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Hello,
At SGDEN, we are always keen to provide a platform for local disability groups to share what they have been doing and events that they are running. If you would like us to share your story or event in the newsletter, please send details to news@sgden.org.uk indicating if your event is fully accessible.
Best wishes
Sarah
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SGDEN September Newsletter
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SGDEN NEWS
Fundraise for us this October – Firewalk opportunity
We Need You – Our Chair, Berkeley Wilde Stepping Down
Can’t Wait Scheme – Open To Individuals, Businesses and Communities
Experiencing Inequality? We Want To Hear From You.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Have your say on the WECA rail accessibility survey
Launch of ‘Your Voice’ Community Meetings
NEWS & OPPORTUNITIES
Citizens Advice – Advice ahead of the 2% energy price cap rise
BT – Digital Voice Support
Hate Crime – What Is It And How Do You Report It
Sight Support – Free Support for visually impaired and their families
SGC – Help to apply for a Diamond Travelcard – are you eligible?
WorkWell West – Support if your health is affecting your work
National Highways – M4 closure planned for October
Warmley Wheelers – October opening hours
VOLUNTEERING AND PAID ROLES
Volunteer for us and find out about other opportunities
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Fundraise for SGDEN this October!
Fancy an Unforgettable Challenge! 🔥
FIREWALK FUNDRAISER
Saturday, 11th October 2025, 6 – 8pm. Buy your ticket for just £20 and help raise vital funds for SGDEN!
When booking, don’t forget to select SGDEN in the ticket section to ensure your donation supports our work directly!
Scan the QR code on the poster or click here to sign up!
Thank you for supporting SGDEN – we can’t wait to see you there!
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It’s a voluntary role starting January 2026 and you will have plenty of support along the way. Lived experience of disability is very welcome but not essential.
Most of all, we’re looking for someone who believes in what we do and wants to help lead the way.
Please get in touch to express your interest or to find out more by emailing info@sgden.org.uk.
*This is a volunteer role*
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Call for New SGDEN Chair
Do you care about making South Gloucestershire more accessible and inclusive for disabled people? Are you a natural communicator, a good listener, or someone who’s great at organising? Then we’d love to hear from you!
South Glos Disability Network is on the hunt for a new Chair to help steer our group into the future. You don’t need lots of experience – just passion, energy, and a real commitment to disability rights.
As Chair, you’ll help run friendly quarterly meetings, keep things moving behind the scenes, and work with a lovely bunch of volunteers and community partners. We’re about championing disabled voices, sharing information, and making change happen.
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Can’t wait scheme
Do you know of any businesses/venues that would be interested in joining the Can’t Wait scheme? Please do let them know about it and they can get in touch for more information by visiting our website or emailing info@sgden.org.uk.
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We want to hear about your experiences of inequality in South Gloucestershire
- Do you have experiences that highlight issues in the area?
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Please email your thoughts and comments to info@sgden.org.uk and we will include your feedback in our discussions with the Council and other community groups.
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The rail accessibility survey is open until Monday 20 October. It can be found here.
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Have your say on the WECA rail accessibility survey.
The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority has launched a rail accessibility survey.
They want to make rail travel in the West of England accessible to everyone. WECA are looking to identify improvements which would have most impact, making it easier to travel.
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The meeting for Yate and Cotswold Edge will be on Monday 13 October from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall. To find out more, visit the website.
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Launch of ‘Your Voice’ Community Meetings
Have your say, share your ideas and raise any concerns about your community at the first of our new Your Voice meetings for Yate and Cotswold Edge.
Split into three sessions including a market place of information stands, roundtable discussions and a community talk, they create an informal space for conversations between communities, the council and other key partners.
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To register your interest in speaking with Marion, please fill in the online form via the button below and we’ll get back to you.
To find out more contact: 0808 278 7947. Or book an appointment by clicking here.
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Need advise ahead of the 2% price cap rise on 1st October?
This is the perfect time to speak to Citizens Advice specialist energy Adviser Marion – who can let you know whether you would be better off switching provider or moving to a fixed tariff.
