The Get Involved Group (GIG)

Monthly Round-Up August 2019

The Get Involved Group is a user-led group which aims to ensure disabled peoples’

voices are heard when services are planned and changed.

We identify issues and plan the solutions.

Summer Social and a Warm Welcome to Linn, our new Project Lead!

WHAT: Nature Walk & Space to Talk

WHERE: St Ann’s Well Garden Café, Somerhill Road, Hove, BN3 1RP

WHEN: Thursday 22 August

Guided Healthwalk from 10:30am (Optional)

Cuppa & catch-up from 12:00 – 2:00pm

For the summer social we thought it would be fun to team up with the Healthy Lifestyles team and

join them on one of their Sessions for Disabled People (SDP) Healthwalks. On this particular

Thursday it takes place in the beautiful St Ann's Well Gardens. The guided walk is under 1 mile

and includes a nature quiz. Timings are approximate and people can retire to the cafe area when

they wish.

St Ann's Well Gardens, not far from Hove seafront, is a treat for the tree-lover with a wide range of

native and exotic trees giving the gardens their unique character and providing shelter and

tranquillity for wildlife. Nature conservation is important in the park - there are designated fenced

off areas, a scented garden for the visually impaired and a well stocked pond with a biological filter

system.

The park is accessible and has good transport links, for more information click here MeetUp Link

or get in touch. Our social is open to all disabled people & carers in the city, whether or not you've

been a part of the Get Involved Group before. Friends, family, carers and PAs are also welcome!

Please let us know if you can make it – we’d love to see you there!

Email gig@possabilitypeople.org.uk

Call 01273 20 89 34 or 07394 56 55 03!

More information to follow at www.facebook.com/groups/PossabilityPeopleGIG

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GIG and Possability People News/Updates

Meet Linn our new Get Involved Group Project Lead

We are delighted to announce that Linn Davies has joined Possability People as the new Engagement & Inclusion Lead, this includes Project Lead for the Get Involved Group. Linn’s official start date was 31 July 2019 and she is settling into the role, meeting staff, volunteers, GIG members and other organisations we work with that support disabled people and people with long term health conditions. The Summer Social on 22 August will be a great opportunity to come along and introduce yourself to Linn. We hope to see you there. Linn says: Hi GIG members. I’m also delighted and excited to have joined Possability People and specifically the Get Involved Group. I’m looking forward to meeting you at the summer social.

July GIG Meeting Update

July’s GIG meeting was an Open Space where we explored a holistic approach to coming to terms

with your long-term health condition, and sharing experiences about how we’ve come to terms

with the fact that conditions can’t always be fixed. We had a great turn-out so thanks to all that

came and got involved. Simon founder of the New Life long-term illness and pain support and

social group, and the Hey Ho, Lets Go inclusive music group, spoke candidly about his

experiences and how music and connecting to others has been transformational to his wellbeing.

Thank you Simon for your honesty and openness on a difficult topic.

A big welcome to all the new faces we met at the July meeting, we hope you enjoyed the meeting

and look forward to seeing you again.

If anyone would like to suggest a new topic for us all to explore please get in touch,

gig@possabilitypeople.org.uk.

BSUH NHS Trust Patient / Service User Disability Group Meeting

BSUH NHS Trust Patient / Service User Disability Group brings together hospital workers,

disabled people and relevant groups and services to address practical issues disabled people face

when accessing hospitals within the BSUH NHS Trust.

On 15 July GIG members and volunteers attended the

Wayfinding Focus group with Hannah Pacifico to provide

input to guide signage and navigation around the new

development. Exciting times!

Please get in touch if you want to attend future meetings, or to let us know what issues you have

faced when using hospital services, and what would help improve access for everyone in future.

We would love you to come along and join in the discussion! You get in touch any time by

emailing debbie@possabilitypeople.org.uk or phone 01273 20 89 34 or text 07394 56 55 03.

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Keep Connected – September Meet Up

Keep Connected, GIG’s user-led social group for young disabled adults, is back! WHERE: North Laine Brewhouse

WHEN: Thursday 12 September, 5.30pm

More details to follow, by email and on Facebook. If you want to be added to the mailing list for the Keep Connected group please email gig@possabilitypeople.org.uk, call 01273 208 934 or text 07394 56 55 03.

