We are a group made of local people that are concerned about the area we live in and how it effects other disabled people. Most of our members are disabled and give some of their spare time volunteering to help other disabled people.
Our aim (see our Mission Statement below) is to assist disabled persons to have equality of access. We work with various organisations, including the local Council planning department directly and via our subgroup the Access and Planning Review Forum (APRF). The subgroup is a public meeting held at least once month. Along side the LBBD Access Officer and assistant Access Officer, we examine plans to help ensure they meet the law and disabled persons needs.
The work we do has a significant influence on local planning issues. Shops, schools, pavements, even paperwork etc. have all been made more accessible for disabled people to use independently as a direct result of the work we do.
Disabled people are of course our main concern, however many other people benefit from the improvements we recommend. A ramp can equally help a person in a wheelchair or a parent with a pushchair. It's likely that at least one person you know and care about has been helped by the work we have done. That work could have a direct effect on you, a member of your family or your friends.
Everyday we make a difference for everyone in our borough. You can make a difference too. You can join us and help make Barking and Dagenham a better borough for thousands of disabled people. It will cost nothing except a little of your time.
We always welcome input and new ideas related to access and disability. We can use volunteers for as little as 2-3 hours per month or more if you want. So if you feel like volunteering please contact us or come and see us at the next Access and Planning Review Forum meeting.
How our funds are spent
APRF dates
Access and Planning Review Forum meet the 2nd Tuesday of each month at Barking Town Hall:
4:30pm to 7pm
To assist disabled persons by the promotion of physical access and access to facilities and services for all members of the community in Barking and Dagenham. Thereby promoting independence and empowerment of disabled people.
