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November 2026 newsletter
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Welcome to the November edition of the Inclusion Barnet member newsletter!
There’s plenty happening locally this month. Our next User Voice meeting is focusing on how safe Disabled people feel when out and about in Barnet, while South Friern Library is taking part in the Wrap Up London coat collection. We also have updates from our Touchpoint and Healthy Heart teams, plus lots of opportunities to have your say on issues that affect you.
November could also be an important month nationally, with the Timms Review and Milburn report expected. We know many people will be wondering what these might mean for them. Through the Campaign for Disability Justice, we’ll be following developments closely, helping to explain what they mean and sharing trusted sources of information, advice and support. So do sign up if you haven’t already!
I hope you find something useful in this month’s newsletter.
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
This month we’ve been talking to MPs about Universal Credit, and why the maths doesn’t add up when you look at the price of things today. We’ve also been keeping an eye on the budget, and watching out for news about PIP, due in November. If these issues affect you, join the campaign to get all the latest updates www.CampaignForDisabilityJustice.org.uk
User Voice November – feeling safe in Barnet
How safe do you feel when you go out? Is it different at night? Or if you go to a new place? At the last User Voice meeting, we talked about feeling safe in our area. Join us in November for a meeting to talk about safety for Disabled people in Barnet.
When: Monday 23 November, 5-6pm
Where: Online, via Teams
Book your place: Email your name and accessibility requirements to UserVoice@inclusionbarnet.org.uk
Great news. The Government has announced that Healthwatch England and the network of local Healthwatch organisations including our own Healthwatch Enfield will continue their excellent work to ensure that local people get the best quality of care from their Primary and Secondary Health services. This follows previous plans for local Healthwatch organisations to be absorbed into Integrated Care Boards. Under the new plans, the service will be strengthened to improve each Healthwatch organisation's ability to highlight and champion for healthcare improvements where they are needed. Congratulations to our wonderful Healthwatch Enfield team!
Our work in action
There’s always lots going on across our services and projects. Our teams are doing the work that makes a real difference to people’s lives every single day. It might not always make the headlines, but it’s the backbone of what we do and what we are here for.
This month:-
Do you have a warm coat you don't need any more?
The Wrap Up London - coat collection is coming to Barnet libraries! From November 2nd - 22nd, as part of Wrap Up London's winter campaign, donating an unwanted coat couldn’t be easier. Simply drop off your warm coat during staffed opening times at the following Barnet libraries including our own South Friern branch. Adult and children’s sizes wanted – just make sure it is in good condition.
- Chipping Barnet
- Colindale
- Edgware
- Finchley Church End
- Hendon
- North Finchley
- South Friern (run by Inclusion Barnet)
Coats are distributed through local charities to those in need. This includes people who are homeless, refugees and disadvantaged families.
Visit www.handsonlondon.org.uk/wrap-uplondon for more information.
Touchpoint Peer Support has been busy working alongside Green Doctors to provide support to clients with a wide range of energy issues such as utility debt and how to keep your home warm. This is particularly valuable this time of year as the nights draw in.
Touchpoint Benefits Advice Service remains paused to new referrals and enquiries, but we will be starting the process of recruiting for our Triage Caseworker role via Charity Jobs very soon.
And our excellent Healthy Heart team have also been busy, managing to host five library drop-in sessions across the borough as well as co-chair the Barnet Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Health Equity Partnership. Our amazing team Riffat and Salna, led by Judi are truly passionate about their work supporting African, Caribbean and South Asian residents with blood pressure monitoring and healthy heart information.
A warm welcome to Tanya Jokic who has joined as Community Development Outreach Officer in Community Organisation Support.
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.
Barnet Council Gambling Statement of Principles Consultation
Barnet Council wants to hear your views on gambling in Barnet. Let’s give our input so that their Statement of Principles protects Disabled people.
Closes 18 November
Complete the survey for TFL’s taxi fares review 2026. Let’s makes sure London taxis are fit for purpose for Disabled people.
Closes 22 November 2026
Consultation on London Small Site Design Code
New build housing should be made fully accessible. Give your feedback on the London Small Site Design Code so that new homes meet Disabled peoples needs.
Closes 4 December
RNIB survey on AI smart glasses
RNIB would like to hear from blind and partially sighted people about the potential for AI smart glasses to increase independence. They have been in the news for negative aspects too. This is a chance to contribute to the debate.
Petition to introduce guidance on provision or adaptation of stoma-friendly toilets
Over 200,000 people live with a stoma in the UK, yet public toilets do not meet their needs. We need Government guidance to ensure greater provision of stoma-friendly toilet facilities. Sign Gemma Louise McNamara’s petition.
Closes 11 November
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
Artbox London: 15 Year Celebration
Artbox London is an Islington-based charity and supported art studio that works with learning disabled and autistic artists, providing opportunities to develop their creativity, build relationships, exhibit and sell their artwork. They are celebrating their 15th anniversary with an exhibition showcasing work by more than 60 artists, alongside drop-in art workshops, films and live performances.
The exhibition runs 12–19 November 2026 at Jean Stokes Community Centre, Coatbridge House, Carnoustie Drive, London N1 0DX. The venue has level access throughout and accessible toilets.
Handle with Care: Conversations Through Objects
Wellcome Collection 183 Euston Road, London NW1 2BE, Saturday 14 November, 1–3pm
A free, relaxed, drop-in event exploring objects from the collection through touch and creative activities. Learn about the connections between health, history and art. Includes British Sign Language interpretation and a dedicated chill-out space with sensory aids.
Online and national resources
SignHealth – improving health and wellbeing for Deaf people
SignHealth is a Deaf-led charity working to improve the health and wellbeing of Deaf people and remove barriers to accessing healthcare and support. Its services include psychological therapies, domestic abuse support, advocacy, social care and accessible health information in British Sign Language (BSL).
Contact details:
Website: https://signhealth.org.uk/
Email: info@signhealth.org.uk
Text (main office): 07860 033214
Cripping Culture: Oral History Podcast Launch
Join Disability Arts Online for a free online event celebrating the launch of four oral history podcasts exploring the history of disability arts and activism. Taking place on Thursday 26 November 2026, 5.30–7pm, the event will feature artists and activists discussing the history of Disabled people's struggles for equality, human rights and political representation.The event takes place on Zoom, with British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation, live captions and audio description provided.
National news - local impact
Budget extends the agony, as Disabled people face further wait for Labour’s decisions on benefit cuts (from Disability News Service)
Dismantling the Activity Trap: Disabled people should not have to choose between being active and financial security (from Disability Rights UK)
Access Tips
The free JAM Card and app help people discreetly let others know that they may need a little extra time, patience or assistance. It can be used in shops, cafés, public transport, hospitals and other everyday settings, without having to explain why.
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.
Be an inclusion champion
Respecting different responses to social gatherings
As the festive season approaches, expectations of happiness, celebration and togetherness begin to build. But for some people, the prospect of festivities can bring pressure rather than joy. Loneliness, grief, financial worries, mental health challenges or sensory overload can make these occasions difficult.
The same pressures can arise at birthdays, weddings, family gatherings and other events throughout the year. Not everyone experiences these occasions in the same way.
We can all help by avoiding assumptions, offering invitations without pressure, checking in with others and accepting that someone may prefer not to join in. Providing quieter spaces and alternative ways to participate can also make a real difference.
Let's make room for and respect everyone's feelings about social gatherings all year round.
Join us
Share YOUR lived experience:
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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.
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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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