Bulletin #46 – April 2026

Download your accessible pdf copy here – https://disability-equality.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Bulletin-46-April-2026.pdf

Bulletin #46 – April 2026

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

N.B. Do not worry if you are not based in Preston. We can FaceTime, call, or email.

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:

https://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 and 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

• Invoices are paid within 7 working days.

Any queries, issues or further information required, please get in touch.

 

Thank you.

Direct Payment Employers – please note that the National Living Wage is due to increase in April to £12.71 per hour for all employees over 21.

Please be aware that budgets will slightly change in April and that provider costs may change. Should you have any queries regarding this, contact Supported Banking or LILS on the numbers or email addresses provided above. 

 

Kindly note that the Financial Year end is approaching and that this period is a busy time for us. Please help by getting your hours in on time to avoid any delays.

 

The office will be closed on the upcoming Bank Holidays:

• Good Friday (3^rd April)
• Easter Monday (6^th April)

We will reopen on Tuesday 7^th April, when office hours will resume as normal.

Donations

We endeavour to keep our Community Hub a welcoming and accessible space for all.

To help us with this, we would greatly appreciate donations of the following items:

• De-caff coffee
• Coffee
• Sugar
• Take-away cups
• PlayStation Games, up to Playstation 3, for the PS3 set up in the Casual Cafe

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. Alternatively, please use the QR code below:

Please contact us on beth@disability-equality.org.uk for further information or queries.

Volunteer Opportunities

We are looking for people with lived experience of disability to support delivery of our services, if you can volunteer a few hours a week to help us then please get in touch for more details.

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 10am to 2pm. To be added to the register for future sessions, call 01772 558863 and select option 1 (LILS).  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.

Staff Changes

We are pleased to welcome Carol Henshaw to our team! Carol has recently joined us as a receptionist – please stop by to say hello as she settles in.

As staff changes take place or Annual Leave is taken, specific members of staff may not always be available. Please call reception with your query. Thank you.

 

Arts and Crafts Group @ DENW

Every Monday from 1:00pm to 3:00pm

The Group welcomes anyone to start an art project here or bring an existing project to continue. Art Supplies that we have are available to use.

Takes place at Disability Equality (NW) Community Hub, 23 Sedgwick Street, Preston, PR1 1TP

Community Lunch Club @ DENW

WHAT IT IS

Free Community Lunch for disabled people, support workers and carers, with hot food, and hot and cold beverages.

General Advice on Disability Issues is available.

WHEN

1pm-3pm Every Thursday.

WHERE

Disability Equality (NW) Ltd.

Community Hub

23 Sedgwick Street

Preston

PR1 1TP

Situated near to Preston Bus Station & Preston Crown Courts.

GETTING HERE / ONWARD TRAVEL

• Multiple Blue Badge parking spaces immediately outside
• £2 day-rate Pay and Display Car Park (6am-11pm) over the road (on Noor Street)
• Situated immediately on the #48 Bus Route (Preston Bus Company/Rotala).

ACCESS NEEDS

Please inform us of any access needs by:

Email: matthew@disability-equality.org.uk

Phone: 01772 558863

In-person: The Hub is open 5 days a week, Mon – Fri, 9:30am to 4pm.

SUPPORTED BY

Community Lottery Fund

Preston City Council

Coffee Morning with DENW & The National Lottery Community Fund

Please join us for a Coffee Morning with the Community Hub team at Disability Equality (NW) and the Community Lottery Funding Officer. Chat with us over a brew while we discuss how the Community Hub can best help and support communities, including the assistance you and those you know may need currently and in the future. Biscuits, brews and refreshments will be provided.

Wednesday 8^th April 2026, 10am to 12pm @

Disability Equality (NW) Community Hub

23 Sedgwick Street

Preston

PR1 1TP

Monthly Monday Walking Group

Local, accessible walks for all abilities.

Summer Walking Day Trip 13^th July. More information to follow.

2026 March – October Walks:

All walks are 1pm-2:30pm approx. We leave for walks at 1:15pm. No need to book.

• 9^th March – Meeting at Disability Equality NW
• 13^th April – Meeting at Foxton
• 11^th May – Meeting at Disability Equality NW
• 8^th June – Meeting at Foxton
• 13^th July – Meeting at Disability Equality NW
• 10^th August – Meeting at Foxton
• 14^th September – Meeting at Disability Equality NW
• 12^th October – Meeting at Foxton

Addresses for meeting points:

• Disability Equality NW, Sedgwick Street, PR1 1TP
• Foxton Youth & Community Centre, Preston PR1 3SA

Pharmacy First Service

What is Pharmacy First?

