Bulletin #39 – September 2025
The Last Days of Summer!
We’re heading into the last days of summer – read on to find out what’s happening in September!
Please note: Due to the rising costs of postage, and the desire for our bulletin to be as accessible as possible, all future bulletins will be sent by email as a link to view via our website, where the accessible/language features it offers can be utilised. If this is not accessible to you however, please contact Heather@disability-equality.org.uk to request an alternative format.
General Contact Details
Lancashire Independent Living Service (LILS)
- Monday to Friday: 9am – 5pm
- Telephone: 01772 558863 (option 1)
- Email: lils@disability-equality.org.uk
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LancashireIndependentLivingService
General Advice
- Monday to Friday: 9:30am – 3pm for face to face. Till 4pm for telephone and email advice.
- Telephone: 01772 558863 (option 3)
- Text: 07709 710915
- Email: hello@disability-equality.org.uk
Supported Banking
- Monday to Friday: 9am – 4pm
- Telephone: 01772 558863 (option 2)
- Email: supportedbanking@disability-equality.org.uk
- Feedback link and QR Code link below:
ttps://surveyhero.com/c/DENW-Feedback
N.B. Supported Banking Service Users:
If you would like to receive a monthly bank statement, please provide your email address to Supported Banking.
- Please ensure you keep up to date with sending your time sheets both to:
supportedbanking@disability-equality.org.uk and anne@disabilitypositive.org
Please send your time sheets at least 3 working days before the wage is due.
Please note payments are made between 9am-4pm Monday to Friday.
- Please ensure your agency / self-employed PA are aware of your account with us and where to send invoices:
supportedbanking@disability-equality.org.uk
Any queries, issues or further information required, please get in touch.
Invoices are paid within 7 days.
Thank you.
Reminder: Our Community Hub is Now Open!
Our Community Hub officially opened on the 13th of May! Keep an eye on this space, as we will have lots of exciting events coming up.
Our new address is:
Disability Equality (nw) Ltd
Community Hub
23 Sedgwick St
Preston
PR1 1TP
Phone: 01772 558863
Text: 07709 710195
Our Community Hub is now open Monday to Friday, from 9:30am to 4pm. Please come in and get a drink from our self-serve casual café.
Feel free to call in and have a look at our facilities. Staff from all services will be available if needed.
If you work for a local community-based organisation, and would like to meet with our Community Hub team to discuss use of the space for events benefitting the local community, please feel free to visit the Community Hub. If you would prefer a formal visit, you are welcome to contact us on:
- beth@disability-equality.org.uk
- 01772 558863
- or by post at:
Disability Equality (NW) Ltd
Community Hub
23 Sedgwick Street
Preston
PR1 1TP
Donations
As previously mentioned, we are currently busy setting up and re-decorating our new Community Hub to create a welcoming, and accessible space for all. To help us with this, we would greatly appreciate donations of the following items:
- Tea towels
- Books
- Side plates
- PlayStation games, up to PlayStation 3, for the PS3 set up in the Casual Café
We’d like to thank all those who have made donations since we opened our Community Hub. We are very grateful to have received donations of food, refreshments, raffle prizes, new goods to sell on our stalls, handmade gifts, cash donations, flowers for our memorial vase, and a number of practical items to enhance our centre.
If you would like to make a donation, please call in Mon – Fri 9:30am to 4pm – we would really appreciate it.
Please contact us on beth@disability-equality.org.uk for further information or queries.
Volunteer Opportunities
We are looking for volunteers to help us in our Community Hub Reception.
Applicants must be disabled or have lived experience of disability.
We are looking for people to volunteer between 9.30am – 4pm, Monday to Friday (either full days or part days i.e. morning or afternoon).
Applicants must be able to work on their own initiative, sometimes without supervision.
Please click on the link for further information or contact:
des@disability-equality.org.uk or Community hub team on 01772 558863.
