No images? Click here
March 2025 newsletter
Share this issue: 
Sign up to this newsletter
Welcome to the March edition of the Inclusion Barnet member newsletter!
It's packed with info on consultations, services, community events and ways to be heard. You'll also find some of the top local and 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
Time is running out – your voice matters more than ever!
It's been a month of crucial conversations and hard-hitting evidence in the disability sector. Last week, our Campaign for Disability Justice appeared before the Government Committee on the Public Authorities Bill which relates to fraud, error and recovery of costs in benefit payments. We gave evidence on the possible impact of faulty technology leading to some people having their social security payment suspended after being wrongly identified by the system as not qualifying for support.
Indications after the hearing suggest that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) might be prepared to talk about it. We know this issue matters to you, so please do sign up as a supporter to get all our latest Campaign news and keep informed on the details.
In other news, we’re delighted to share that our Touchpoint Benefits Advice service has now reopened and we're also excited to see many of you at our online Annual General Meeting next week, Tuesday 11 March at 4pm. It's a chance to hear about the work we've accomplished together and for members to vote on resolutions. There's still time to join us – contact membership@inclusionbarnet.org.uk or phone 0203 475 1314 to register.
Thank you for your support.
Geoff Fimister,
Head of Policy, Inclusion Barnet
The next Annual General Meeting (AGM) for Inclusion Barnet is Tuesday 11 March 2025, from 4pm to 5pm, online via Zoom.
If you are a member, you will have received an invitation to join us.
You will need to be a member of Inclusion Barnet to vote at our AGM. If you’d like to sign up as a member, it's FREE and takes just a few minutes: Sign up to Inclusion Barnet membership. If you would like to attend our AGM please book by emailing us at membership@inclusionbarnet.org.uk.
Social Model session with Jewish Blind and Disabled
Last month, our Engagement Officer, Eve, led a session on the Social Model of Disability at Jewish Blind and Disabled (JBD). The feedback was wonderful, with attendees finding the session informative and engaging. JBD members also shared some access tips with us (find out more at the end of this newsletter!).
Touchpoint Benefits Advice reopens
Our Touchpoint Benefits Advice service reopened this month. The service supports Disabled people in Barnet to find out what benefits you’re eligible for and can support you with up to two applications. Referrals can be made on our website.
Starters & leavers
We’re saying goodbye to Shulba, our Library Officer, who will be retiring at the end of this month. Shulba has worked in our New Barnet and South Friern libraries for several years and volunteered with us soon after Inclusion Barnet began.
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.
Did you know? Some local consultations receive as few as 14 online responses*. With just 15 members like you we can sway decisions on accessibility, support, and resources in Barnet.
Here's some of the top opportunities to get involved in this month:
Represent Sensory Impairment in Barnet
Barnet Council Adult Social Care are looking for Sensory Impairment Representatives to join their existing representative on the Involvement Board.
If you are a resident of Barnet who is over 18 years old, and have experience of sensory impairment (visual or hearing impairments), they are keen to hear from you.
Express your interest: Sensory Impairment Resident Representative for the Involvement Board. To learn more and ask any questions, get in touch at engage.adults@barnet.gov.uk.
The deadline for applications is 7th March.
The council are developing a Public Rights of Way Improvement Plan. They would like to hear about your experiences using various public routes including public footpaths, bridleways, cycle-tracks, paths within parks, open spaces, rural areas and any other paths that are not adjacent to roads (this plan does not cover pavements beside the road).
Closes: 12 March 2025
Help shape Barnet's Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy
Barnet Council's Draft Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy outlines how the Health and Wellbeing Board can support people in Barnet to achieve better health and well-being. The strategy focuses on creating supportive communities, improving care services, and ensuring everyone has access to high-quality health and social services.
The Barnet Health and Wellbeing Board (HWBB) is made up of members from the council, the NHS (including GPs, hospital and community provision), and members from voluntary and community organisations (including Healthwatch Barnet). The Board's goals are to understand what health and well-being look like in Barnet and to find ways to work together to support residents to lead healthier lives.
By sharing your experiences and suggestions, you can help shape policies and programs to be more accessible and effective. Share your thoughts by completing the online questionnaire.
Closes: 8 April 2025
Great British Railway consultation
The Government are running a consultation which proposes to improve railways by creating Great British Railways (GBR), a single organisation that would be in charge of train tracks and services.
Disability News Service reported that the consultation document includes only a few sentences about Disabled passengers and the accessibility of the rail network. Accessibility issues impacting Disabled passengers, that have not been included in the consultation, include costs, ticket office closures, and our right to ‘Turn Up And Go’. You can bring attention to these by completing the consultation.
Closes: 15 April 2025
The consultation is available in Large Print and other formats including Braille and audio CD can be requested by contacting: railreform.bill@dft.gov.uk.
London Disability Equality Champion
Inclusion London is urging the Mayor of London to appoint a Disability Equality Champion to create a London Disability Action Plan. This plan would make sure that accessibility and inclusion are considered in all policies from the beginning. They would work across housing, transport, and health to ensure that the needs of Disabled Londoners are addressed and their voices are heard. This role is vital for addressing barriers faced by 1.2 million Disabled individuals in London.
