Bulletin #45 – March 2026

You can download the accessible pdf version here – https://disability-equality.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Bulletin-45-March-2026.pdf

Bulletin #45 – March 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 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.

 

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

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:

• 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.

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

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

 

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

 

Hoarding Peer Support Group

Do you live in Central Lancashire and would like to join a friendly peer support group for people with a Hoarding Disorder?

If your answer is ‘yes’, you would be most welcome to join. Family and friends are very welcome to come along too.

Venue: The Foxton Centre, Knowsley Street, Avenham, Preston, PR1 3SA

Time: 1pm—3pm

The group meets fortnightly and it starts on Wednesday 28th September.

For more information and next group date contact: paul.macmillan@onward.co.uk

To register a place email: cad@lscft.nhs.uk

 

Changes to Universal Credit (LCWRA)

Do you have a severe health condition or disability that affects your ability to work?

From 6^th April 2026, the ‘limited capacity for work and work-related activity’ (LCWRA) element of Universal Credit will be reduced for new claimants from £423.27 to £217.26 a month.

• So, if you think you could be eligible, do not wait to apply – do it as soon as possible and definitely report it before 6^th April 2026. It could mean hundreds extra in financial support.

• If you are already claiming Universal Credit and have a severe condition/disability that affects your ability to work that you have not declared, make sure you do it before 6^th April 2026. If you are approved for the extra element, you will get the higher rate of £423.27 a month – even if this approval comes after 6^th April 2026.

• If you are not claiming Universal Credit but are on a low income with a severe condition/disability that affects your ability to work, check if you are eligible by 6^th April 2026. After that date, the extra element will be reduced to £217 a month for new claimants. Benefits Calculators will help you work out if you are eligible: https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators If you are a new UC claimant, you will need to declare your health condition when you apply for UC.

You will only qualify for the LCWRA element if your health condition or disability means you cannot reasonably work AND you cannot reasonably be expected to prepare for work (such as attending training or work-focused interviews).

If you already claim UC, you’ll need to report your health condition via the ‘report a change in circumstances’ function on your Universal Credit account or by contacting the Universal Credit helpline (0800 328 5644). You will most likely be invited to a Work Capability Assessment. You may have to wait a while, but as long as you reported the health condition prior to 6^th April, and are then approved for LCWRA, you will get the higher rate.

Important: If you’re terminally ill or are never expected to work, you’ll get the higher rate even if you apply after 6^th April 2026.

 

Digital Skills Training and Insights with AbilityNet

Staying Safe Online – Scam Awareness

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

 

Community Pantry @ Catherine Beckett Community Centre

A new Food Pantry is being run from Catherine Beckett Community Centre, 112 Deepdale Road, Preston, every Tuesday from 2:30pm – 6pm.

The cost is £5 for a bag. Please bring your own bag to transport your food. The bag must be no bigger than a standard bag for life in size.

They also offer cleaning products and toiletries at a separate price of £3 per bag.

The Food Pantry additionally runs a Pay as You Go Café, which offers hot meals every week with Halal and vegetarian options available. This runs from 3:30pm until the food is sold out.

 

The Activity Trap – Disability and Physical Activity

Disability Rights UK and Durham University are leading a research project to gain a deeper understanding of the Activity Trap.

The Activity Trap is the fear faced by Disabled people of losing their benefits if they are seen to be physically active.

This research project is co-produced with Disabled people with experience and knowledge of the benefits system. This includes collaborating with relevant disability charities and organisations, and colleagues in Durham Law School.

The aim of the project is to examine the prevalence of Activity Trap and explore Disabled people’s experience of applying for benefits in relation to physical activity.

Over 200 Disabled people have completed their questionnaire and 30 people have taken part in follow up interviews.

So far, the research shows that the Activity Trap is not just a fear, it is a reality! In other words, Disabled people are being financially punished for being physically active.

The benefit application process, and the healthcare assessment in particular, have been identified as where people are being caught out by the Activity Trap.

The results of this project will be used to support Disabled people to navigate the Activity Trap and lobby for change in the benefit assessment process.

Urgent action from the Government is required so that Disabled people can access their human right to be active without fear and financial punishment.