Preparing for Seasonal Changes
As the days get shorter and the weather turns colder, many disabled people face extra barriers. Dark evenings can make travel unsafe if streets are not well lit, icy pavements can stop disabled people from getting out, and inaccessible public transport can leave people isolated.
We would love to hear from you about the barriers you face in autumn and winter – and the changes that would make things easier.
Please let us know your thoughts at beth@disability-equality.org.uk
What’s New in the Hub
We’re always looking at ways to make the Hub feel more warm, welcoming, inclusive, and safe for everyone.
This month, you’ll spot some changes:
- New fire safety route signs have been added around the Hub, helping to make everyone feel secure.
- Our main office sign now includes braille, making it easier for all visitors to find their way.
Here is a photo of our main office sign, which now includes braille:
Advice Café
Our first session will be: ‘POT LUCK’, where attendees can ask about any issues that they need advice or help with.
Poster from previous page/above reads:
Disability Equality NW
Advice Café #1
General Information and Advice Session
On the 1st Thursday of every month, join us for a session of Information and Advice, with Guest Speakers, and members of the Team from Disability Equality (NW).
All sessions to take place in the Casual Café, at:
Disability Equality (NW) Ltd. Community Hub
23-25 Sedgwick Street, Preston PR1 1TP
Subjects to include:
- Online Scams
- Money Matters
- Warm and Well
Our 1st Advice Café will be Thursday 4th September.
The session will run from 1:00pm-3:00pm.
Disability Equality (NW)’s Community Hub is open every weekday, 9:30am-4:00pm
Chatty Café:
Poster from previous page/above reads:
Disability Equality NW
Chatty Café
- July 2025
- August 2025
- September 2025
Join us for our Peer support sessions (Chatty Café) with Guest Speakers.
- Connecting society
- Peers talking
- Supportive environment
All sessions to take place in the Casual Café, at Disability Equality (NW) Ltd. Community Hub 23-25 Sedgwick Street, Preston, PR1 1TP.
Thursday 17th July 2025; 2pm – 3:30pm
Friday 1st August 2025; 2pm – 3:30pm
Monday 18th August 2025; 2pm – 3:30pm
Thursday 11th September 2025; 2pm – 3:30pm
Friday 26th September 2025; 2pm – 3:30pm
Peer Support Network Empowers Direct Payments Users Across Lancashire
Connecting People, Building Confidence, and Supporting Independence
Looking to take control of your own care and support? The Peer Support Network (PSN), established in March 2022, is here to help individuals, carers, family members, and employers of personal assistants (PAs) across Lancashire explore the benefits of direct payments.
What is the Peer Support Network?
The PSN was created to encourage more people to consider direct payments—an alternative way to pay for their care and support needs. Many find the process daunting or complicated, opting to stick with traditional services or even go without support. The PSN aims to change this by connecting you with experts and people who have first-hand experience using direct payments, so you can make informed choices with confidence.
Why Choose Peer Support?
Peer support is at the heart of the PSN. By drawing on personal experiences, members can share valuable insights, offer advice, and provide encouragement. Speaking with others who have successfully managed direct payments and employed their own staff can make the process less intimidating and help you feel supported throughout your journey.
Joining the network gives you the chance to:
- Meet others who use or are interested in direct payments
- Share ideas, ask questions, and receive practical advice
- Support and encourage each other in managing care and employment
How Can I Get Support?
The PSN offers a friendly peer support group, providing opportunities to connect and learn. If you prefer a private conversation, a peer support volunteer can speak with you individually before you approach social services.
In-person peer support meetings in Preston are also in the works and are expected to take place soon.
Get Involved!
Peer Support is available every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. To access it, call 01772 558863 and select option 1.
Alternatively, email lils@disability-equality.org.uk with the subject “PEER SUPPORT REQUEST”.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to connect with others on a similar path, the Peer Support Network is here to help you.
