Inclusion London

Adam Gabsi, chair of Inclusion London, said the proposed changes to the WCA send “a dangerous message that the government is willing to ignore the lived realities of disabled people in favour of reducing costs. “I strongly urge decision-makers to reconsider these proposed changes and engage meaningfully with disabled people and their representative organisations.” #NoMoreBenefitDeaths

Tracey Lazard, chief executive of Inclusion London, told Tuesday’s vigil that it was “incomprehensible that the new Labour government is picking up these plans and seemingly running ahead with them in glee”. She said: “We know this is slash and burn austerity. We know that a punitive welfare regime does not work. “It does not get people back into jobs. It does the complete opposite. “It pushes people away from work, it makes people ill, and it makes people poorer. “We have 15 years of evidence to show that now.” She added: “This Labour government needs to show us that they are different than the Tories. “This Labour government needs to pause these plans and start working with us, not against us.” #NoMoreBenefitDeaths

Delighted that AdviceUK are promoting DDPO advice providers. We have been supporting many over the past 6 years, with training, peer support and legal briefings. But our sector needs consistent funding to be able to deliver essential, accessible advice to our communities. We are also working to bring more Disabled people into the advice workforce, in a joint project led by Inclusion Barnet and funded by Propel. #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs

*How Merton CIL . built an inclusive advice service through a ‘grow your own’ recruitment model* For the last 13 years, Merton Centre for Independent Living has provided advice and services to local Deaf and Disabled people. Like many other Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisations (DDPOs), Merton CIL struggled to recruit experienced advisers. So it took a more innovative approach. It started to recruit Trainee Advice Workers from within Merton's Disabled community, including service users. This had a number of benefits - for the organisation, the advice service, and the trainees themselves. For example: ▪ It helped to resolve recruitment issues ▪ It provided routes for local Disabled people into advice work ▪ It helped Merton CIL develop a more inclusive workforce ▪ It created a more holistic service - Trainee Advisers were able to use their lived experience, combined with the expertise they developed, to create a space where Disabled people felt comfortable seeking help The ‘grow your own model’ is an investment in both people and services. Funders play a critical role in ensuring programmes like this can succeed. Flexibility in funding, for example, is key to allow organisations like Merton CIL to promote Trainees into permanent casework positions, ensuring a stable and experienced advice service. Find out more about Merton CIL's 'grow your own' approach: https://lnkd.in/eUSRtJzZ

DDPO advice services provide essential and accessible advice to our Deaf and Disabled communities. They also employ and train community members, making the work authentic and holistic. But Deaf and Disabled-led services need long-term funding to continue being a lifeline to our communities. Read Femi's story: https://lnkd.in/exmpQTnW #AdviceSaves

Read the #AdviceSaves report 'Voices of Deaf and Disabled people' to hear why essential funding must continue: https://lnkd.in/eBhBDEQk

Stephen Bunbury SFHEA, co-chair of Inclusion London, is a guest speaker for our next peer support session. Thanks to specialist funder City Bridge Foundation, we regularly bring together a friendly group of people to network, share ideas, and address common #governance topics. Stephen is also co-chair of the BME Colleague Network at the University of Westminster. He is a Reader (Associate Professor) in Law, based in Westminster Law School - University of Westminster. Stephen's wide range of experience in strategic leadership, as well as research expertise in equality law and disability discrimination, will be of huge value to our group. Booking is free via the link below. Central London venue details will be given when your place is confirmed. https://lnkd.in/efzdi3eN Image description for accessibility: navy writing reads "Disability inclusion on charity boards / Inclusion London co-chair Stephen Bunbury will speak at our next peer support session for London chairs, Tuesday 14 January, 6 – 8 pm" Logos of Association of Chairs, Inclusion London, and program funder City Bridge Foundation. Headshot of Stephen within a pink speech bubble icon. Faint background of tiny blue speech bubble icons.

Could you be our next Senior Training and Development Officer? We're looking for someone with knowledge of accessibility, disability equality and the social model to develop and deliver training and consultancy. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/eprnYgjD

Meet the next generation of Deaf and Disabled leaders. Huge congratulations to the graduates of our Growing Our Own Leaders programme! 🥳 Participants were each nominated by a DDPO. They were: Merton CIL - Estifanos Habtesellasie Action on Disability - Terry King Disability Advice Service Lambeth- Nara Zaman Camden Disability Action - Joe Burke and Joyce Yankey Disability Action Haringey - Qasim Qureshi Action on Disability Kensington and Chelsea -Kush Kanodia ACT UP! NEWHAM C.I.C. - Jade Sempare Too often, Deaf and Disabled people are unable to fulfil their potential as leaders because of barriers put in their way. Through our programme, emerging Disabled leaders developed their skills by engaging in coaching and leading projects that mattered to them. Recruitment will soon be opening for the next round of the programme, so keep an eye out!

Job Alert🚨 Choice in Hackney are looking for a Community Care and Housing Advisor to join their team. Check out this great opportunity to join a user-led organisation supporting Disabled people. Hours: Part time, 18 hours per week Salary: £30,060 (pro rata) Deadline: 4pm, Friday 20th December