1. Government fail on equality

Despite the recent publication of its National Disability Strategy the Government is continuing to fail disabled people by not implementing provisions in the 2010 Equality Act.

These findings come in a new report from the House of Lords Liaison Committee that follows up the 2016 report by the Equality Act 2010 and Disability Committee.

The new National Strategy does not set out proposals to implement key provisions in the Equality Act which have not been brought into force in the 11 years since they became law.

Read more here

2. Inspiring social prescribing

I have written before about social prescribing, and there is definitely a push towards more widespread use, as it is incorporated in the NHS Long-Term Plan.

Also known as community referral, social prescribing involves a link worker or health professional referring people to local nonclinical activities that support or improve their health and wellbeing.

A new programme has been launched to help national voluntary organisations to increase the scale and impact of social prescribing activities.

Find out more here

3. Building Heroes

Building Heroes is a UK charity focused on the training and employment of military veterans in the construction industry. 

They have collaborated with Astor Bannerman, the UK manufacturer of specialist Changing Places toilet equipment, to employ veterans installing these essential, fully accessible facilities around the country.

Legislation now requires Changing Places in all new public developments over a certain size, and there is a £30 million Changing Places Fund which councils can opt into - but they must be quick, as it closes on 26th September.

Find out more here

4. Technology Enabled Care

The Technology Enabled Care market is changing constantly, with innovative developments making a real difference to the lives of individuals who require support in order to live their lives as independently as possible.

Specialist provider Medequip Connect is working to match the pace of change with the introduction of two new online services designed to inform and assist both professionals and individuals in identifying and sourcing the right equipment to provide these levels of support.

Read more here

5. National Leadership Centre

A new programme has been launched by the government to support and develop senior leaders with a disability.

Called the Catalyst Programme, the scheme will bring together senior leaders with a disability from across the public sector, with the aim of developing them to CEO level in their respective fields.

Over 12 months, it will provide delegates with intensive residential courses, coaching, a diverse range of speakers from different backgrounds, and a network of peers to learn from and grow with.

Read more here

6. Wetwheels x 10

Wetwheels founder and pioneering disabled yachtsman Geoff Holt MBE DL has launched a £1m fundraising campaign to increase the number of its specially-built, fully-accessible powerboats to ten by 2026.

The charity celebrated its 10th anniversary at the recent Southampton International Boat Show.

Read more here