Monthly Monday Wellbeing Walk:
Poster reads: Monthly Monday Wellbeing Walk Blue Plaque Trail Part 2 (continuing from the route followed on July’s Walk)
Meeting @ Disability Equality Community Hub, 23 Sedgwick Street, PR1 1TP Walk begins at approx. 2:00pm, Monday 15th September 2025. For further details, please email matthew@disability-equality.org.uk or gina.campbell@thefoxton.org
40 Years of Lancashire Women: What’s on in Preston!
Poster above reads:
(top left of poster) 40 Years of Lancashire Women
(top middle of poster) What’s on in Preston!
(top left of poster) Scan the QR code to self-refer.
Groups
Steps to Confidence (3 weeks)
Start date: Tuesday 2nd September & 14th October at 10:00am – 12:00pm
Recovering with Confidence (6 weeks)
Start date: Wednesday 17th September & 5th November at 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Eyes Wide Open (6 weeks)
Start date: Thursday 18th September & 6th November at 10:00am – 12:00pm
Managing Conversations (6 weeks)
Start date: Tuesday 16th September & 4th November at 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Thrive (one-off workshops)
Held on Wednesdays at 10:00am – 12:00pm. Upcoming dates are 10th September (Expectations), 1st October (Boundaries), 5th November (Menopause), 19th November (Power of Positivity) & 3rd December (What we have learned in 2025 & vision boards)
Coffee & Crafts (drop-in)
Held every last Wednesday of the month at 10:00am – 12:00pm. Upcoming dates are 24th September, 29th October, 26th November & 10th December
Family Law Legal Clinic
Provided by Forbes Solicitors. Appointments are held between 10:00am and 1:00pm on the following Wednesdays: 3rd September, 8th October, 5th November & 10th December. Ask a member of staff for more details.
Free Hep C Testing
Ask a member of staff for more details.
Services
SnapBack
Snapback provides specialist trauma informed addiction & recovery support to women across Lancashire. We support women who may struggle to engage with drug & alcohol treatment providers by reducing and addressing potential barriers in respect of: stigma, housing, finance, emotional wellbeing, education & employment, family & relationships.
Move Forward
Our Move Forward programme offers 1-to-1 employment support. This service is available to women aged 25+ living in Preston who are not working and haven’t been looking for work in the last 2 weeks.
Work Well
Work Well is a new pilot program designed to assist individuals with low physical health or other physical or mental health conditions in starting and maintaining employment. As part of the program, participants will have access to a Work and Health Coach or Mentor. Together, participants and coaches will agree on realistic and reasonable next steps to create a personalised support plan. This may include strategies to improve both physical and mental health.
Money & Energy Advice
Our FCA Regulated advice team can support with budgeting, benefits, form applications, appeals, and discussing your debt options. We also offer FREE support to help you stay warm, whilst reducing your energy bills. Our service also includes a female handy person who can help with small energy related jobs around the house. This service is available to women, families and vulnerable people across Lancashire.
All groups are being delivered at Fedcap, Guildhall St, Preston, PR1 3NU.
All one-to-one service appointments (including Family Law Legal Clinic & Hep C Testing) are currently being held at Vault (Youth Zone), 46 Glovers Course, Preston, PR1 3LS. Please note that the venue is subject to change.
Jubiloso Music Workshops
Jubiloso Music Workshops will be re-starting in September and take place from 2pm-3pm at our Community Hub. £5 per session, carers and support attend free. Please email to book: JonAveyard1@gmail.com
AirFold Pro Carbon Scooter for Sale
An AirFold Pro Carbon Scooter has been donated to The Intact Centre to help with their fundraising. The Scooter is available for purchase at reasonable offers. For any queries, please contact The Intact Centre:
info@intact-preston.org.uk
01772 760760
Free Personal Growth & Wellbeing Group: Thrive
Poster above reads:
Free Personal Growth & Wellbeing Group: Thrive
Each session will be held at Fedcap, Guildhall St, Preston, PR1 3NU and will focus on a different topic designed to spark self-awareness and encourage growth.