Telephone appointments last usually no more than half an hour to an hour, with no need to come to see us for a face-to-face meeting.
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Digital Voice is coming to a town near you
Landlines in the UK are going digital by the end of January 2027. BT would like to talk to you about the UK’s switch to digital landlines and will be visiting local towns and communities near you One of their team will be on hand to tell you what Digital Voice is, why the change is necessary and what it means for you.
You don’t have to pre-book, just turn up.
The drop-in session is on 14th October between 10:00 and 16:00 in the BT Truck, Morrisons Car Park, Station Road, Yate, Bristol BS37 5PW. For more information, visit www.bt.com/digitalvoice
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Contact SARI (Stand Against Racism & Inequality) at 0117 942 0060 for direct help and support. You can also report incidents anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or contact the Stop Hate UK helpline on 0800 138 1625 for 24/7 support.
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National Hate Crime Week 11th – 18th October 2025
A hate crime is when someone commits a crime against you because of your disability, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, religion, sex or any other perceived difference.
Hate crimes can include:
Cyberbullying, offensive letters or text messages (hate mail) or phone calls. It can also mean offensive leaflets and posters, physical attacks such as assaults, including sexual harassment, threats of an attack, vandalism, criminal damage, graffiti, or arson, verbal abuse or abusive gestures.
Click here to report to the police.
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You can contact them with questions big or small – from understanding your eye condition to managing day-to-day tasks, exploring assistive technology or finding emotional support.
Visit the website for more information.
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Are you living with sight loss?
Sight Support is a local charity working with blind and visually impaired people and their families. They can tailor information and advice to you.
If you or someone you know is living with sight loss, they can help. Whether you’ve just been diagnosed or have been living with sight loss for some time, the team is ready to provide friendly, expert support.
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Help to apply for a Diamond Travelcard – are you eligible?
Drop into a One Stop Shops in Kingswood, Patchway or Yate and get help in applying for a Diamond Travel bus pass. Bring a form of ID and proof of your South Gloucestershire address.
Find out more here.
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Is Your Health Affecting Your Work?
Work Well West offers a helping hand if your health is affecting your work. A friendly coach gives free personalised support, advice and guidance at a pace you’re comfortable with. If you are over 16 years old and you have a health issue that affects your ability to work, Work Well want to help.
For more information, email: workwell@bristol.gov.uk, 0117 922 3623 or visit their website.
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M4 Closure between junctions 18 and 19 from 7.00pm on 10th Oct until 6.00am on 13 Oct.
National Highways will be closing the M4 between junctions 18 and 19 from 7pm Friday 10 October to 6am Monday 13 October. They will be lifting eight steel beams into place for the new A432 Badminton Road bridge.
For the latest update, click here.
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Warmley Wheelers – Autumn Opening Hours
Wednesday – Friday: 10:00 – 15:00
First and third Saturday of the month: 10:00 – 13:00
Second and fourth Tuesday of the month: 10:00 – 15:00
Contact: 07587 034 366
warmleywheelers@milestonestrust.org.uk
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Christmas Cheer Project 2025
The project is open for people who are experiencing loneliness and will not be seeing anyone on Christmas Day.
Visit the website for full details and also for eligibility criteria.
Last year they had over 150 volunteers making it happen on December 25th, mostly involved with driving to venue or doing doorstep visits for those unable to come out. They will be needing a similar amount of volunteers again!
Contact: 07566 244 788
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VOLUNTEERING AND JOB OPPORTUNITIES
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VOLUNTEER FOR US!
We are seeking a volunteer to assist with our social media or newsletter. Monthly commitment would be around 6 – 8 hours.
Skills you could develop
Confidence, communication and planning skills, grow your marketing knowledge and social media planning awareness. Skills that could lead to a different career path.
What difference will you make?
Your support will help us reach a wider audience and allow us to share vital information with our members.
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SGDEN NEWSLETTER – Share your news and events
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At SGDEN, we are always keen to provide a platform for local disability groups to share what they have been doing and events that they are running.
If you would like us to share your story or event in the newsletter, please send details to news@sgden.org.uk
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