Possability People Advice Centre – Update

Possability People’s Advice Centre team have been working hard to start a new service to support

disabled people challenging unfavourable benefit decisions. Money raised through our Crowd

Funder, along with a charitable grant, will enable Possability People to develop a peer support

programme where disabled people who have successfully challenged benefit decisions will help

current claimants going through the same process.

The idea is that the Advice Centre will recruit peer supporters – people who have themselves been

through an appeal or tribunal - who will have the time and training to support clients going through

these stressful and challenging events. The bigger plan is to be able to run peer support sessions

in the community, as well as at the Advice Centre.

Don’t forget that the Advice Centre can help you with

enquiries about:

· Disability benefits (ESA, UC, PIP, AA, Carers Allowance,

WTC)

· Disability benefits appeals

· Some pension credit enquiries

· Some Council Tax enquiries

· Fuel debt or changing fuel providers

· Utilities debt

· Information on equipment or assistive technology

· Accessible holidays

· Food bank referrals

You can contact the team on 01273 89 40 50 or email advice@possabilitypeople.org.uk

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) project covering coastal East and West Sussex. Clients with MS who

need benefits or debt advice should be referred to MS@possabilitypeople.org.uk

East Sussex Info and Advice service on 01424 23 44 60 or esussex@possabilitypeople.org.uk

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The Brighton Legal Walk returns on Tuesday 10th September, 5.30pm

This is a 10km walk which begins at the Magistrates Court and out along the flat seafront, turning

back to finish in Hove Town Hall (via the scenic route!). The walk is led by judges from the Civil

Courts in Sussex. If want to join us, but have less mobility, we can bring along a wheelchair or

scooter for you, free of charge. Just let us know.

Over £4,400 was raised in 2018, with beneficiaries including Citizens Advice Brighton & Hove,

Brighton Housing Trust, Possability People and Money Advice Plus.

What can you do?

Take part and join our team

Sponsor the team - https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/PossabilityPeople

Ask friends and families for sponsorship by clicking and sharing this link to your contacts

and on your social media

Fundraising link

For more info, email sharon@possabilitypeople.org.uk.

Get Involved Group – We Need You!

Did you know that anyone can contribute to the newsletter? We’d love to know about:

Local or national news related to living with an impairment or long-term

health condition

Local or national issues that affect you

Local events you are hosting or taking part in

Technology you’ve discovered

Groups you attend or host

Life hacks!

So if you have something to share with GIG members, let us know at gig@possabilitypeople.org.uk

Volunteer positions for September include roles working on:

Our Monthly Newsletter

Social Media

GIG Access Reviewers

Please get in touch gig@possabilitypeople.org.uk or 01273 208 934 or 07394 56 55 03.

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Friends of the Get Involved Group

Disability Pride

Did you go to Disability Pride? Possability People were there to take part in

this wonderful event both by marching and by taking a stall. Thanks to all of

you who came across to speak to us and share your stories, it was great to

meet you. It was a brilliant and welcoming day, and we’re already looking

forward to taking part in next year’s event!

You can watch Latest TV’s video about Disability Pride here

Update from Sussex Bears Wheelchair Basketball

There is a lot going on in our great city and one of the areas that has grown rapidly in the last two

years is wheelchair basketball, thanks to the enormous enthusiasm, hard work and focus of a

talented team at Sussex Bears. In the words of good friend of GIG, Ricky Perrin, Sussex Bears

Wheelchair Basketball Team Manager:

"As our team turns 2 years old we have invested in the sport... We have invested in the players...

We have brought assets... and delivered taster sessions of this sport to more people than any

other team around... and we have some huge plans for the future and want you to be part of them"

Would you like to try wheelchair basketball? No sports chair required

New season starts in September, so now is a great time to try it out. They are currently looking for

players to join the teams, from development leagues, junior leagues, national leagues for the 2019

/2020 season.

The wheelchair basketball team trains on Friday evenings

7.30 till 9.30pm and competes in the British Wheelchair

Basketball National Leagues. They’re looking to bring in

new and experienced players, so get involved! If you are

new and do not have your own sports chair, then do not

worry as they have many sports chairs at our Friday

Training venue in Lancing. So come and have a go!!

