You can find an accessible pdf version here – https://disability-equality.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Bulletin-48-June-2026.pdf
Bulletin #48 – June 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 4)
- 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:
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 timesheets both to:
supportedbanking@disability-equality.org.uk and your designated payroll clerk (for any queries please contact Disability Positive on 01606 331853).
Please send your timesheets 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 working days. Thank you.
Photocopying and Printing in the DENW Hub
Please note the prices for photocopying and printing in the Hub:
Photocopying/printing
- black and white @ £0.25 per copy
- colour @ £0.50 per copy
Thank you.
Coffee with a Cop @ DENW
Meet local Police Constables (PCs) and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), discuss issues, share your experiences, and learn how to report crime to make your area(s) safer to live, work, and exist in. Have your say, meet others, and please feel free to join us in a supportive Peer Support environment.
Date: Every Thursday @ Disability Equality (NW) Community Hub, in the Casual Café.
Time: from 11:00am to 12:15pm
Donations
We are currently looking for donations to help support our Community Lunches at the Hub. These meals are a really important way for people to come together, enjoy good food, and feel less alone. Donations of the following would be greatly appreciated:
- Tinned baked beans
- Tinned soup
- Bread
- Pasta
- Pasta sauce
- Teabags (ordinary & decaf)
- Coffee (ordinary & decaf)
- Butter (ideally vegan-friendly)
- Biscuits
- Cakes
- Long life milk
- Fizzy drinks
- Crisps
- Sugar
- Take-away cups
- PlayStation Games, up to PlayStation 3, for the PS3 set up in the Casual Café
We are looking to provide hot meals for around 25–30 people, so any support towards this would make a huge difference.
Thank you to all who have made donations since the opening of 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 Hub.
If you would like to make a donation, please call in Mon–Fri 9:30am to 4pm. Alternatively, please use the QR code:
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.
Contact: beth@disability-equality.org.uk or Community Hub Team on 01772 558863
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.
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
Free Community Lunch at:
Disability Equality (NW) Ltd.
Community Hub
23 Sedgwick Street
Preston
PR1 1TP
Join us every Thursday from 12:30pm-3pm.
Food will be served until 1:30pm – tea, coffee and biscuits available till 4pm.
Community Lunch Club & Community Rail Week
For our Community Lunch Club on Thursday 4th June, we will be joined by a member of the team from Community Rail Lancashire, and Passenger Assistance at Preston Station. This will be in part to celebrate Community Rail Week, observed every June throughout the U.K.
It is also a Member-led opportunity to share your current experiences with public transport, rail travel, and, connecting services to rail travel – both at the station, plus getting to/from rail stations in the North West.
Booking is not mandatory and Community Lunch Club will be taking place as usual throughout this session.
Hot food served from 12:30pm – 1:30pm, (last food orders/serving from 13:25pm-13:30pm).
For more information, and to inform us of access needs, allergies, and/dietary requirements, email: matthew@disability-equality.org.uk or call: 01772 558863 and leave a message for Matt.
Monthly Monday Walking Group
Local, accessible walks for all abilities.
Summer Walking Day Trip 13th 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.
- 8th June – Meeting at Foxton
- 13th July – Meeting at Disability Equality NW
- 10th August – Meeting at Foxton
- 14th September – Meeting at Disability Equality NW
- 12th October – Meeting at Foxton
Addresses for meeting points:
- Disability Equality NW, Sedgwick Street, PR1 1TP
- Foxton Youth & Community Centre, Preston PR1 3SA
Preston Disability Pride 2026
Join us for a day of celebration, community and inclusivity, at Preston Disability Pride 2026!
Organised by Disability Equality (NW) Ltd, supported by Preston City Council, this event is dedicated to fostering disability inclusivity, showcasing the support available in Preston City and beyond.
Whether you have a disability (visible or invisible), are an ally striving for empowering the level of inclusivity we experience in society, or represent a community organisation, we want to celebrate with you, at Disability Pride 2026 in Preston.