Inclusion London is running a petition to call for a London Disability Equality Champion. Although Labour Assembly members have turned down this proposal, it has strong backing from Conservative and Liberal Democrat members. Your support could help hold decision-makers responsible and promote real, meaningful changes.
Sign the petition: London Disability Equality Champion petition
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.
Local news
Please note there are references to suicide within the content of this newsletter.
Grange Big Local Covid reflection
Grange Big Local are holding a special coffee morning to remember and support those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. This will include bulb planting and free refreshments.
Thursday 13 March, 9:30am to 12pm
Holy Trinity Church, 77 Church Lane, N2 0TH
Accessibility contact: info@grangebiglocal.org
Find local groups, activities, and services
Are you looking for local support, activities, or ways to improve your well-being?
The Social Prescribing Service can help connect you with local services and groups that can support your health and well-being. No appointment is needed, just drop in for a friendly chat!
Wednesday 19 March, drop in between 11am and 1pm. South Friern Library, Colney Hatch Lane, London, N10 1HD.
Access info: Step-free, wide automatic doors, accessible toilet with baby changing facilities. Access info is available on our website.
Join Hearing Link to talk to someone who understands the changes in your hearing. Their trained peer support volunteers and experienced staff are on hand to offer emotional and practical support about different aspects of living with and managing your hearing.
You can also find out more about hearing loss, where to access technology that could support you day-to-day and information about local services that are available.
Nuffield Health Centre, 260 Central Circus, Hendon Way, London NW4 3NL
Wednesday 26 March, 11am-1pm
Support your wellbeing with Mill Hill Community Choir, try a session for free! Mill Hill Community Choir is a friendly and inclusive natural voice choir.
£5 per session, try your first session for free. No booking is required - just turn up and sing.
Every Tuesday, 10:30am to 12pm
Mill Hill Library, Hartley Avenue, NW7 2HX
Access info: There is an accessible toilet on site. There is a ramp to access the building and the singing space can accommodate mobility aids and wheelchairs. If you have any questions about accessibility, please contact Agnes on 07426492475.
Alt text for poster on Facebook link: Do you love to sing? Come and be part of our friendly and inclusive natural voice choir, led by amazing local choirmaster Ryan 'The Pipes'. £5 per session, first session free. No booking required - just turn up and sing.
The sensory walking group meet every Thursday at New Barnet Leisure Centre.
The session consists of 30 minutes walking followed by yoga exercises; breathing, stretching and meditation. After the session, participants can enjoy the accessible playground or the outdoor gym outside the leisure centre.
Access: wheelchair accessible, accessible toilet on site. Carers, families and friends are welcome.
Date: Every Thursday from 11am to 12pm
Location: New Barnet Leisure centre, Victoria Recreation Ground, 1 Lawton Road, London, EN4 9BS
Creative health events for older adults
‘Loving Life’ is a creative health programme for older adults running at Colindale Library and Chipping Barnet Library, particularly welcoming those living with dementia and their carers. Their events in March include open mic and poetry, creative workshops and dance.
Find out more about their upcoming events.
The Suicide Prevention Manual, created by The Network Enablement Service, is now available online. This manual was created by people with lived experience to support Barnet residents who are experiencing suicidal thoughts to stay safe.
Age UK Barnet’s Household Support Fund can support Barnet residents over 55 who are currently facing financial hardship. The fund can provide vouchers towards utility bills, food costs and wider essentials.
For eligibility criteria and both professional and self-referral forms, please visit the Age UK Barnet website.
Mind in Enfield and Barnet provide a short-term crisis intervention and prevention service for anyone over the age of 18.
Their mental health professionals can help you create a Safety Plan, use their crisis de-escalation helpline, build a support network, offer info & advice, and arrange one-to-one follow up sessions with a support worker.
You can self-refer by calling 020 8343 5704 (open Mon to Fri 4.30pm to 10.30pm and weekends at 12pm to 6pm) or emailing sanctuaryBarnet@mindeb.org.uk.
Professionals can refer using the form on their website.
Struggling with energy bills?
Barnet Council in partnership with Groundwork London’s Green Doctor service have launched Barnet’s Free Home Energy Fix to support residents with home energy efficiency advice to reduce energy bills.
Who is eligible?
You have health condition or impairment that is worsened by the cold.
Residents aged over 60.
Households with a child under 10 years or a pregnant family member.
Households with an annual income under £21,000.
Access Tips
Accessible activities for blind and partially sighted people
Thank you to members of Jewish Blind and Disabled for sharing these access tips with us!
- Sight Village hosts events that demonstrate new tech, products, and support services for blind and visually impaired people.
- Buckingham Palace Kings Gallery holds free descriptive online Zoom talks exploring different items in the Collection. These are on the first Tuesday of every month from 2pm. To join, email access@rct.uk. They also provide interactive screens and Large Print for blind and partially sighted people who visit in person. More access info is on the Royal Collection Trust website.
- Everyman Barnet cinema was recommended by the group to have great access.
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.
Follow us on social media
Sign up to this newsletter
Was this newsletter forwarded to you?
Sign up and get the next issue straight to your inbox!
You are receiving this email as a member or friend of Inclusion Barnet, or because you signed up to receive it. If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter please:
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 workplaces easier to access and to improve social security so that everyone can live a decent life, whether they’re in work or not.
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.