Can I play wheelchair basketball?

Wheelchair basketball is a fully inclusive sport! You do not need to be in a wheelchair to play.

To find out more, contact Ricky 07955 33 36 33 or email r.perrin@hotmail.co.uk

http://www.sussexbears.co.uk/wheelchair

https://rollingsportspathway.com/

YouTube video

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Other News

Beach Access Team – Open Community Event

Would you be surprised to hear that there is currently no access

provision to Brighton and Hove beaches? There are some residents

and visitors who’ve never had the chance to experience the many

benefits that our seafront and beaches have to offer. That is all about to change. Brighton and

Hove’s Beach Access team (BAT) aim to shape the design of an accessible beach for all, and they

want your input, ideas, experiences and vision for the future of beach access.

Come along to this open community event, have your say and get involved in shaping beach

access for all.

WHEN: Sunday 25 August from 12pm – 4pm (drop in any time)

WHERE: The Foyer, Brighton Centre, King’s Road, Brighton BN1 2GR

COST: Free

ACCESS: Level access and Changing Places toilet.

Find out more: info@bat-bh.org.uk or join the group on Facebook.

Memories Wanted For Medical History Archive

Strike a Light Arts and Heritage have teamed with Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals

(BSUH) for current and former employees of hospitals run by BSUH to help create an oral archive

and exhibition. Up to 50 people will be invited to record their memories of the five BSUH hospitals:

Princess Royal Hospital (formerly Cuckmere and Haywards

Heath Hospital), Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital, Royal

Sussex County Hospital, Sussex Eye Hospital and Hurstwood

Park Neurological Centre.

The project would love to hear about training, the social life of

hospitals and the hierarchies and comradeship. How has patient

treatment changed, and what medical and technical innovations

have you seen or experienced? Hospitals are more than bricks and mortar, so if you or someone

you know has a story to share, this could be the project for you.

The stories will be sustainably recorded and form a new oral archive at the hospital Library and

Knowledge Service after March 2020. The aim is also to create an exhibition in September 2019 at

Jubilee Library in Brighton.

Interested? Contact Nicola Benge (Project Manager) at strikealight@rocketmail.com, phone 07727

006538 or visit https://bit.ly/2Os68DO

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Are You An Unpaid Carer In Brighton And Hove?

Would you like to learn something new?

The Carers Reablement Project, operated by The Carers Centre, can match you with a volunteer

for up to 10 weeks to support you to learn a new skill or hobby or attend a local group or class.

The project aims to improve the health and wellbeing of unpaid carers by providing support to

achieve positive change.

Find out more: T: 01273 977000 / W: https://bit.ly/2K8vtNC

Got An Old Smartphone You Don’t Want?

Switchboard are looking to support their work with their most vulnerable and isolated service users

through the use of smartphones – many people find it easier to communicate via WhatsApp and

other online media or need regular reminders of when activities are happening. So if you have any

old smartphones that they can redeploy, they would be most grateful for any donations.

If you can help, please contact Lyndsay Macadam (pronouns they or she) at:

T: 01273 234009 / E: lyndsay.macadam@switchboard.org.uk

Switchboard is a charity for LGBTQ people looking for community, support or information.

Find out more at https://www.switchboard.org.uk

Disability Emojis Announced

Apple announced some new emojis on World Emoji Day (17 July) as part of a move by the tech company to represent disabled people better. New designs were proposed last year and will be released for Apple users later this year. Apple has been keen to point out the new emojis do not represent all forms of disability, but should be seen as a starting point for better representation and diversity within the emoji world.

The new emojis ahead of the full list in autumn are:

A guide dog

A man and woman walking with a cane

A man and woman signing that they

are deaf

An ear with a hearing aid

A man and woman in both mechanical

and manual wheelchairs

A service dog (a

trained dog that

helps those with

hidden disabilities)

A prosthetic arm

A prosthetic leg.

Read the full article at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-48989950

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Dating With A Disability

Dating with a disability is an issue which comes up regularly at

the GIG. Conventional dating apps can seem daunting, but

dating apps and events for disabled people don’t always cater

for our needs either. One of our new members, Christian, is

currently experiencing these issues. Christian is a radio DJ, he

volunteers for a soup kitchen and campaigns for the homeless.