For more information, please contact Toni.Williams@Durham.ac.uk

or Michael.Erhardt@disabilityrightsuk.org

https://getyourselfactive.org/project/activity-trap/

 

Women’s Group 2026 @ Foxton Youth and Community Centre

Free to attend

Schedule:

• 5^th March – Creative Upcycling with Sarah Hicks
• 12^th March – Creative Upcycling with Sarah Hicks
• 19^th March – Creative Upcycling with Sarah Hicks
• 26^th March – Eid Celebration – Henna Mehindi Art/ Food
• 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

 

Men’s Group @ Foxton Youth and Community Centre

Free to attend

Schedule:

• 3^rd March – National Football Museum. Attending the Foxton to deliver a session called ‘Half & Half, Mini Scarf’.
• 10^th March – Café. Meeting at Aunt Dolly’s Café Preston Indoor Market for breakfast.
• 17^th March – St. Patrick’s Day! Join Foxton for a St. Patrick’s Day Quiz and Irish Stew!
• 24^th March – National Football Museum. Attending the Foxton to deliver a session called ‘Chorus, Chants and Connections’.
• 31^st March – Easter Egg Cheesecake Making! Join us at Foxton to make some Easter egg cheesecakes!

Every Tuesday, 10am – 12pm, @ Foxton Youth and Community Centre, Knowsley Street, Avenham, Preston PR1 3SA.

 

‘Stay Strong, Get Vaccinated’ NHS & UKHSA Initiative

Information for parents to protect their children through vaccination

Your child’s health is your top priority and so protecting them from serious disease is incredibly important. That is why the NHS offers a free childhood vaccine programme, safeguarding your child from certain illnesses.

Vaccines work by causing the body’s immune system to remember the specific infection targeted in each vaccine. If your child comes into contact with an infection and they have had their vaccines, your child’s body will recognise that infection and quickly respond to fight off diseases like measles, mumps, rubella, whooping cough and more.

Illnesses like measles can spread very easily between children who are not vaccinated, and such infections can have a huge impact on your child’s life. They can miss out on school due to time spent unwell, be hospitalised, and even experience life-long complications and disability. In some cases, these infections can tragically cause death. Recent data (see website at end of paragraph), shows that in 2024, over 2,900 measles cases were confirmed in England, the highest figure in decades. As a result, the UK has lost its World Health Organization (WHO) measles elimination status. Vaccination rates also remain well below the 95% target needed to prevent outbreaks. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/parents-urged-to-protect-children-through-vaccination-campaign

Health experts warn that falling vaccination rates are putting more children at risk of severe illness and long-term complications, many of which are entirely preventable through the free NHS vaccinations programme.

Vaccination remains one of the most effective public health interventions, second only to clean water. Immunisation protects millions of children from severe illness, long-term complications and death globally each year.

It is understood that you may have questions about vaccine safety and effectiveness. All routine childhood vaccinations offered by the NHS have an excellent safety record.

As well as directly protecting vaccinated children, many vaccines also reduce transmission across the population, helping to protect those who are too young or too vulnerable to be vaccinated.

What’s new in 2026?

For the first time, the NHS is offering free protection against chickenpox as part of the routine childhood schedule through the MMRV vaccine. This single injection protects against:

– Measles

– Mumps

– Rubella

– Varicella (chickenpox)

The second dose is now offered earlier, at 18 months, to ensure children are fully protected before starting school.

Parents: What should you do?

Check your children are up to date with their recommended vaccinations and to book an appointment through their GP practice when invited so they are not put at an unnecessary risk.

If you do have any questions, do not hesitate to speak to your GP or health visitor, they will be happy to discuss vaccines and guide you through the vaccination schedule. Although it is important that vaccines are given on time for the best protection, if you or your child have missed a vaccine, simply contact your GP anytime to check if you can catch up.

Separately, spread the message within your family, friends and your wider community circles about the benefits of vaccination and help more children access the protection they need.

For more information, please visit:

https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/nhs-vaccinations-and-when-to-have-them/

https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/why-vaccination-is-important-and-the-safest-way-to-protect-yourself/

 

Share your experiences with ncat to make transport more accessible

Join ncat’s (National Centre for Accessible Transport) panel to share your experiences of transport and disability.

Share your experiences to make transport more accessible

Do you find it difficult to use transport? Do you wish services were better designed?

