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:
Independent living, housing and specialist supported housing
Carer support, employment support, peer support, one to one support
Information and advice, campaigning and awareness
Healthy living, sport, social activities, accessible transport, art and wellbeing
Advocacy

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:
Groups and organisations run by and controlled by Disabled people
Organisations commissioned or funded to provide services for Disabled people, including support to live independently, housing or employment support
Local groups which run social and other activities
Local support groups that are part of large, national charities for people with specific impairments or conditions
Disability sport organisations
Third sector organisations that support a range of people or communities, and which have specific regard for people with physical and sensory impairments

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

PSI Info and Strategy Meeting: Tuesday, 20 May, 1 – 3 pm
PSI Info and Strategy Meeting: Thursday, 25 September, 1 – 3 pm

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.

2025 Meetings

PSI Network 20 May Meeting Notes
PSI Network 13 February Meeting Notes

2024 Meetings

PSI Network 30 October Meeting Notes
PSI Network 6 August Meeting Notes
PSI Network 17 April Meeting Notes
PSI Network 20 February Meeting Notes

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.

Information & Resources

International Day of Disabled People
Leeds for All working group terms of reference
Leeds city centre traffic restrictions map and parking map for blue badge holders – 2022
Healthwatch Leeds Visual Impairment Report
PSI Network Research School of Geography April 2017 (PDF)
Research report into Third Sector Disability Organisations, carried out on behalf of the PSI Network by a final year student at the School of Geography, University of Leeds.
PSI Feel Connected Loneliness Event Report (4 December 2018)
PSI Feel Connected Loneliness Event Large Print Report (4 December 2018)
Social Model of Disability: Language | Disability Rights UK

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.

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

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.
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