Christian also has a learning disability. As an adult who lives

alone, who has no need for a care worker and enjoys a busy

social life, he falls into a difficult gap in the dating scene. In a

recent article for the Guardian, Christian’s sister, explains what

it’s like for Christian to get involved in the dating scene, how his family feel about it and the wider

issues for disabled people wanting to meet a partner.

Read the full article at https://bit.ly/2M2TBUo If you or someone you know has any experiences with dating you’d like to share, we’d love to hear

from you. This could well be a topic we look at further in a future GIG Open Space. Get in touch at

gig@possabilitypeople.org.uk.

Is Barbie Finally Becoming More Inclusive?

At a time where people are pressuring big brands to be

more inclusive, Barbie manufacturer Mattel – which has

previously been heavily criticised for its limited offering –

has decided to expand its popular doll range. Earlier this

year, the brand launched its first-ever Barbie in a wheel-

chair and with a prosthetic leg, and now designers have

taken things a step further by creating a black Barbie with natural hair in a wheelchair.

Mattel originally released a Barbie in a wheelchair (she was white) in the 90s, but later

discontinued the product because the doll didn’t fit in her doll house. Thankfully, the new and

improved item comes with its very own ramp, so Barbie doesn’t have to worry about getting into

her house. Her wheelchair is also as close to the real thing as possible. Mattel worked with

wheelchair experts at UCLA Mattel Children’s hospital to ensure the toy was ‘modelled after a real,

rigid frame wheelchair’. The wheelchair does not fit with every Barbie accessory currently, but

Mattel say they plan to make sure it does with new products.

Read the full article: https://bit.ly/2Ygg2wP

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British Sign Language At Glastonbury

If you saw Stormzy’s headlining set at Glastonbury last month,

you’ll probably be aware of Tara Asher. An audience-shot clip of

Asher, a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter, went viral,

showing her dextrous visualisation of the grime MC’s rapid fire

lyrics.

There’s a national shortage of BSL interpreters who interpret music at festivals, and even fewer

who specialise in grime - Asher is 1 of only 4 in the UK.

Overall, 20 interpreters volunteered their time this year with Glastonbury’s DeafZone to make sure

that key Glastonbury performances were accessible for deaf audiences. With each song taking

about a day’s preparation to learn, it’s a mammoth job, made even more difficult by the fact that

interpreters don’t have access to setlists before shows. This means they usually look up an artist’s

recent sets online, and spend weeks prepping all the songs that might be played. For Benjamin

Gorman, who interpreted his very first set at Glastonbury for Bastille, preparation is more intricate.

Gorman is deaf himself and performed with the support of other volunteers giving visual cues.

“I had to read as many lyrics as I possibly could,” he explains. “Also, when you sign in BSL, it’s not

the same grammar and structure as spoken English, so you need to think about how to change it,

but not change it so much that you depart from the original lyrics.”

As well as covering main performances, DeafZone also provided “roaming” interpreters who

supported deaf people accessing other aspects of Glastonbury, such as getting a massage or

watching a debate. But DeafZone’s work isn’t only about helping deaf people – it’s also about

raising awareness of BSL as a language in the hearing community and showing that BSL is a

language – an equal language. Volunteer Abigail Gorman (who is deaf herself) explains that the

DeafZone tent provided free BSL classes to all Glastonbury-goers.

“We talk about deaf history, culture, language. We don’t want people to just come in and learn a

few signs – that’s tokenistic. We want people in the future to campaign on our behalf, be our allies

and support us.”

The best outcome of videos such as the one of Asher interpreting Stormzy going viral would not

only be more support for interpreters at festivals (such as access to set lists and an in-ear audio

feed), but most importantly, improved access for the deaf festival-goers. The impact of that access

can be immeasurable.

“The first time I came to Glastonbury, I was a punter, and I didn’t expect anything,” says Gorman.

“I’d been to other festivals with limited access – whereas here, it’s inclusive. I’m not

ostracised. Festivals need to be more deaf aware. They need to employ deaf people to find out

what deaf people need. I face a lot of barriers. There are no barriers at Glastonbury.”

