End Social Care Disgrace

30/03/2026

27/03/2026

The recent budget has announced taxes on advanced payments and a decrease in mileage allowances. We believe this is unfair to the most vulnerable in society and could affect their independence.

14/03/2026

Peers have approved a government amendment that will strengthen disability hate crime laws, but disabled campaigners say there must still be a “total overhaul” of legislation. The amendment means s…

09/03/2026

Shine a spotlight on the large number of disabled people who find it hard or impossible to speak up for themselves for various reasons. Explore how we can make sure that what they think, want and need is heard and taken into account in the planning and delivery of support service.

Speakers

Professor Sara Ryan:
Researcher and activist in learning disability, autism, experiences of exclusion and regulatory processes.

Anna Rose:
Campaigner with ESCaD, ‘INQUEST’ etc. whose adult son Marcus died through lack of oversight in residential care

Sean Dempsey:
Award winning Learning Disability Champion, advocate and trainer based on his own experience

Paul Ridley:
Campaigner, proud parent and full time carer of two young adult, disabled children,
2025 All4 Inclusion Carer of the Year Award

Shine a spotlight on the large number of disabled people who find it hard or impossible to speak up for themselves for various reasons. Explore how we can ma...

01/03/2026

Today is International Wheelchair Day.

And yes… I’m an ambulatory wheelchair user.
That means I can stand.
I can take a few steps.
Sometimes I can even walk short distances.

And I still need my wheelchair.
Because my chair isn’t about whether I can physically move my legs.

It’s about fatigue.
It’s about nerve damage.
It’s about managing energy in a body that doesn’t always cooperate.

Without my chair, I wouldn’t go out as much.
I wouldn’t be able to show up the way I do.

Using a wheelchair isn’t “giving up.”

It’s adapting.
It’s choosing independence.
It’s choosing participation.
Ambulatory wheelchair users exist.
We are not faking.

We are not dramatic.
And we don’t need to prove our disability by suffering more.
My wheelchair doesn’t confine me.
It frees me.
Happy International Wheelchair Day 🦽”

Image Description:

A woman with short, bright red hair sits confidently in a black electric wheelchair on a paved path in a quiet residential area. She’s wearing dark sunglasses, a bright blue Hull FC shirt, dark trousers, and white trainers. Her arms are stretched wide and one leg is lifted forward, showing the sole of her shoe, giving the image a bold, playful, defiant energy.
Behind her are bungalows, small front gardens, a caravan parked on grass, and an overcast sky. The meme text reads at the top: “BuT yOu CaN sTaNd…” and at the bottom: “International Wheelchair Day – and yes, I still need my chair.”
The overall tone is strong, unapologetic, and empowering.

26/02/2026

Thanks to the speakers and everyone who came to our Hidden Voices meeting this evening. There were lots of amazing, heartfelt contributions about what must be changed and suggestions for a way forward. Hopefully some of those attending will join us to make sure everyone is heard.

29/01/2026

25/01/2026

HIDDEN VOICES PUBLIC ZOOM MEETING
Thursday 26th Feb 6.30-8pm

The meeting will shine a spotlight on the large number of disabled people who find it hard or impossible to speak up for themselves for various reasons.

And we’ll explore how we can make sure that what they think, want and need is heard and taken into account in the planning and delivery of support service.

Speakers
Professor Sara Ryan:
Researcher and activist in learning disability, autism, experiences of exclusion and regulatory processes.

Anna Rose:
Campaigner with ESCaD, ‘INQUEST’ etc. whose adult son Marcus died through lack of oversight in residential care

Sean Dempsey:
Award winning Learning Disability Champion, advocate and trainer based on his own experience

Paul Ridley:
Campaigner, proud parent and full time carer of two young adult, disabled children,
2025 All4 Inclusion Carer of the Year Award

Link in bio to receive the Zoom joining information
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/HkaGvZDuRbuaYeTHMxVUeg

20/01/2026

DWP phone calls can send anyone into a spiral, especially when they start asking about Carer’s Allowance and “35 hours of care”.

So just to be really clear: emotional support counts as care.

Carer’s Allowance is based on time spent supporting someone, not just physical tasks. Reassurance, prompting, supervision, checking in, being available — all of that is recognised, even if it’s invisible.

And no, providing emotional care does not automatically cancel out needing support yourself.

These benefits are assessed differently, even if the system doesn’t explain it well.

Sharing this because fear and misinformation help no one.

If this helps even one person breathe a bit easier, it’s worth saying 🤍

17/01/2026

Protest in Preston over threat to care homes by Reform council. Hundreds turned out.




@

16/01/2026

https://fb.watch/EGaML66mKx/