Or maybe you work in the transport or disability sector and want to help break down the barriers?

You can help to bring about change!

Join their panel and share your views on what transport is like for disabled and older people, and what improvements or changes would make things better.

Your views will directly inform their recommendations for policy change.

The panel, called the Community of Accessible Transport (CAT) panel, will allow you to:

• Get involved in shaping the future of transport for disabled people.
• Share ideas. Learn from others. Find solutions that work.
• Receive incentives for taking part in the research.

You could be part of it if you answer yes to any of these questions:

• Are you disabled, or living with a health condition that affects your daily activities? Or simply getting older?
• Are you the parent or carer of a disabled child or adult, or of someone living with a long-term health condition?
• Do you work in the transport sector and want to make transport accessible for disabled people?
• Do you work for a disability charity or higher education Institution and are interested in the work of ncat?

They would love you to be part of their work.  Sign up now and be the first to know about the research opportunities you can get involved in:

Sign up at:

https://researchinstitutefdc.fra1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0ceedk5zgnmY9kq

or call 020 8152 3236 to speak to someone about signing up.

CAT Agreement:

https://www.ncat.uk/cat-panel-agreement/

This agreement outlines what it means to be a member of the ncat Community of Accessible Transport and details their respective responsibilities.

Find Support:

By taking part in research with ncat, you may be sharing experiences that may have been distressing to you. While ncat doesn’t provide support to individuals, they would advise you to contact the organisations on the following link to access organisations and services who do: https://www.ridc.org.uk/ridc-consumer-panel/get-support

 

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:

‘The advisor was super at our advice appointment, to me and my family! Sorted out PIP form and gave really good expert examples throughout our appointment.’

Supported Banking Service

Feedback form a Service User:

‘I’m so glad I’ve got someone like you to deal with my account, thank you again.’

 

DENW CEO Finalist in Inclusive Leadership Award

Disability Equality North West (DENW) is excited to announce that the charity’s CEO, Mel Close, has been shortlisted as a finalist for the Inclusive Leadership Award at the Proud Preston Awards 2026.

The Proud Preston Awards celebrate individuals and organisations who make a lasting difference within Preston’s communities, recognising those who champion inclusion, equality, and positive social change.

Being named a finalist reflects the continued impact of Disability Equality North West’s work supporting disabled people, promoting equality, and creating opportunities that help individuals and communities thrive across Preston and the wider region.

The awards ceremony, where winners will be revealed, will take place on 19th March 2026 at the Barton Manor Hotel & Spa, bringing together community leaders, charities, businesses, and local champions to celebrate the people helping shape a more inclusive city.

Speaking about the nomination, Mel Close said:

“Being a finalist in this award means so much to me! I never set out to be a leader, and don’t think of myself as one. I just see jobs that need doing and people that need help – and someone to believe in them as people did in me. I love working in Preston. ❤️”

The Inclusive Leadership Award recognises individuals who lead by example, creating environments where everyone feels valued, supported, and able to contribute. Mel’s nomination highlights her commitment to putting people first and driving meaningful change through compassion, collaboration, and action.

Tickets for the Proud Preston Awards are now on sale, with bookings closing on 9th March 2026. Those wishing to attend the celebration can purchase tickets at:

www.proudprestonawards.co.uk

Everyone at Disability Equality North West would like to congratulate all finalists and thank the partners, supporters, and community members who continue to support DENW’s mission to create a more inclusive and accessible society.

 

DENW CEO and Chair Meet King Charles

Photo above: Mel Close shaking hands with the King, Mel is wearing the DENW purple branded t-shirt alongside Kathy Lester – DENW Chairperson.

Our CEO Mel Close and team were invited from a select few to join the King as he visited Samlesbury Hall last week.

He met with a range of Charities, Business Leaders and local press to visit the area, including local business Butlers Cheeses and sampled the Samlesbury Hall volunteers’ offerings as he sat down for Earl Grey tea with honey and locally-made fruitcake.

Check out our range of photos from the event, with alt descriptions, as well as our friends at Blog Preston’s blog about the event too.

Quote for DENW’s Mel captures the excitement:

“I met the King yesterday! I really did – @DIsabilityNW Chairperson Kathy & I had a wonderful time @SamlesburyHall @LancsLieutenant we met HM the King, local businesses & @lancashirelife Still pinching myself!”