Read the full article and watch a clip of Tara in action (please be aware there is strong

language) at https://bit.ly/32814qH

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Why The High Street Still Isn't Doing Enough For Customers With Disabilities

In December 2018, on International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Department for Work and

Pensions (DWP) announced that the government was recruiting six “disability champions” to help

“tackle the issues disabled people face as consumers”. One of these positions was reserved for a

fashion disability champion who would, the DWP claimed, “open industry doors”. But no

applications were received, and at the time of writing, the department is reviewing its recruitment

procedure. After this failure, activists argue that more should be done to earn the ‘purple pound’

TV presenter and activist Sophie Morgan spearheads the

Mannequal campaign, which urges fashion retailers to include

mannequins in wheelchairs as part of window displays, to act as a

much-needed “sign to disabled consumers that this particular

retailer has considered, and will attempt to meet, their needs”. But

despite some fashion retailers, including River Island and Primark,

making what Morgan says are “great strides”, the overall experience both online and in-store

“remains a negative one” for disabled clothes shoppers. Morgan has found, when shopping for

clothes, that a warm welcome rarely awaits people with disabilities.

“We may just be lucky enough to gain physical access to the retail space,” she says. “But that

doesn’t mean we feel welcome and able to fully engage. We have money, we want to spend it the

same as anyone else, why stop us?”

Read the full article at https://bit.ly/2MZ9hdw

Find out more about the Mannequal Campaign at http://www.mannequal.co.uk

Read Aloud Scheme

Kemptown Books are setting up a read aloud project for older people. It will run over 6 weeks.

The project is due to start at the end of September. They have lots of volunteers but would love

more recipients (older people 60+) to take part.

If you or an older person you know would like to be read to weekly, or would like to volunteer to

read aloud, please contact Darion of Kemptown Books on 01273 682159.

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What’s On In August

Brighton and Hove Pride Festival Weekend: 2 - 4 August

Brighton & Hove Pride is back, with fabulous events and activities all weekend across the city.

2019 marks the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Inn uprising that ignited the Pride movement, so

it is only fitting that the headline artist for Pride in the Park on Saturday 3 August is Miss Kylie

Minogue, a true icon and ally of the LGBT community who is also celebrating her 5th decade.

Pride in the Park is the beating heart of every year’s event, and in this her first ever full UK Pride

performance, Kylie will be bringing a very special show to celebrate this iconic anniversary of the

Pride movement.

For all things Pride, including your accessibility needs, visit the

website at https://www.brighton-pride.org

Autistic Pride Picnic In The Park

Come along to this inaugural Autistic Pride Picnic in the Park where you will be joined by autistic

advocates Callum Brazzo and Daniel Bendelman, autistic guitarist Ryan O'Donovan and Doctor

Who enthusiast Stephanie Melnick and many more.

Bring your own food and have a really great day in the park!

WHEN: Saturday 24 August, 12pm - 5pm

WHERE: Surrenden Field, Brighton BN1 6XA. The nearest train

station is London Road Station or Preston Park Station.

COST: Free

ACCESS: Please contact the organisers.

Find out more by visiting https://bit.ly/2GBcxpO

Or email apride@gmail.com

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Mindfulness For Those With A Disability, Impairment Or Long Term Health

Condition

Mindfulness gives you the tools to reduce stress, anxiety or persistent low-mood. It is the practice

of deliberately paying attention to your experience in the moment, with a curious and open mind.

This mindfulness course is specifically for those with a disability, impairment or long term health

condition, and led by two fully accredited teachers who have a wealth of experience in what having

a disability/impairment can mean and how it can impact your life. During the 8 week course, there

will be mindfulness meditation practices, exercises and discussions based on that week’s theme,

all giving you the tools to enhance your wellbeing. It starts early in September, so we’re letting you

know well ahead of time!

WHEN: Orientation on Friday 6 September. 8 x Friday afternoons between 2.30pm - 4.30pm

WHERE: Brighthelm Centre, North Road, Brighton, BN1 1YD.

COST: A small contribution is asked for to help with running costs & to help fund further

courses/drop ins. Waged - £40. Unwaged - £20.