Date: Thursday, 9th July, 2026
Time: 10:30 am – 3:00 pm // 10:30 to 15:00
Location: Preston Flag Market, 4 Cheapside, Preston, PR1 2AP
The event will feature various stalls showcasing inclusive support services from across Preston. It’s a wonderful opportunity to share experiences and celebrate the diversity of our communities, under the motto: “Nothing about us without us!”
Get Involved
For more details or to book a stall to showcase your organization, please contact:
Melanie: melanie@disability-equality.org.uk
Email: laytonsolutions@hotmail.com
Intact PeerTalk Group
- Free Peer support group for depression, anxiety and related conditions. peertalk.org.uk
- When? Every Thursday morning 11am – 12.30pm
- Where? The Intact Centre, 49 Whitby Avenue, Ingol, Preston, PR2 3YP
- What time?00am – 12.30pm
- Telephone: 01772 760760
- Email: info@intact-preston.org.uk
- Website: intact-preston.org.uk
Intact Craft Group
- Free Craft Group
- Fridays 10am – 1pm
- Go along and learn a new craft, or bring your own project from home.
- @The Intact Centre, 49 Whitby Avenue, Ingol, Preston, PR2 3YP
- Telephone: 01772 760760
- Email: info@intact-preston.org.uk
- Website: intact-preston.org.uk
For more events from Intact please see:
https://intact-preston.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/WOSpring2026-1.pdf
Women’s Health & Wellbeing Event
A free community event for women across Preston and South Ribble.
On the day you can:
- Learn about key women’s health topics
- Join free wellbeing workshops
- Visit market-style stalls and information stands
- Connect with others in a supportive space
Whether you are looking for information, inspiration, or simply time for you, this event is for you.
Event details:
Saturday 27th June 2026, 10:00am – 1:00pm
Lancashire Women, Level 1, Norwest Court, Guildhall Street, Preston PR1 3NU
https://www.trybooking.com/uk/events/landing/112593
Scan the QR code to book your place – spaces are limited.
This event is designed to be accessible and inclusive – if you have any specific requirements, please contact: TalkToUs@lancashirewomen.org
New Research with Disabled Women Sports Coaches
Women in Sport, Activity Alliance, and Leeds Beckett University are collaborating on new research exploring the lived experiences of disabled women and those with long-term health conditions (LTHC) who coach in sport.
Whilst they have research that considers women coach’s experiences more broadly, they know little about different kinds of women coaches and their experiences. This research starts to redress this imbalance, and will help organisations like Women in Sport, Activity Alliance and the wider sector in future planning, policy development and inclusive practice.
They are keen to speak to women have coached in the past, either in a voluntary role or a paid capacity (part or full time), no matter of coaching level whether that be grassroots through to high performance coaching.
If you would like your experiences to be heard, they would love to do an interview with you. They will arrange this at a mutually convenient time for you with one of our trained researchers from Leeds Beckett University. To register your interest, please complete the form and a researcher from the university will be in touch.
Exploring experiences of disabled female coaches – Fill in form
For an informal chat about the research, please contact Dr Annette Stride – a.stride@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
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.
Research Study – Mental Health Services for People with Disabilities
Help to improve mental health services for people with learning disabilities.
A research study, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), is being carried out in collaboration with Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, alongside Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.
If you are someone with a learning disability, or are a family/carer, this is an opportunity to share your experiences of using community mental health services. Participants will take part in a short interview, either in person, by phone, or online.
To get involved, email cwp.unlocking.excellence@nhs.net or phone 0151 488 7311
Preston City Mela
Miller Park, Preston
Saturday 13th June 2026
11am–5pm
This longstanding celebration of arts, music, dance, culture and heritage brings a touch of South Asia to the city centre. This fun and free event offers a variety of stalls, workshops and performances, there’s plenty to get stuck into whilst celebrating the story of South Asian communities in the North West.
