Physical Sensory Impairment Network
About The Physical and Sensory Impairment Network
The Physical and Sensory Impairment Network supports third sector organisations that work to improve the lives of Disabled people with physical and sensory impairments or long-term conditions in Leeds.
We promote the social model of disability, and the inclusion, independence and equality of Disabled people.

Physical and sensory impairment include, for example: long-term physical conditions, hearing impairments, visual impairments and mobility impairments
Our member organisations support people through a variety of different ways, including:
Our member organisations support people through a variety of different ways, including:
What we do
We work to ensure that our members are involved in strategic planning and the development of services for Disabled people.
We encourage partnership between agencies and across sectors, and provide information to third sector organisations to support them in delivering high-quality services.
We hold networking events, run consultations, and communicate local and national news amongst our members. Our member organisations are at the heart of everything that we do. They are a mixture of:
We encourage partnership between agencies and across sectors, and provide information to third sector organisations to support them in delivering high-quality services.
We hold networking events, run consultations, and communicate local and national news amongst our members. Our member organisations are at the heart of everything that we do. They are a mixture of:
Contact Us
If you’re looking for more information, get in touch with Helen Brand.
Network Meetings
We hold regular physical and sensory impairment information and strategy sessions open to everyone with an interest in the disability third sector. These meetings are an opportunity to network, get the latest strategic updates and hear from guest speakers. If you would like to attend a meeting please email us.
Upcoming Meeting Dates
Previous Meetings
Notes from previous Information and Strategy Network Meetings are available to view as Google Docs below.
Please email hello@forumcentral.org.uk for previous meeting notes not listed below.
For more information, please contact Helen Brand at helen.brand@forumcentral.org.uk.
Please email hello@forumcentral.org.uk for previous meeting notes not listed below.
For more information, please contact Helen Brand at helen.brand@forumcentral.org.uk.
2025 Meetings
2024 Meetings
International Day of Disabled People – Leeds For All
The Leeds International Day of Disabled People 2024 Marketplace Event is on Tuesday 3 December at Leeds City Museum from 11 AM to 3 PM. The theme is ‘Advocating for Accessibility’.

The PSI Network has played an integral role in Leeds’ celebration of International Day of Disabled People (IDODP), also known as International Day of People With Disabilities (IDPWD). This is a globally recognised day observed annually on 3 December. The aim of the day is to raise awareness and promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilise support for dignity, rights and wellbeing of Disabled people.
Leeds has marked IDODP in a variety of ways since 2019. The ‘Leeds for All’ group brings together VCSE organisations, Forum Central and Leeds City Council’s Disability Hub to help organise the celebration.
View the reports and highlights videos and find out all about the events and activities which have taken place.
Leeds has marked IDODP in a variety of ways since 2019. The ‘Leeds for All’ group brings together VCSE organisations, Forum Central and Leeds City Council’s Disability Hub to help organise the celebration.
View the reports and highlights videos and find out all about the events and activities which have taken place.
Information & Resources
Representation
We work to ensure that third sector disability organisations are involved, along with the rest of the health and care sector, in major strategic developments that go beyond our specialist areas. It is important that disability organisations have a voice in this work.
Our members and the Forum Central team also take up opportunities to represent the third sector at boards, meetings and steering groups on issues that affect Disabled people, such as transport, housing and employment.
Our members and the Forum Central team also take up opportunities to represent the third sector at boards, meetings and steering groups on issues that affect Disabled people, such as transport, housing and employment.
Better Lives Board
The Board oversees and provides leadership for the implementation of Adults and Health’s Better Lives Programme.
Chair: Phil Gleeson, Leeds Involving People and Volition Trustee
Forum Central Representation: Helen Brand, PSI Development Worker
Chair: Phil Gleeson, Leeds Involving People and Volition Trustee
Forum Central Representation: Helen Brand, PSI Development Worker
Inclusion for All Action Group
This group, chaired by Healthwatch Leeds, was established in November 2019 and aims to bring together representatives from health and care organisations across the city to address the effective implementation of the Accessible Information Standard, which became law in 2016 and makes accessibility a legal requirement for particular.
Aiming to provide energy, ideas, actions to making health and care services in Leeds accessible for all communities. Focusing on actions and moving this important agenda forward, with commitments to taking actions individually, within own organisations and collectively as a city.
The group was established, following findings and recommendations from the Visual Impairments Snapshot report which Healthwatch Leeds produced in 2019.
Aiming to provide energy, ideas, actions to making health and care services in Leeds accessible for all communities. Focusing on actions and moving this important agenda forward, with commitments to taking actions individually, within own organisations and collectively as a city.
The group was established, following findings and recommendations from the Visual Impairments Snapshot report which Healthwatch Leeds produced in 2019.