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March 2024 newsletter
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Welcome to your new look newsletter! In response to your suggestions in the Annual Member Survey, we've made the articles shorter and web links clearer, so it's easy to find the information you need.
It also means we've got more space to share the things that matter to you, such as Inclusion Barnet's services, community events and news affecting Disabled people including people with mental health issues and long-term conditions.
To find out more on each article, just click on its heading or the link in the text. This will take you to the relevant website or social media post.
Celebrating one of our key founders
Last month we shared with you that our former trustee Maria Nash had passed away. Unfortunately, this month we have more sad news as we have lost Paul Baldwin, one of the founders of Inclusion Barnet.
Paul's legacy can be seen throughout the work we do and in the way our staff communicate with customers and each other.
Read 'A personal tribute from Caroline Collier' on our website
Inclusion Barnet News
Thank you to everyone who's booked a place for our online AGM so far! It's on Thursday 14 March at 4.30 - 6pm. We're looking forward to sharing how your contributions as members are making a difference to the lives of disabled people. Haven't booked yet? Find all the details (including accessibility) and book your place on Eventbrite
Book your place at the AGM
More info on AGM
Need help setting and achieving your goals?
Are you disabled and live, work or study in Barnet? Our FREE Touchpoint Peer Support could help you identify and meet your goals.
Find out how to access one-to-one support.
Our Peer Copywriter, Jo Weston, sadly leaves us at the end of March. Jo will continue her work as a writer, proof reader, editor, and poet.
Opportunities to create change
Decision makers are missing your voice!
We've noticed that many local consultations can receive as few as 14 online responses*.
Think what we could achieve if just 15 of our members replied to consultation surveys, like the ones listed below. We could really flip the script on disability representation.
Have your say:
Barnet Parks and open spaces strategy
Don't forget to share your views on what's needed to make Barnet's parks accessible. Closes: 18 March.
Share your views: Brent Cross Cricklewood parking consultation
If the CPZ is approved, the council will charge for parking permits. Closes: 25 April.
Feedback on: Proposed charges for garden waste collection
Proposal to increase charge to £97 a year in Barnet. Residents claiming Council Tax Benefit and in Income Band 1 of the Council Tax Support Scheme would be charged £70. Closes: 15 March.
Petition: for a social energy tariff
Disability Rights UK have created a petition for a social energy tariff. A tariff based on household income and consumption could lift many out of fuel poverty, including disabled and vulnerable people. Closes: 19 August.
Improve: accessibility at sports venues
Help ‘promote good access for all fans’ at sports venues across England and Wales. Become a member of Level Playing Field and give feedback on sports grounds you visit.
Feedback on: electric vehicle (EV) charging points
Share your views on Barnet Council's delivery of electric vehicle charging points. The scheme is aimed at residents without off-street parking, to encourage electric vehicle use. Closes: 17 March.
Find all of Barnet Council's consultations on the Engage Barnet website.
*For example: Barnet Council's proposed Fees and Charges 2024-25 for services, which got 14 online responses.
Local news
Colindale Tube Station closing temporarily for access improvements
Station to close while improvements are made including making the station step-free.
Get active on International Women's Day
8 March is International Women's Day. Celebrations include chair-based and wellbeing activities at Burnt Oak Leisure Centre.
Request care from Social Care Direct
Social Care Direct in Colindale can provide advice, social care assessments and equipment. Contact them to request a change to care or to report adult abuse.
Free Community Health Screenings
Live, study or work in Barnet? Access the council's free health screenings at venues across the borough. After screening, you'll get info to help you reach your health goals.
London Festival of Architecture
Inclusion Barnet's User Voice team is working with Barnet Council and the London Festival of Architecture to highlight and improve accessibility at this year's festival.
National news - local impact
Government reveals plan on accessibility
The government unveiled their 'Disability Action Plan' which DPOs said doesn't go far enough. Many called for plans which protect and enhance disabled people's rights instead.
New laws on face coverings at protests
Police will soon be able to arrest people for wearing face masks at protests, under certain conditions. This might put disabled people who need to wear a mask at greater risk of being criminalised.
Learn to save a life with free online training
The British Heart Foundation have brought out a free online training video where you can learn CPR in 15 minutes. You just need a mobile phone, or tablet, and a cushion.
Bristol charity defeats social care policy
Bristol Council proposed a plan to force people into care homes if they're costs for independent living were too expensive but the Disabled Peoples Organisation, Bristol Reclaiming Independent Living (BRIL) and allies, successfully campaigned against it.
Be an inclusion champion
Accessible Vehicles Club: the new alternative to Motability?
With the Accessible Vehicle Club, you can rent a vehicle on a monthly basis. This means you only have to find the money to use a vehicle for short periods, rather than all the time.
Tip of the month: Use AI to take notes for you on a videocall
Some of our staff have been trying out the Fathom app and say they're finding it useful. It can record, transcribe and summarise your meetings. It uses AI to pick out the most important points and organises them as notes. Best of all, it's free.
Join us
Volunteer with us: become a Healthwatch Advisory Board Member
Are you a Barnet resident, with experience of using local health or social care services? Consider applying to join the Healthwatch Barnet Advisory Board. The board plays a key role in ensuring the involvement of local people in the services' work and decision-making.
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:
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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.
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 other newsletters you can subscribe to, below.