Pharmacy First is an NHS service that enables children and adults to access quick healthcare advice by walking into a community pharmacy. Some pharmacies also offer the service remotely via video consultation.

Individuals are offered a confidential consultation with a pharmacist in a private consultation room. This can help people access timely care without the need to wait for a GP appointment, supporting early treatment and helping to reduce pressure on GP services and urgent care.

Conditions supported through Pharmacy First

For children and young people:

• Earache (aged 1–17 years)
• Impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
• Infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
• Sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
• Sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women (aged 16–64 years)

For adults:

• Impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
• Infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
• Sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
• Shingles (aged 18 years and over)
• Sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women (aged 16–64 years)

During the consultation, the pharmacist will provide clinical advice and, where appropriate, supply NHS treatment. Medicines are supplied free of charge for children under 16, with standard NHS prescription charge rules applying to those aged 16 and over.

Following the consultation, an electronic message is sent to the person’s GP surgery so their medical record can be updated. If the pharmacist is unable to support the condition, they will advise on the most appropriate next step, such as referral to a GP or another healthcare professional.

Peer Talk Support Groups across Preston

Peer Support Group for those living with depression, anxiety or other distress.

EVERY THURSDAY 11am–12.30pm:

The Intact Centre, 49 Whitby Avenue, Ingol, Preston PR2 3YP.

EVERY THURSDAY 7.30pm–9pm:

Central Methodist Church, Lune Street, Preston PR1 2NL.

Just turn up – no need to book and it is free.

Find out more at:

Telephone: 07719 562 617

Website: www.peertalk.org.uk

Email: enquiries@peertalk.org.uk

Twitter: @peer_talk

Facebook: @peertalk1

Instagram: peertalkcharity

Scam Reporting and Learning

Reporting Fraud:

• Scam texts: Forward the message to 7726
• Suspicious mobile call: Text the word ‘Call’ followed by the scam caller’s number to 7726
• Suspicious call from your bank: Hang up and call 159 to get through to your bank
• Suspicious email: Forward scam emails to report@phishing.gov.uk

Further Learning:

 

AbilityNet

• Internet scams and how to avoid them

https://abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets/internet-scams-and-how-avoid-them

• Free webinars

https://abilitynet.org.uk/free-tech-support-and-info/webinars

EASTER RESTAURANT OFFERS FOR KIDS

Supporting your Local Sea Cadet Unit

Preston Sea Cadets helps local young people aged 10-18 learn new skills, make friends for life and build confidence both on the water and off the water with real-life qualifications. They are entirely volunteer led and meet twice a week at their site on Strand Road. They are looking for trustees to join their management team.

Working closely with their Chairperson, you will support the next generation of local young people by managing their charity from a strategic point of view. If you have got experience in fundraising, management, leadership or governance, they would love to hear from you. Or if you have got fresh ideas and a passion to make a difference, please get in touch.

Their management team usually meet every 4-8 weeks and trustees need to be co-opted to their team.

Website: www.sea-cadets.org/preston

Facebook: /prestonscc

Email: prestonscc@gmail.com

Charity Registration No. 521290

Women’s Group 2026 @ Foxton Youth and Community Centre

Free to attend

Schedule:

• 16^th April – Cake baking
• 23^rd April – Celebrating World Book Day
• 30^th April – Jewellery Making
• 7^th May – Organisational Skills/ Home Top Tips
• 14^th May – Dolly Mixture Arts & Crafts
• 21^st May – Avenham Park Walk

Runs term-time, 10am-12pm, Thursdays @ Foxton Youth and Community Centre, Knowsley Street, Preston, PR1 3SA. Children’s activities provided.

Jubiloso Music Workshops

Jubiloso is a participatory music group that meets most Friday afternoons with the aim of making whatever adjustments are required to allow people with disabilities to participate. Using pitched and unpitched percussion instruments, voices and whatever other instruments people bring along, the group is building a repertoire of music to play together and have even carried out a few performances.

Fridays, 2pm-3pm. Disability Equality North West, 23 Sedgwick Street, PR1 1TP. £5 per person. Carers/support: free-of-charge/optional donation.

Email JonAveyard1@gmail.com for more information.

Good News Stories from DENW

Read on for positive news stories and feedback from users of our services!

Information & Advice

Feedback form a Service User:

‘Really good advice and signposting done by the DENW advisor, all through the face to face appointment.’