Upcoming Thrive Sessions
Expectations: Wednesday 10th September
Boundaries: Wednesday 1st October
Menopause: Wednesday 5th November
Power of Positivity: Wednesday 19th November
Vision Boards: Wednesday 3rd December
All sessions are held at 10:00am-12:00pm
There’s no pressure and no need to book. Just drop in!
(Lancashire Women logo at the bottom, left of the poster.)
Women’s Health Workshops
The ICB Women’s Health Programme is running a number of women’s health workshops that will bring together key stakeholders to help co-produce the priority areas of our emerging Lancashire and South Cumbria Women’s Health Strategy, recognising that everyone’s input is essential in shaping the impactful priorities aligned to the National Women’s Health Strategy that reflect the needs of our women and young girls across the communities of Lancashire and South Cumbria.
Details of the dates / times of each virtual workshop are listed below. If you would like to participate in any of them, please email lscicb.womenshealth@nhs.net by Friday 22nd August to book a place and they will send you the invite with the MS Teams link in to join.
Prior to each workshop the women’s health team will circulate some questions for consideration and input which will help to collaboratively shape the workshop, ensure focused input on the individual key priorities, validate local need, and ensure alignment with national priorities, population health data, and regional ambition.
|
Date |
Workshop |
Time |
Venue |
|
22.09.25 |
Menopause |
10:00 – 12:00pm |
MS Teams |
|
24.09.25 |
The Health Impacts of Violence against Women and Girls |
1:00 – 3:00pm |
|
|
07.10.25 |
Menstrual Health and Gynaecological Conditions |
10:00 – 12:00pm |
|
|
08.10.25 |
Fertility, Pregnancy, Pregnancy Loss, and Post-Natal Support |
1:00 – 3:00pm |
|
|
15.10.25 |
Cancers |
1:00 – 3:00pm |
|
|
21.10.25 |
Healthy Ageing and Long-Term Conditions |
10:00 – 12:00pm |
|
|
23.10.25 |
Mental Health and Wellbeing |
1:00 – 3:00pm |
The sessions are a critical part of the strategy development and will ensure it is not only informed by evidence but also by the voices and expertise of those working across and accessing care in health, community, and voluntary sector organisations.
Please do not hesitate to contact lscicb.womenshealth@nhs.net if you require any further information.
We Are With You – Webinar
We Are With You have announced a new Let’s Talk webinar – Let’s Talk Nicotine!
Don’t miss out on this exciting new session covering all things smoking and vaping. There are 3 dates planned for this session. Please see the dates below and click the link to book.
Thursday 28th August 11-12
Wednesday September 17th 10-11am
Monday September 22nd 12-1pm
BOOK HERE: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lets-talk-nicotine-tickets-1541884310479?aff=oddtdtcreator
Healthy Heroes Early Year Toolkit
Lancashire County Council’s Public Health Team are excited to launch its Healthy Heroes Early Years Toolkit and new resources for #LetsGetLancashireBrushing campaign!
If you work with children and families in Burnley, Pendle, Preston and Hyndburn, come along to one of our upcoming bitesize briefings to find out more.
Join our online briefing events:
- Tuesday 16th September: 10.00 – 10.30am
- Wednesday 17th September: 5.30 – 6.00pm
- Thursday 18th September: 1.30 – 2.00pm
Register by COP Friday 5th September:
Email Healthimprovement@lancashire.gov.uk with your name, email address and service or setting name to receive the MS Teams link.
Let’s work together to provide a best start in life for children in Lancashire.
Suicide Lite Training Opportunities
This short programme provides participants with the foundational knowledge needed to effectively intervene in situations where someone may be contemplating suicide.
15th September 2025
Town Hall Preston
9am arrival
5th November 2025
Town Hall Preston
9am arrival
Email b.smith@preston.gov.uk to book on.
Suicide Prevention Day
6th September, 10am to 2:00pm at Preston Bus Station.
In line with Suicide Prevention UK, the theme this year is ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide’.
World mental Health Day
Health and Wellbeing Event in support of World Mental Health Day. The event will take place on Saturday, 4th October, 10:30am to 3.30pm on Preston Flag Market.
