or services should be reviewed by these committees at Barnet Council in 2024.
Complete their short online questionnaire by 21 February to share your ideas.
Contribute to more consultations affecting you
There are lots more consultations taking place on topics affecting those who live, study or work in Barnet. Find out more at Engage Barnet.
Barnet community news/events
Fair Play Inclusive Playground opens
A while ago we asked you to share your views with Barnet Council on proposals for an Inclusive Playground in Barnet. Well we're thrilled to share that the groundbreaking project is complete!
This unique and accessible playground opens on 13 February 2024. The launch event has already sold out but you can check it out from 14 February onwards at the Victoria Recreation Ground, Lawton Road, New Barnet, EN4 9BS.
Learn how to start life-saving conversations
A free online event on 7 February will deliver Zero Suicide Alliance's training. It takes place 12.30 - 1.30pm and places can be booked via Eventbrite.
Access library services from your home
If you can't visit your local library due to mobility/health issues (or certain other criteria), why not use the Home Library Service. It's free and involves a member of staff visiting you once a month with books, CDs, audiobooks or rental DVDs, based on your preferences.
Get cost of living support
If you're struggling to pay the bills, Barnet Council has a dedicated web page on cost of living support. It covers advice, funds and support which may be available to you.
Colindale Tube Station to become step-free
Colindale Tube Station will temporarily close at various times during 2024, while upgrades are made. These include installing a lift, making access to the platform step-free.
Transport for London will provide detailed information before track and station closures on the TfL Go app, Journey Planner or you can sign up for our email alerts.
Government news affecting disabled people (in case you missed it)
Access to Work goes fully digital
The DWP announced that from April 2024, the Access to Work process will be fully digitalised. While many welcomed the news, there was concern that not everyone has the skills or equipment to apply online, with calls to maintain other methods as well.
Gov scrap energy tariff for disabled people
The Government has been accused of quietly scrapping proposals for a social energy tariff for people on low incomes. A spokesperson from Scope said since the tariff was proposed "almost a third of disabled people have been pushed into debt.” The government said they are focusing on other ways to support struggling households.
Third cost of living payment to be made this month
The third Cost of Living Payment of £299 is due to be paid between 6 - 22 February. If you think you're entitled to it but haven't received it by 23 February, you will be able to report it on the Gov.uk website: https://secure.dwp.gov.uk/report-a-missing-cost-of-living-payment/welcome.
Warm Home Discount Scheme deadline approaching
People entitled to the Warm Home Discount Scheme (WHDS) get a £150 reduction on their electricity bill. If you're eligible, you will have received a letter by now. If you didn't get a letter but think you may be entitled, contact the WHDS before 29 February 2024: https://www.gov.uk/check-if-youre-eligible-for-warm-home-discount.
Be an inclusion champion
Tip of the month: Transport for All helpline
Transport For All is a disabled-led advice service, providing travel support. They can help with things like planning journeys, making a complaint or applying for concessionary travel. Get in touch via freephone on 0800 368 6102 (then press 1) or email contactus@transportforall.org.uk. Open 10am - 5pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
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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.
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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.