Feedback from April, Advisor at DENW:

‘I had a great time chatting with the two lovely placement students today. We exchanged thoughts on the current and future healthcare system, and they shared their hopes and aspirations for the future. I also explained my role as an advisor at DENW and the various issues I tackle on a daily basis. Additionally, a volunteer and I shared our lived experiences of disability, highlighting the challenges faced by disabled people in daily life and when using healthcare services. The students were extremely empathetic and knowledgeable, and our conversation helped us gain a deeper understanding of each other.’

Supported Banking Service

Feedback form a Service User:

‘Very helpful and got sorted very quickly Thank you Supported banking service.’

Dates for your Diary (DENW Activities)

WHEN	WHAT	WHERE	WHO/CONTACT
Fortnightly on Mondays 10am to 12pm 18th May until 27th July 2026	Information Technology (IT) and Digital Support	DENW Community Hub – Casual Cafe Computer area	matthew@disability-equality.org.uk for any requests/suggestions with digital/I.T. Barriers faced by you and/or those you know. Hosted by AbilityNet & DENW.
Mondays 1pm to 3pm	Art Group @ DENW	DENW Community Hub	matthew@disability-equality.org.uk
Every Second Monday of the Month 13th April’s Walk 11th May’s Walk 8th June‘s Walk	Monthly Monday Wellbeing Walk	Meeting Point varies monthly	matthew@disability-equality.org.uk ‘Starting @DENW’ Walks begin at the Casual Café of DENW Community Hub, PR1 1TP Starting @Foxton Walks begin at Foxton Centre, PR1 3SA
	April- Old Tram Bridge	Starting @Foxton
	May- PNE Timeline Mural Tour @ Deepdale	Starting @DENW
	June- Ribbleton & Park	Starting @Foxton
Tuesdays 1pm to 3pm	Meet the Medics / Meet the Pharmacists	DENW Community Hub	matthew@disability-equality.org.uk
Wednesdays 10am to 2pm	LILS Peer Support	DENW Community Hub – Casual Cafe	lils@disability-equality.org.uk
Thursdays 1pm to 3pm	Community Lunch Club	DENW Community Hub	matthew@disability-equality.org.uk
APRIL 2026
Thursday 2nd 12:30pm to 3pm	Eastertime Community Lunch Club with Activities and a Quiz!	DENW Community Hub: Casual Cafe & Lesley Finley Room	matthew@disability-equality.org.uk
Wednesday 8th 10am to 12pm	Coffee Morning with Community Lottery & Disability Equality (NW)	DENW Community Hub, Casual Cafe	matthew@disability-equality.org.uk
Monday 13th 1pm to 2:30pm	Monthly Monday Wellbeing Walk–Old Tram Bridge + Avenham	Meeting @ Foxton Community Centre	matthew@disability-equality.org.uk for any queries, access requests or suggestions for future walks.
MAY 2026
Tuesday 12th  10am to 2pm	Good to Talk – Mental Health Awareness Week event, with Disability Equality (NW) & VI Forum for the Lancashire Area	DENW Community Hub, Lesley Finley Room	matthew@disability-equality.org.uk & vice.viflancs@gmail.com
Monday 18th 10am to 12pm	IT & Digital Support Sessions – First Session/Launch of Fortnightly Event	DENW Community Hub – Casual Cafe Computer area	matthew@disability-equality.org.uk for any requests/suggestions with digital/I.T. Barriers faced by you and/or those you know.
JUNE 2026
Thursday 4th 1pm to 3pm	Community Rail Week Event, with Community Rail Lancashire & Avanti	DENW Community Hub, Lesley Finley Room	matthew@disability-equality.org.uk for questions / requests about accessible travel

Dates for your Diary (External Activities)

WHEN	WHAT	WHERE	WHO/CONTACT/FURTHER INFO
Mondays 7pm to 9pm	Narcotics Anonymous Weekly Preston Meeting	DENW Community Hub – Lesley Finley Room	https://meetings.ukna.org/meeting/preston-monday
Fridays 2pm to 3pm	Jubiloso – communal music-making £5 to attend. Carers free-to-attend.	DENW Community Hub – Lesley Finley Room	JonAveyard1@gmail.com prestonmusicworkshops.com/jubiloso
MARCH
Saturday 21st 10:30am-12:30pm	LATUC Meeting (Once per month)	DENW Community Hub – Lesley Finley Room	latuc@gmx.co.uk (Session Host) & info@tuc.org.uk (General Info)
APRIL
Saturday 11th 10:30am-12:30pm	LATUC Meeting (Once per month)	DENW Community Hub – Lesley Finley Room	latuc@gmx.co.uk (Session Host) & info@tuc.org.uk (General Info)

Save the Date

Dates for upcoming events – keep an eye on our website and future bulletins for further details!