 

Dates for your Diary (DENW Activities)

WHEN	WHAT	WHERE	WHO/CONTACT
Mondays 1pm to 3pm	Art Group @ DENW	DENW Community Hub – Lesley Finley Room	matthew@disability-equality.org.uk
Every Second Monday of the Month	Monthly Monday Wellbeing Walk	Meeting Point varies – alternating between DENW & Foxton	matthew@disability-equality.org.uk & gina.campbell@thefoxton.org
Wednesdays 10am to 2pm	LILS Peer Support	Casual Cafe/Online	lils@disability-equality.org.uk
Thursdays 1pm to 3pm	Community Lunch Club- Hot Food, Beverages, & Peer Support	DENW Community Hub	matthew@disability-equality.org.uk Attendee-led Hot Meals: please let us know your Requests!
All February Weekdays, 9:30am–4:00pm	Freebie February – Free hot and cold drinks, free Advice, free use of PS3/TV	DENW Community Hub	hello@disability-equality.org.uk In-person @ Reception 09:30-16:00 01772 55 88 63 or for Text Enquiries: 07709 710195
MARCH
Monday 2nd 1pm to 3pm (& each Monday in March)	Art Group @ DENW	DENW Community Hub, Lesley Finley Room	matthew@disability-equality.org.uk
Monday 2nd 3pm to 4pm	The making of the PNEFC Timeline Mural. Presentation by Michael Barrett.	DENW Community Hub, Lesley Finley Room	matthew@disability-equality.org.uk
Wednesday 4th 12pm – 3pm	Good as New Sale	DENW Community Hub	beth@disability-equality.org.uk
Thursday 5th 1pm to 3pm (& each Thursday in March)	Community Lunch Club	DENW Community Hub, Lesley Finley Room	matthew@disability-equality.org.uk
Monday 9th 1pm to 2:30pm	Monthly Monday Wellbeing Walk	Meeting @ DENW Community Hub	matthew@disability-equality.org.uk
APRIL
Monday 13th 1pm to 2:30pm	Monthly Monday Wellbeing Walk – Featuring Old Tram Bridge	Meeting @ Foxton Community Centre	matthew@disability-equality.org.uk for any queries, access requests or suggestions for future walks.

 

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	Lancashire Association of Trades Union Councils (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	Lancashire Association of Trades Union Councils (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:

Spring minestrone with mint pesto

Ingredients

For the minestrone

• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 1 stick of celery, diced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 fat garlic clove, crushed
• 5 litres hot vegetable stock (Tip – If you would like this recipe to be gluten-free, please ensure your stock is guaranteed gluten-free)
• 500 g small new potatoes, sliced
• 2 courgettes, diced
• 200 g sugar snap peas, halved
• 250 g frozen petit pois
• 1 small handful basil leaves
• 1 small handful mint leaves
• 6 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp grated parmesan for sprinkling (or vegetarian alternative)

For the mint pesto:

• 2 garlic cloves, peeled
• 50g pine nuts
• 2 x 28g packs mint, leaves only
• 1 x 28g pack basil, leaves only
• 4-5 tbsp grated Parmesan (or vegetarian alternative)
• 100ml olive oil
• a few drops of lemon juice

Method

Tip: Get ahead – Make up to the end of step 3 a few hours ahead.

1. In a large pan, soften the onion, carrot and celery in the oil for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, make the pesto by whizzing all the pesto ingredients in a blender with a pinch of salt.
2. Add the garlic to the onion, carrot and celery, and cook for 1 minute.
3. Pour in the stock, add the potatoes and bring to the boil. Simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes until the potatoes are tender. Season.
4. Add the courgettes and simmer for a further 5 minutes. Add the sugar snap peas and petit pois. Cook for 1-2 minutes until tender.
5. Stir in the basil and mint leaves.
6. Spoon the soup into warm bowls. Finish with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, a spoonful of pesto and a sprinkling of grated parmesan. Get ahead: make up to the end of step 3 a few hours ahead.

Recipe from: https://www.sainsburysmagazine.co.uk/recipes/starters/spring-minestrone-with-mint-pesto

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