Funding from Scope’s local people programme has enabled the availability of

bursaries for those who have a limited budget.

ACCESS: The centre is fully accessible & there is free parking & is also on main bus routes.

If you are interested and can commit to 8 consecutive Friday afternoons (excluding Easter), please

get in touch to discuss any adaptations or needs you have, or if you want to ask about a bursary.

E: info@hellomindful.co.uk / T: Claire 07558 133039 / F: https://bit.ly/2GBqZy2

Natural Retreat Days For Unpaid Mental Health Carers

Grow welcomes people from all over Sussex to get outdoors, reconnect with nature and improve

their wellbeing.

Since 2018, Grow has provided some regular bi-monthly sessions for unpaid mental health carers.

These sessions offer valuable respite to those who carry out such a vital role.

The next course is Tuesday 6 August.

To find out more including where, access and cost, please get in touch with Jane at

janehowardchangesahead@gmail.com, phone Jo on 07557 501557 or visit

www.GrowingWellbeing.org.uk

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Shhhhh! Quiet At The Aquarium

Want to explore the aquarium at Sea Life Brighton without the worry of

busy crowds, bright lights or loud noises?

Then this evening for people with Sensory Processing Disorders (SPD)

could be for you.

The centre is keeping its doors open an hour later than usual and managing any potentially

stressful factors, so that guests who may normally find visiting the aquarium overwhelming can

enjoy the wonders of the sea.

Music and televisions will be switched off, crowds will be kept to a minimum and a sensory calm

room will be available. All staff will be fully briefed on how to make the underwater experience

stress free and enjoyable for their guests.

Important information:

You MUST pre-book and pre-pay for this event via the website at https://bit.ly/32WOawi

Anyone without a booking will not be granted entry. Use code 'Quiet'.

Individuals with SPD are allowed to bring no more than 2 guests with them.

The guest with SPD must bring an official diagnosis, fit note or other proof of specific SPD

difficulties. Any guests without this will not be permitted entry.

The event is capped at 100 people. If you have booked a space but are unable to come,

please release your tickets through the Eventbrite page so others can use them.

Please be aware, that there has to be at least one guest with SPD in your group or you will

be refused entry.

WHEN: Saturday 17 August from 5pm-6pm

WHERE: SEA LIFE, Marine Parade, Brighton BN2 1TB

COST: Entry is £10 per person, however, guests with SPD are allowed one free carer each.

ACCESS: Access entrance located through an underpass from the beach that can be accessed

via the ramp down to the beach. The underpass leads out into the court yard.

Accessible toilet. For your specific access needs, visit

https://www.accessable.co.uk/venues/sea-life-brighton

Find out more: W: https://bit.ly/32WOawi

E: brightonsealifecentre@merlinentertainments.biz / T: 0871 226 6780

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Putting Ourselves In The Picture

This summer everyone will have the opportunity to be creative at

Fabrica, Brighton’s Centre for Contemporary Art.

Throughout August, the gallery will be operating an accessible artist

studio so that everyone who wants to can produce an artwork.

There will also be a small temporary gallery space alongside the studio, for the presentation of

some of these works. At the heart of this exhibition is the question ‘who gets to create art and

whose work is selected and therefore validated for public view?’ There will be space and materials

for those who want to work alone or as part of a group - so just drop in and be part of the

experiment.

WHEN: Wed - Sat until 26 August from 1pm-6 pm: Sun & Bank Holidays from 2pm-6 pm

WHERE: Fabrica, 40 Duke Street, Brighton, UK, BN1 1AG

COST: Free

ACCESS:

The entrance on Duke Street has a wheelchair accessible ramp.

There is some slightly uneven floor surface due to the historic building having a mixture of

wooden and stone flooring, but it is minimal.

Accessible toilets.

If you need information in large print, please ask a member of staff

During the "Putting Ourselves in the Picture" exhibition, the gallery will also provide a quiet

space, ear defenders and a changing space.