For further information, please see:
https://www.facebook.com/prestoncitymela/
https://prestoncitymela.co.uk/
Active Health Sessions
For adults and young people ages 16 and over.
Tuesday 9th June 2026, 13:30pm – 14:30pm, Leyland Library, Leyland, PR25 2EX.
Please book a place at the library. Free to attend.
South Ribble Active co-ordinator and a qualified yoga instructor will deliver an informal session based on loneliness and friendship, using positivity, wellbeing and mindfulness techniques.
Windrush Festival 78
Avenham and Miller Park
Sunday 21st June 2026
12:00pm- 20:00pm
Bringing all the colour, good vibes and soulful music of the Caribbean, Windrush Festival celebrates the city’s African-Caribbean and mixed-race community. Featuring live music and DJ sets, dancing, a live cricket match, a selection of non-food stalls, children’s play area, and a wide selection of international cuisines.
https://www.visitpreston.com/whats-on/events-calendar/Windrush-Festival-2026
Annie’s Iced Dream Wish
Saturday 27th June 2026 at 12:00 pm, The Flag Market
https://allevents.in/preston/annie%E2%80%99s-iced-dream-wish/200030034136610
Annie, a Hutton teen, is hoping to spread a lot of happiness by handing out ice-creams to as many Lancastrians as possible.
Annie has struggled so hard for many years and recently been diagnosed with Evan’s syndrome, a life limiting condition which really has impacted her life. Her greatest wish is not a fancy holiday or shopping spree, but to spread happiness by making everyone happy selling ice creams and getting on the TV.
Join her on the flag market, where she will be overwhelmed by loads of support.
The hope is to raise some funds for Derian House who have helped, not only with Annie, but her sister too. Posts ice cream will be supporting Annie and will also be celebrating their centenary year.
The wonderful Spud Bros will be there with their fantastic energy and amazing spuds. Please tag and share.
Read full article here:
Health Day Event 2026 – Learning Disabilities &/ Autism
The learning Disability and Autism Team at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals is excited to invite you to their Health Day Event 2026.
This is an event to help give people with learning disabilities and/or autism, their friends, families, and carers, the opportunity to come and meet some of the specialist teams, experience some of their equipment, and interact with the hospital in a calmer and comfortable environment.
Location: The Life Centre, Chorley Hospital
Date: 18th June 2026
Time: Sessions running between 10:00am – 4pm
- This event is for anyone with lived experience of a learning disability or autism, and your friends, family or carers
- You can come and meet staff from the hospital and talk about what good healthcare looks like for you
- They have stalls for you to browse
- You can check out the equipment they use
- They have interactive sessions for you to join in with
- Sessions will be running throughout the day
- You can stay as long or as little as you like
Tickets are free and are booked through Eventbrite.
This is the link and the QR code:
If you have questions or queries you can email: LearningDisabilityServiceLTH@LTHTR.nhs.uk
DanceSyndrome’s Annual Community Showcase
DanceSyndrome’s Annual Community Showcase: EXPRESS 26 will be taking place on Thursday 11th June, 7:30pm, at Blackburn Empire Theatre. This is a two-act celebration sharing inclusive dance pieces for everyone to enjoy.
Act 1 includes performances from DanceSyndromeʼs DS Youth performance collective and group pieces created in Everybody Dance community dance workshops across Lancashire.
In Act 2, DanceSyndromeʼs DS Collective performance company will present “Spectrum: The Colours of Life,” a vibrant dance journey exploring how colour reflects our emotions.
To book tickets, please see: DanceSyndrome presents EXPRESS ’26
https://blackburnempire.com/show/dancesyndrome-presents-express-26/
DWP Lengthening Existing PIP Awards from June 2026
The DWP is enacting legislation to allow it to extend the PIP awards of existing claimants, in order to cope with the growing backlog of planned award reviews. The department says if it does not do so, the existing assessment system will “fall over”.
They also revealed that the current system of extending some PIP awards by short periods was being done “without clear statutory cover”. In other words, extending awards ad hoc for a year at a time as the DWP has been doing is probably unlawful.
