FEEL monthly meeting Monday 17 July 6:30 pm @ LARC

Dear Friends,

Last week we've had a very productive initial brainstorming for the forthcoming Loonies Fest on 9 September bit.ly/2sh1Bbk

We plan to continue the conversation at our next meeting, Monday 17 July 6:30 pm @ LARC, 62 Fielgate Street, Whitechapel E1 1ES. Do join us, please.

Please find a list of important info/events below and have a great weekend.

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​Liberty Festival 1.30-6.30pm Saturday 15 July 2017​ Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Come and have a go at a range of activities and sports including wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, boccia and even New Age Kurling. Taking place from 1.30-6.30pm, there will be an incredible line up of Deaf and disability arts. With street theatre, circus acts, live music, art, dance, food stalls and more!

Tickets for the World Para Athletics Championships London 2017, taking place in the London Stadium at the park from 14-23 July are in sale.

www.queenelizabetholympicpark.co.uk/whats-on/events/2017/07/liberty-festival-2017

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​2017 DPAC Week of Action #SummerOfDiscontent#NotOneMoreDay#CutsKill

Friday 14th July – As the World Para Athletics kick off in London sponsored by Atos, join us at Queens Elizabeth Olympics Park for our own opening ceremony (meet Stratford station tube at 6pm, to walk towards site)

Sunday 16th July – Carnival Against Cuts @ the Fair Funding for All Schools Carnival. Education cuts are taking learning support away from Disabled pupils, undermining the right to inclusive education. Assemble Victoria Embankment at midday; Rally at Parliament Square 30pm Family fun, picnics, art, songs, kids’ entertainment and speakers.

Tuesday 18th July – National Day of Action (for local DPAC groups and supporters to organise own actions on local issues)

Wednesday 19th July – Lobby of Parliament for Independent Living: Assemble outside House of Commons entrance from 11am

Thursday 20th July – Turn Up and Go protest to deliver a petition demanding our right to ride on public transport. Assemble outside the Department for Transport at 2pm, Great Minster House ,33 Horseferry Road, London W1P 4DR. Please sign and share the petition: www.change.org/p/department-for-transport-disabled-people-demand-guards-on-trains

Friday 21st July – Anti-Atos protest: Final day of action, DPAC will be returning to Atos HQ

Assemble 12.30 pm outside their offices at 4, Triton Square, Regent’s Place, London, NW1 3HG Bring rugs, food and noise and let’s party.

​For a full list of events go to: dpac.uk.net/2017/07/2017-dpac-week-action-summerofdiscontent-notonemoreday-cutskill/

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​Petition to demand guards on trains

One thing that has become very apparent since the onset of Driver-Only Operated (DOO) trains has been the deplorable lack of freedom to travel. In addition Southern Rail has announced that it is withdrawing turn-up-and-go assistance from 33 stations across its network. Disabled and vulnerable people have been put at risk by the lack of support on the train.

Sign and share the petiton www.change.org/p/department-for-transport-disabled-people-demand-guards-on-trains​

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Survivors History Group ​Wed 26 July, 1-5 pm.

This will be the last meeting at Together, 12 Old Street, as Together are moving.

Rose Gardens: Alternative dreams and realities - A discussion based on Searching for a Rose Garden: challenging psychiatry, fostering Mad Studies - a collection of articles edited by Jasna Russo and Angela Sweeney. The first part of the meeting to discuss "alternatives to something" and the second "what is Mad Studies"? Plus selective history from Asylum magazine and MORE. Angela, and possibly Jasna, will be in attendance to respond. ​

Click for next London meeting - Everyone welcome​

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Maternity Mates Open Day

Wednesday 26th July 11am - 1pm The Brady Centre (Side Hall) 192-196 Hanbury Street, E1 5HU

Are you interested in gaining skills and accredited training as a volunteer to support pregnant women in Newham, Tower Hamlets or Waltham Forest?

-Would you like to share your skills and experience as a mother to help other mothers during pregnancy and birth?

-Are you looking for additional, practical experience that could help support your application to study midwifery, or supplement your training?

-Whether you’re a mum who wants to help other mums, or are looking to enhance your healthcare skills, Maternity Mates is for you. Come along to the Open Day to meet the team and find out more about Maternity Mates. Please contact rima.begum@whfs.org.uk for more information. www.whfs.org.uk/index.php/get-involved/volunteering/volunteer-maternity-mates

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Loneliness and disability

We are all more likely to experience loneliness at certain times in our lives, such as retirement, bereavement or after becoming a parent. Disabled people experience the same life transitions as everyone else, but in addition to this, having a disability means they are more likely to be chronically lonely than non-disabled people.

A new report, Someone cares if I’m not there explores why loneliness affects so many people with disabilities, from the perspective of disabled people themselves. Read the report here: www.shapingourlives.org.uk/archives/loneliness-and-disability?utm_source=Website+Signup&utm_campaign=81830e1390-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2017_07_13&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_0c03ae24aa-81830e1390-89653397

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SHAPE ARTS: ​​Applications are now open for the flagship art award, the 2018 Adam Reynolds Memorial Bursary, a £10,000 award and accompanying 3 month residency with Pallant House Gallery for disabled artists! Now in its 10th year, the ARMB is a huge opportunity for any mid-career disabled artist looking to develop their practice and build their profile in the arts & cultural sector. Applications deadline: 1 August 2017 For more information, and to apply for the 2018 Adam Reynolds Memorial Bursary, visit www.shapearts.org.uk/apply-armb-2018​​