Find out more: E: office@fabrica.org.uk / T: 01273 778 646 / W: https://bit.ly/2JqBTbz

Visability Arts Launch Week

Visability Arts’ mission is to support artists living with invisible illnesses or disabilities, conditions or

neuro-divergences, and create a nurturing environment for artists to be able to exhibit and sell

their work to the public. By asking their vendors what they need at an event, Visability Arts found

out that people really wanted a quiet space to take a break through the day. So a private room has

been arranged for vendors, with soft lighting and teas and coffees available. Others were worried

about their physical ability to set up, sell all day and take their stall down again. So the room has

been booked for a couple of hours the evening before the event to allow people to set up some of

what they might need the day before.

WHEN: Friday 9 August at 10.30am – Wednesday 14 August at 6pm (contact organisers for

Sunday times)

WHERE: Fishing Quarter Gallery, 201 Kings Rd Arches, Brighton, BN1 1NB

COST: Free

ACCESS: Please contact the organisers.

Find out more: T: 07944 750 462 / W: https://visabilityarts.wordpress.com

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Pom Pom Workshop!

Come and create the perfect pom poms with the Close Knit team. You can make a collection of

earrings, keyrings or accessorise your favourite bag. Close Knit will have a pom pom station and

everything you need to pom pom up your life. So grab a pal, a ticket and make your perfect pom

poms!

Close Knit Promotions runs and curates events that aim to foster close-knit relationships with

marginalized groups and encourage the importance of accessible arts.

WHEN: Thursday 29 August from 7pm–9pm

WHERE: Marwood Bar and Coffeehouse, 52 Ship Street, Brighton BN1 1AF

COST: Tiered ticket system built on trust, so please buy the ticket you can afford. Included

in the price of the ticket is all of the materials and a glass of prosecco.

£2 Unwaged

£3 Concession (zero hours/minimum wage workers, NHS workers, people having a

hard time and students)

£5 Full Price

ACCESS: Please contact the organisers.

All proceeds go towards EmbraceAbility, a charity dedicated to improving the lives of disabled

children in Cambodia.

Find out more and get your tickets:

E: jodielemarrec@embraceability.org.uk /

F: https://www.facebook.com/events/338726783706570/

Fancy Taking Part In A Triatholon?

Then the Superhero Series could be for you! The Superhero Series is the

UK’s only disability sports challenge provider where people with

disabilities call the shots and don’t have to worry about cut-off times or

equipment restrictions.

For all the sporting challenges, you can either fly solo or team up with

family and friends to do as much or as little as you wish, with as much or

as little support as you need. If you want flippers or floats in the water or

need to use your powerchair, the Superhero team make it possible. In fact, they say that as far as

they’re concerned, anything goes. The next Superhero Tri is on 17 August in Windsor – not local,

but we’ve included it for all of you who love a sporting challenge!

Find out more: T: 01306 627301 / E: hello@superheroseries.com

W: http://superheroseries.co.uk

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Memories Of The Royal Sussex County Hospital? Love Drawing?

Then join graphic novelist and storyteller Daniel Locke for a drawing, reminiscence and storytelling

workshop this summer. Share your memories of the Royal Sussex County Hospital and learn how

to recreate them as your own beautiful illustrations. Maybe you were born at the hospital or had a

baby there, visited a family member, worked - or still work - there or were a patient in the past?

Daniel will introduce you to the techniques of making a graphic novel through hands-on drawing

and collage.

Or, if you simply want to share your story, bring along your memories, including photos or other

memorabilia if you like, and share with the group for a special new heritage project, The Crucible,

which collects memories and stories about Royal Sussex County Hospital.

WHEN: Wednesday 28 August from 1pm - 4pm

WHERE: The Hop 50+, Palmeira Square, Hove BN3 2FL

COST: Free. Tea, coffee, soft drinks and cake provided

ACCESS: Fully accessible.

To take part: visit https://bit.ly/2ZiKany, email info@the-nimbus-group.com or call 01273 233847.

Find out more: www.thecrucible.org.uk

GIG Meeting Dates For 2019

All meetings will take place at the Friends Meeting House, Ship Street, Brighton,

BN1 1AF from 2pm – 4.30pm unless otherwise stated.

Thursday 3 October

Wednesday 13 November

Christmas Social – date TBC

The Get Involved Group Contact Info:

Email: gig@possabilitypeople.org.uk

Phone: 01273 20 89 34

Text: 07394 56 55 03

Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/PossabilityPeopleGIG