To book onto either of these events please email Daniel.Holden@lancashire.gov.uk
Consumer Alerts – August 2025
Scam gardening services offered
Beware cold callers offering garden services knocking on doors in the West Lancashire area. In one incident the elderly householder agreed to the traders, described as two males in their 20’s, both with dark hair, tidying up the garden and taking away some cuttings. The traders were only there 10 to 15 minutes, did very little work and did not take the cuttings away, took £500 from the householder and tried to bully them into giving a further £700.
In another incident in the Chorley area, a resident agreed to cold callers pruning a medium sized a tree. The householder agreed as she initially believed she had used the trader before, but this was not the case. The traders charged nearly £1000 for the work which was very poorly done. The following day they returned trying to get further work agreed to, luckily the householder refused.
Bogus fencing work
A Hyndburn resident looking for some fencing work to be carried out took the recommendation of a friend of a friend. The fencer came to look at the job and asked for £500 up front for materials which was provided in cash, but did not return. The householder was provided with no paperwork and had no address details to contact the trader.
Always do your own research before agreeing to work. Be wary if traders ask for money upfront. Remember, if you agree there and then in your own home the trader should give you paperwork informing you of your 14 day right to cancel, which should also include a business address. If you are struggling to find a known local tradesman,
The Safetrader scheme can help you find a trader in your area.
Contact 0303 333 1111 or go to www.safetrader.org.uk
Trading Standards advice is to always say no to cold callers.
Scam parking penalty notice text.
Beware receiving a text claiming that you’ve been issued a parking penalty notice (PCN). The text tells you that you must pay a £20 parking fine and says that this is your final notice. The text uses a spoofed mobile number and email address. It goes on to scare the recipient by claiming that legal action could be taken against you if you don’t pay and includes a malicious link to follow to make the payment.
TV Licence Scam
Genuine emails from the TV Licencing organisation will be sent from either donotreply@tvlicensing.co.uk or donotreply@spp.tvlicensing.co.uk Do not trust any emails that look suspicious or unusual. Hover over the email address bar, sometimes a scam address can be hidden, and check what address appears between the < > symbols.
Report scam emails by forwarding them to report@phishing.gov.uk Report scam texts by forwarding to 7726.
Contact the Trading Standards Service via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133
Good News Stories from DENW
Read on for positive news stories and feedback from users of our services.
Story 1. Events
We had a very well attended Monthly Monday Wellbeing Walk in July, where attendees from across communities in-and-beyond Preston went on an intersectional walk learning about the Blue Plaques and newly-established Red Plaque, in Preston. Due to user-led demand, a Part 2 of this walk will follow, to complete, or at least continue, this much-requested Blue Plaque Trail of Preston to take part in September! Please see our publicity re: this month’s walk, on 15/9/2025, meeting at the Disability Equality (NW) Community Hub at 2pm.
Story 2. Chatty Café and Advice Café
The first two Chatty Café sessions have taken place, with some insightful community-led conversations taking place on International Day of Criminal Justice, and a couple of activity-based discussions on World Lung Cancer Day. Be sure to check out our sessions on Diverse Heritage Day (Thursday 11th September 2025, alongside a Guest Speaker from Lancashire Teaching Hospitals), and our final Chatty Café session for the meantime on the Friday of International Week of Deaf People, on Friday 26th September 2025. All sessions in this series run from 2:00pm until 3:30pm.
In the coming months, due to the clear need for advice led by lived experience, a series of Advice Café sessions will begin, hosted by Guest Speakers, and Disability Equality (NW) representatives. Stay tuned for more details – included in this and future bulletins, about upcoming Advice Café sessions at the Community Hub!