The new regulations mean that where a current claimant has a fixed term award that is due for review, the decision maker can choose to simply lengthen the award, where “it is necessary to do so to safeguard the efficient administration of personal independence payment.”
The regulations do not give the DWP the power to shorten existing fixed-term award or to change the rates being paid, only to extend the length of the award. The changes will not apply to claimants under 25.
Read full article at:
DENW Staff Bios
Read on for bios from members of our staff:
Matt Dunn (Activities, Workshops, and Events Co-ordinator)
“Hello! I’m Matt, the Activities, Workshops, and Events Co-ordinator at Disability Equality (NW), on the Community Hub Team. Since 2023, I have been representing DENW at our in-house activities/workshops/events, and across the greater Preston area. I strive to be an approachable member of the team, bringing together communities, and taking on projects of all forms with the aim of bridging gaps within society.
If you have any ideas for activities/events that you believe could help yourself or others, please feel free to let me know and we will see how we can best support! All of our Activities, Workshops and Events operate under the 12 Pillars of Independent Living which we name under our Strategic Plan, which are: Access, Transport, Technical aids and equipment, Accessible / adapted housing, Personal Assistance, Education and training, Income, Employment, Accessible information, Advocacy, Peer Support, and Appropriate + Accessible heath care provision.
We try to follow a competitive lead time from an individual/group of persons approaching us with an idea for an event, and, our ability to deliver that event. We try to help identify pre-existing events that suit the needs of yourself/those you know.”
Photo above: Matt, in the Community Hub Casual Café, sitting at a table with a vase of daffodils, and board games on top.
Contact details:
matthew@disability-equality.org.uk
01772 558863
Beth Moore (Community Hub Development Worker)
“My name’s Beth and I’m the Community Hub Development Worker at Disability Equality North West. A key part of my role is ensuring the hub is sustainable so we can continue the amazing work we do, including developing fundraising opportunities and securing donations to support our services and community. As well as supporting activities and events around the hub, I work closely with staff, volunteers, and local organisations to promote independence, connection, and wellbeing.”
Photo above: Beth, in the Community Hub, wearing a purple DENW fleece.
Contact details:
beth@disability-equality.org.uk
01772 558863
DENW Yarden
We would like to thank our volunteers Zed and Miranda for the general tending to and tidying of our yarden (yard garden).
Please feel free to enjoy this space over the coming months, in the warmer weather. Kindly remember not to leave any food, rubbish, or bird/animal food behind, and to keep the yarden a tidy and welcoming space for all. Please do not smoke or vape in the yarden.
Thank you!
Good News Stories from DENW
Read on for positive news stories and feedback from users of our services!
Lancashire Independence Living Service
Feedback form a Service User:
“LILS staff were patient, approachable and provided really useful information.”
