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April 2026 newsletter
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Welcome to the April edition of the Inclusion Barnet member newsletter!
It's full of information on developments at Inclusion Barnet, online resources, community events, access tips and ways to be heard. You'll also find some of the top national news affecting Disabled people including those with mental health issues and long-term conditions.
To find out more about each article, just click on its title.
Inclusion Barnet news
This past month, Disabled people’s voices have been shaping change at both national and local levels.
Here in Barnet, members at our March User Voice meeting shared powerful feedback with NHS representatives on how Barnet A&E and Chase Farm Urgent Care can work better for Disabled people.
We also wrapped up our role as the Locally Trusted Organisation for the Grange Big Local project. Read on to discover how Inclusion Barnet brought a strong focus on accessibility and inclusion to the project.
This month we’ll be addressing the Timms Review of PIP (Personal Independence Payment) at our next User Voice meeting on 24 April. We’ll be explaining what the “call for evidence” means, what’s at stake and why your voice matters, so do book a place to join if you can.
Meanwhile, our Touchpoint team are helping to improve the accessibility of the Councils online forms and as always, our Healthy Heart team are out and about in the borough supporting people to stay well.
Happy reading and thank you as always for your kind support.
Kind regards,
Claire Fisher
Head of Communications and Engagement
User Voice covering issues that matter to Disabled people in Barnet
We had a good turnout for the March User Voice meeting where we gave feedback on reasonable adjustments needed at Barnet and Chase Farm emergency departments to the research charity IVAR.
April's meeting will be a chance to hear about and discuss the call for evidence for the Timms Review of PIP. If you have experience of PIP, the review is an opportunity to say what you think is right or wrong about it and what needs to change to help make sure it’s ‘fair and fit for the future’.
At the meeting, you will also hear about an opportunity for those with lived experience of adult social care in Barnet to join Barnet Council's Involvement Board to influence how these services are run locally.
Why not attend the next meeting to give your valuable input to issues that matter to Disabled people in Barnet?
- Meeting date: Friday 24 April, 1.30pm-3.00pm via Zoom.
- Booking is essential.
- More information including how to book and accessibility.
If you are not a member of Inclusion Barnet, it's free and easy to join here.
Grange Big Local legacy published on our website!
We were proud to host the Grange Big Local project through until its conclusion last year. Read our blog about how we took on the role as the Locally Trusted Organisation for this residents-led project, sharing our expertise in accessibility and inclusion.
You can also look at the fantastic work undertaken and the legacy of the project on these newly published pages on our website. It includes the book and films about the project and much more!
Raising the accessibility of Barnet Council online forms through Touchpoint
If you find the format of any of Barnet Council’s online forms inaccessible, our excellent Touchpoint team can raise this with the Council on your behalf or put you in touch with them. The Council are keen to hear feedback and will look at how they can improve accessibility wherever possible. Touchpoint can be contacted about this by email: touchpoint@inclusionbarnet.org.uk or phone: 0203 475 1306.
Please note Touchpoint Peer Support is currently paused to new referrals due to the unprecedented number of referrals earlier this year.
Healthy Heart receive new funding!
Our wonderful Healthy Heart team have secured new funding from Cadent Gas to extend their work with the African, Caribbean and South Asian communities who have a higher risk of suffering from high blood pressure, hypertension or cardiovascular disease.
Highlights coming up over the next period include library outreach events at Colindale (7 May), Golders Green (17 April and 1 May) and Hendon (21 April) libraries, as well as an over 50s MOT event at Hendon Job Centre Plus on 5 May.
Healthwatch Enfield publications tackling local issues and services
Healthwatch Enfield's valuable work continues with the publication of their report: Understanding Type 2 Diabetes in Enfield. It is based on what residents told them about Type 2 diabetes, the challenges faced, and how local services could improve support for people living with or at risk. Key findings include gaps in information and guidance at the point of diagnosis, leaving some residents unsure about what to expect or where to seek help. Much to be learnt from the report, and from engaging with residents, in other London boroughs too.
There has also been a fantastic response to their Adult Mental Health Guide which is designed to promote mental wellbeing, emotional resilience, and easy access to local support in Enfield. More than 2700 have been sent out to community groups, GPs, Churches, Pharmacies and other organisations. The guide also includes national resources of relevance to people throughout London and elsewhere.
We were sad to say goodbye to Sukhjeen Kaur from the User Voice project and Claire Parsons from the Community Organisation Support team. We wish them all the best for the future. A warm welcome to Emma Hatfield, returning to Inclusion Barnet as a Trustee.
Opportunities to create change
Visit our consultations and campaigns page on the Inclusion Barnet website for all the latest opportunities to have your say on local and national issues that impact Disabled people in Barnet.
It’s surprising, but some local consultations get as few as 14 responses*. Low numbers like these mean our community can help shape what happens in Barnet when we speak up together.
Here are opportunities to get involved in this month:
More ways to get involved
- Find all of Barnet Council's consultations on the Engage Barnet website.
- Visit our consultations and campaigns page on the Inclusion Barnet website.