Story 3: Information & Advice:
Success story: Client presented with a negative response to her PIP application, no points for either Daily Living or Mobility. So no award of PIP. We wrote a Mandatory reconsideration, supported with a new statement and supporting evidence and the decision was changed to Enhanced Daily Living. This gave a backdated total: £1245.10
Dates for your Diary
|
WHEN |
WHAT |
WHERE |
WHO/CONTACT |
|
Wednesdays |
LILS peer support sessions |
Online/ In person/ hybrid |
|
|
Fridays (restarts in September) 2 – 3pm |
Jubiloso music workshops (£5 per session, carers and support attend free) |
DENW Community Hub |
|
|
SEPTEMBER |
|||
|
Thursday 4th 1 – 3pm, and every first Thursday of the month through 2025 |
Advice Café – general advice |
DENW Community Hub Casual Café |
Disability Equality (Drop in) |
|
Thursday 11th 2 – 3.30pm |
Chatty Café – diverse heritage day |
DENW Community Hub Casual Café |
Disability Equality, Unite Union, Stand Up To Racism |
|
Monday 15th 2 – 3.30pm |
Monthly Monday Walk – Blue Plaques pt.2 |
Meet at DENW Community Hub 2pm |
|
|
Friday 26th 2 – 3.30pm |
Chatty Café – International Deaf Week and Deaf Awareness Session |
DENW Community Hub Casual Café |
Introduction to Sign Language/BSL (Drop in) |
|
Saturday 27th (AM) |
Preston Pride Parade |
Parade Route available by contacting |
|
|
Saturday 27th 11 – 3pm |
Preston Pride 2025 |
Preston Flag Market PR1 2AP |
Open to all |
|
OCTOBER |
|||
|
Thursday 2nd 1 – 3pm |
Advice Café – scams advice with guest speaker |
DENW Community Hub Casual Café |
|
|
Friday 10th 1 – 4pm |
Hate Crime Week Event |
DENW Community Hub |
|
|
Thursday 16th October 11 – 3pm |
Guild Lodge Hate Crime Awareness Event |
Guild Lodge, Whittingham, Preston PR3 2JH |
|
|
Monday 20th 2 – 3.30pm |
Monthly Monday Wellbeing Walk |
Meet at DENW Community Hub 2pm |
Word Search
Recipe of the Month:
Sweet Red Pepper and Tomato Soup
Ingredients
For the sweet red pepper and tomato soup:
- 2 red peppers
- 2 banana shallots, halved and trimmed
- 500g/1lb 2oz plum tomatoes
- 4 garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 25g/1oz butter
- 450ml/16fl oz chicken or vegetable stock, hot
For the ciabatta toast:
- 100g/3½oz jarred roasted red peppers, chopped
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
- 75g/2½oz butter, at room temperature
- 1 ciabatta loaf, cut into slices
Method
- Preheat the oven to 220C/200C (fan)/Gas 7.
- Cut the peppers in half and remove the seeds. Lay them skin-side up on an oiled baking tray and roast for 15 minutes at 220C/200C (fan)/Gas 7.
- Remove the peppers from the bowl and peel off the black skin, rinse underneath a running tap to get the remainder of the skin off. Remove the seeds and set the pepper aside.
- Turn the oven down to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Place the shallot halves (cut-side down) along with the plum tomatoes and garlic cloves onto a baking tray and drizzle with the olive oil. Bake at the top of the oven for 30 minutes, or until the shallots are cooked
- Melt the butter in a large pan over a medium heat and add the roasted shallots, peppers and garlic.
- Add the hot stock and cook for 5 minutes.
- Blend with a stick blender until smooth and place back in the pan to warm through.
- For the ciabatta toast, mix in the roasted peppers and chives into the butter. Form into a long log shape and roll in cling film.
- Heat a large griddle pan and drizzle a little olive oil over the cut ciabatta, and toast either side for 1–2 minutes or until bar marks appear.
- To serve, ladle the soup into serving bowls and serve the toasted ciabatta topped with the pepper and chive butter on the top.
Recipe from: https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/sweet_red_pepper_and_25318
If you have a recipe you would like us to add to our next bulletin, please send it in to: beth@disability-equality.org.uk