Dates for your Diary (DENW Activities)
| WHEN | WHAT | WHERE | WHO TO CONTACT |
| JUNE 2026 | |||
| Every Monday
1pm to 3pm |
Art Group session | Community Hub | Matt. – matthew@disability-equality.org.uk |
| Every Thursday
11am to 12:15pm |
Coffee with a Cop | Community Hub | Matt. – matthew@disability-equality.org.uk |
| Thursday 4th
1pm to 3pm (Hot Food available from 12:30pm to 1:30pm) |
Community Rail Week Event, with Community Rail Lancashire & Avanti, and, Community Lunch Club | Community Hub | Matt. – matthew@disability-equality.org.uk
for questions / requests about accessible travel. |
| Monday 8th
1pm to 3pm (& every 2nd Monday) |
June’s Monthly Monday Wellbeing Walk | Community Hub | Matt. – matthew@disability-equality.org.uk
Walking location requests always welcome, in-person/by-phone/over-email. |
| Thursday 11th
12:30pm to 3pm (Hot Food from 12:30pm to 1:30pm) |
Community Lunch Club – Every Thursday | Community Hub | Matt. – matthew@disability-equality.org.uk |
| Friday 19th
11am to 1pm |
TryTheTrain Workshop #1 (Week 1 / 5) | Community Hub | Matt. – matthew@disability-equality.org.uk
for questions / requests regarding Access Arrangements for each Workshop. |
| Friday 26th
11am to 1pm |
TryTheTrain Travel Trip #1
(Week 2 / 5) |
Community Hub | Matt. – matthew@disability-equality.org.uk |
| JULY 2026 | |||
| Every Monday
1pm to 3pm |
Art Group session | Community Hub | Matt. – matthew@disability-equality.org.uk |
| Every Thursday
11am to 12:15pm |
Coffee with a Cop | Community Hub | Matt. – matthew@disability-equality.org.uk |
| Every Thursday
12:30pm to 3pm (Hot Food from 12:30pm to 1:30pm) |
Community Lunch Club | Community Hub | Matt. – matthew@disability-equality.org.uk |
| Monday 13th
1pm to 2:30pm (& every 2nd Monday) |
Monthly Monday Wellbeing Walk | Community Hub | Matt. – matthew@disability-equality.org.uk |
| Friday 3rd
11am to 1pm |
TryTheTrain Workshop #2 (Week 3/5) | Community Hub | Matt. – matthew@disability-equality.org.uk |
Dates for your Diary (External Activities)
| WHEN | WHAT | WHERE | WHO/CONTACT/FURTHER INFO |
| JUNE 2026 | |||
| Every Monday 7:30pm onwards | Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Weekly Meeting | DENW Community Hub | General Session info available at https://meetings.ukna.org/meeting/preston-monday
|
| Every Friday
2pm |
Jubiloso – Percussive Music Group
£5 per person. Carers/Support free-to-attend. |
DENW Community Hub – Lesley Finley Room | JonAveyard1@gmail.com
prestonmusicworkshops.com/Jubiloso
|
| Saturday 13th
10am to 4pm |
Preston City Mela 2026 | Avenham Park, Preston, PR1 8JT | https://prestoncitymela.co.uk/
General Queries & Questions: admin@prestoncitymela.co.uk |
| Saturday 13th 10:30am to 12:30pm | Lancashire Association of Trades Union Councils (LATUC) Monthly Meeting | DENW Community Hub | latuc@gmx.co.uk (Session Host) & info@tuc.org.uk (General Info) |
| Tuesday 23rd
& Tuesday 30th 6:00pm to 9:00pm |
Canine Coven – mindful, positive dog training for puppies and adolescent dogs. | DENW Community Hub | thecaninecoven@gmail.com
07751 466056 (WhatsApp Number) |
Save the Date
Dates for upcoming events – keep an eye on our website and future bulletins for further details!
- Thursday 9th July 2026 – Disability Pride.
- Saturday 26th September 2026 10am-5pm: Preston Pride 2026, Preston Flag Market; Hosted by Disability Equality (NW) and Preston Pride.
Recipe of the Month:
Nursal’s Turkish Bread
Our recipe of the month has kindly been shared by Nursal, who cooked this recipe for our Community Lunch Club with Sanctuary Cookalongs on 16/04/2026. Thank you, chef!
The bread was served alongside Nursal’s Turkish Ezo Bridal Soup, the recipe for which featured in May’s bulletin which can be found here:
https://disability-equality.org.uk/bulletin-47-may-2026/
Serves 20 people
Ingredients
- 2kg wheat flour
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp sugar
- 2 tsp yeast
- 1 cup lukewarm water
Method
- Pour 2 cups of flour, sugar, salt and yeast into a bowl.
- Add lukewarm water and mix it.
- Cover it for 2 hours to let it rise.
- Then add 1.5g of flour, mix well, and knead.
- You will get a slightly soft dough that does not stick to your hands.
- Cover it again with a cloth and let it rise for about another 2 hours.
- After 2 hours, knead it.
- Flatten the dough and put it in a pan without oil.
Enjoy!
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/