*For example: Barnet Council's proposed Fees and Charges 2024-25 for services, which got 14 online responses.
Timms Review of Personal Independence Payment: call for evidence
Influence the future of PIP. See the Campaign for Disability Justice blog on this important process and how to take part. Let's make sure the needs of Disabled people are fully met as a result of the review.
Closes 28 May 2026
Apply to join the adult social care Involvement Board
Barnet Council are inviting Disabled people in Barnet to join the adult social care Involvement Board. The Involvement Board meets up to 4 times a year to look at adult social care engagement and coproduction work and how the council are working with residents and carers. Reward and Recognition vouchers are available for attending meetings. Apply using this form. For help with the form or or more information please email them directly at engage.adults@barnet.gov.uk or call 020 8359 3723.
Parliamentary inquiry: Innovation in the NHS: personalised medicine and AI
The House of Lords Science and Technology Committee wants to hear about how personalised medicine and AI in the NHS could improve - or impact - your care. Your experiences could help ensure these technologies are designed fairly, reduce health inequalities, and truly meet people’s needs.
Closes 20 April 2026
Local and London news and events
Join a community fashion show supporting people experiencing homelessness in Barnet
Homeless Action in Barnet is hosting a special event, “Off The Street” Client Fashion Show, on Sunday 17 May 2026, 12:00–3:00pm at their Day Centre in North Finchley (36B Woodhouse Road, London N12 0RG).
This event has been created by people currently supported by the charity, who have designed and made over 40 outfits to share their stories and experiences of homelessness.
All funds raised will go directly towards supporting people facing homelessness in Barnet.
Step free access, accessible toilet.
The Music Within – performance & exhibition opening
Royal Society of Arts presents an evening celebrating the creativity of Disabled musicians, featuring a live performance and a related photography exhibition.
Date: Monday 13 April 2026
Time: 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Venue: RSA House, 8 John Adam Street, London WC2N 6EZ
Online and national resources
Charity connecting Disabled people with the music and live event industries to improve access. Includes networks of Disabled artists, professionals and mystery shoppers.
National news - local impact
Access Tips
Warning: This section includes mentions of suicide.
Free app designed to provide evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) tools for managing anxiety, stress, and panic.
An app designed to help neurodivergent people (especially autistic individuals and families) discover and rate sensory-friendly, inclusive places around the world.
A free app for finding and marking wheelchair accessible places.
Be My Eyes connects blind or low vision users who want assistance, with volunteers and companies across the world, through live video and AI.
Seeing AI is a free app that narrates the world around you. Designed with and for the blind and low vision community, this ongoing research project harnesses the power of AI to open up the visual world. Seeing AI assists with daily tasks from reading, to describing photos, to identifying products, and more.
This free app helps Disabled people find accessible places. Wherever you're going, get accessibility information on your smartphone.
British Transport Police 61016 texting service
A non-emergency texting service for contacting the British Transport Police discreetly. You can text 61016 when:
- You want to tell BTP about an incident that has already happened
- You want to tell BTP about issues affecting your rail journey or your local station
- You have a general police enquiry
Suicide Prevention Stay Alive App
The Stay Alive app is a pocket suicide prevention resource, with information for those at risk of suicide and people worried about someone. It includes: strategies for staying safe, how to help a person thinking about suicide, and access to Barnet services and support.
Support with technology from Jewish Care
Jewish Care Explore offers support with technology to all adults within the Jewish community. Learn more about Jewish Care Explore's technology support.
Register for 999 text services
999 offers a text reporting service for members of the public who may be unable to call in an emergency. Text 'register' to 999, and then confirm 'yes' when you receive a response. Once this is complete, you will be able to text 999 in an emergency situation and the police will respond.
Be an inclusion champion
Have a spring clear-out and promote inclusion
Spring is often seen as a time of renewal - and it’s the perfect opportunity to have a clear-out at home. As the days get lighter and warmer, many people feel motivated to declutter and there’s a growing number of organisations that will collect unwanted items for free and ensure they are reused to support communities and promote inclusion.
One of the simplest ways to get started is by booking a free doorstep collection with services like Anglo Doorstep Collections. All you need to do is bag up your unwanted items and arrange a collection online. You can choose which charity to support from those they work with. This kind of service removes barriers to donating, making it accessible for people who may not be able to travel to a charity shop.
Similarly, Little Lives UK offers free home collection for clothes and electronics. Donations are either passed on directly or sold to fund support for disadvantaged and Disabled children. This highlights how everyday items can have a direct impact on inclusion - helping families access resources and support they might otherwise struggle to afford.
For those with mixed items, Recycle through Charity provides a flexible option, collecting everything from clothing to books and small electronics from your doorstep. These items are reused or recycled to generate funds for charitable causes, supporting community projects and people in need .
Ultimately, a spring clear-out can be more than just tidying up. By using collection services like these, your unwanted belongings can help reduce waste, support inclusive communities, and improve access to essential goods and opportunities - giving your items a meaningful second life.
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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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