 

• Tuesday 12^th May 2026 10am-2pm: Mental Health Awareness Week Event –This will be a joint-event co-hosted by Disability Equality (NW) and the Visual Impairment Forum for the Lancashire Area.
• w/c 1^st June 2026 – Accessibility in Travel/Public Transport, and, Community Rail Week – joint-event with Disability Equality (NW) and Northern: Community Rail Lancashire.
• Saturday 26^th September 2026 10am-5pm: Preston Pride 2026, Preston Flag Market; Hosted by Disability Equality (NW) and Preston Pride.

Recipe of the Month:

 

Roasted vegetable quiche

Filled with colourful chunky vegetables and large enough to serve a crowd, this would make a decorative addition to an Easter feast. Roasting the vegetables, and including Gruyère with its distinctive flavour, ensures that it is very moreish too.

For this recipe you will need a 28cm/11in loose-bottomed fluted tart tin and some baking beans.

Serves 1-12 people.

Ingredients:

For the pastry

• 225g/8oz plain flour, plus extra for dusting
• 175g/6oz cold butter, cubed
• 1 free-range egg, beaten

For the filling

• 2 onions, quartered, then halve each quarter lengthways
• 200g/7oz baby courgettes, halved lengthways
• 260g/9½oz spinach
• 1-2 tbsp olive oil
• 300ml/10fl oz double cream
• 4 free-range eggs
• 180g/6½oz gruyère cheese (or vegetarian alternative), grated
• salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method:

1. Put the flour and butter in a food processor and pulse until they take on the texture of bread crumbs. (Or place in a mixing bowl and rub the butter into the flour with your fingertips). Add the egg and 1 tablespoon cold water and pulse until combined and a dough forms (or mix by hand).
2. Roll the dough on a lightly floured, cold work surface into a circle large enough to line the tart tin and roughly 3mm thick, leaving a generous edge to allow for shrinking in the oven. Lay the pastry in the tin and push it gently into the corners where the base meets the sides. Prick the base and sides of the pastry with a fork and chill in the fridge for 15 minutes.
3. Preheat the oven to 180C/160C Fan/Gas 4.
4. Line the chilled pastry with baking paper and fill with baking beans. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove the beans and paper and put the pastry case back in the oven for another 10-15 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
5. Increase the oven temperature to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6.
6. Put the onions and courgettes in a large sandwich bag, drizzle with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper and shake the bag to coat. Tip onto a large baking tray. Roast for 30–40 minutes, turning the vegetables over halfway through cooking, until tender and golden-brown. Remove from the oven. Reduce the oven temperature to 180C/160C/Gas 4.
7. Meanwhile, bring a small amount of water to the boil in a wide lidded pan. Once boiling add the spinach, clamp down the lid and turn off the heat. After 5 minutes, drain the spinach and leave to cool. Gather the spinach into a ball and using a clean tea towel squeeze as much water out as possible. Once the spinach is as dry as you can get place it on a chopping board and roughly chop. Whisk together the cream, eggs and half the cheese and season well with salt and pepper.
8. Once the vegetables are roasted you are ready to assemble the quiche. Sprinkle the remaining cheese onto the base of the pastry case. Pile in the vegetables, spreading them out so that they are evenly distributed, and pour over the cream mixture.
9. Bake the quiche for 25–35 minutes or until the filling is set and golden-brown on top. Take out of the oven and leave to cool slightly before removing from the tin and transferring to a serving plate. Serve warm.

Recipe from: https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/roasted_vegetable_quiche_25657

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

Membership

Become a Disability Equality NW member! Members receive regular updates, event invites, and links to the latest edition of our monthly bulletin. There is no charge to become a member.

To join, please visit https://disability-equality.org.uk/members/ or scan the QR code below. Alternatively, email heather@disability-equality.org.uk with the subject line “Disability Equality NW Membership”.

Room Hire

We have rooms to hire here at 23 Sedgwick Street, Preston PR1 1TP. There are a variety of room sizes to suit small groups or larger events. To hire a space, please scan the QR code/ follow the link below:

https://disability-equality.org.uk/services/room-hire/