Month: March 2022

“Then Barbara Met Alan” is a one-off television drama that is to be shown on Monday 21st March at 9pm on BBC 2. 

The programme will tell the true life story of Barbara Lisicki (the UK’s first Disabled female comic) and Alan Holdsworth (also known as musician Johnny Crescendo), two rebellious, punk-inspired performers on the 1980s cabaret scene who met, fell in love and changed the course of civil rights history.

The couple were the force behind the Disabled people’s Direct Action Network (DAN), which successfully got the Conservative government to pass the Disability Discrimination Act in 1995, the abolition of the ITV Telethon, and greater accessibility on public transport.

Written by Jack Thorne (Help, National Treasure) and actress and writer Genevieve Barr, the drama stars Ruth Madeley and newcomer Arthur Hughes as Barbara and Alan, whose brave and well-orchestrated protests pushed Disabled rights into the spotlight. The show will also feature Alan and Barbara themselves,

You can find out more and watch the programme, live or catch up on-demand, on the BBC 2 website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0015p4q. 

You can also read an article on the show from The Guardian here: https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2022/mar/11/then-barbara-met-alan-lets-storm-parliament-the-punks-who-risked-their-lives-to-fix-ableist-britain.

We’ve been asked by Dani Johns, a Bristol comedienne, to promote her new comedy night, which she believes is one of the only fully wheelchair accessible comedy gigs in Bristol.

“ARE YOU HAVING A LAUGH?” is taking place Sunday 10^th April from 7.30pm at North St Standard, Bedminster,  The gig will feature comedy from Dani, Louise Leigh, McClaine Beirne and Andrew White. 

Here is some information on each of the acts:

Dani Johns

The show’s resident MC is born and bred Bristolian Dani.  Described as a “smart, clever pocket rocket of a comedian” whose “sassy delivery captivates every audience member”. Dani is an instantly likeable act with an impressive and increasing list of accolades (BBC New Comedy Award, Funny Women Stage Award, Bath Comedy Festival New Act Competition, Komedia Bath New Act of the Year Award).

Louise Leigh

Award-nominated comedian, Louise brings daftness, deftness and a lot of laughs to stories of midlife, motherhood and middle-class habits.  Russell Kane thinks she’s “hilarious” and you will too. “****A sparky performer, able to energise a room” (The Wee Review).

McClaine Beirne

McClaine has been described as one of the most exciting new comics on the circuit, with a “unique voice and surprising comedic twist”.  On stage, he likes to share his weird thoughts and embarrassing stories, as well as sharing the odd joke or two.

Andrew White (Headliner)

Andrew is a comedian that is not to be missed.  From charity shop rants to stories about growing up gay in rural Salisbury, Andrew has made a reputation for himself with his sharp writing and “rampantly engaging” (The List) performances at some of the country’s top comedy clubs, festivals, and corporate events.

“One of the most talked-about rising star comedians.” Essex Magazine.

“Absolutely brilliant…took the stage by storm,” Wiltshire Live.

“Andrew White’s comedy act is not to be missed!” Daily Record.

Tickets are £7 and doors open at 6pm on the night.  You can book your ticket here: https://www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/#date=2022-04-10&event_id=72628.

North St Standard is an inclusive venue and have excellent wheelchair access.  The main entrance, bar area, performance area (for both acts and audience) and toilets are all wheelchair accessible.

If you have any specific accessibility requirements or questions, please feel free to contact them by telephone: 01179 639223 or email: info@northststandard.co.uk.

NHS England has awarded SignHealth a ground-breaking national contract to provide therapy in BSL!

This NHS contract removes a major barrier to vital mental health support for Deaf people.

Previously, therapy in sign language was often difficult to access through the NHS in England.  Each time a Deaf person was referred for therapy in BSL, it had to be approved for funding first.  Unlike hearing people, who can get an immediate referral for therapy from their GP.  This was unequal treatment and made it more difficult for Deaf people to access vital mental health support.

This new NHS contract automatically funds NHS referrals for Deaf people in England to access therapy in British Sign Language (BSL).

SignHealth has provided a therapy service in British Sign Language (BSL) for over ten years.  They are incredibly proud to have been awarded a national NHS contract to deliver their services.  They will now be able to reach many more Deaf people and support them with managing their mental health.

This is the first time NHS England has awarded a national contract to a Deaf specialist service.  It is a huge step forward for the Deaf community.

Find out more about this news and SignHealth on their website: https://signhealth.org.uk/.

Equipment Service

The Centre for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People (CfD) provide an equipment service for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people living in Bristol.

They have a range of listening equipment, which can help keep Bristol residents independent and improve their quality-of-life through better communication with friends and family. This equipment is provided on long-term loan, funded by Bristol City Council.

To be eligible for free equipment people need to be living within the Bristol City Council boundaries, be Deaf or diagnosed with a Hearing Loss, and be aged 18 or over.

CfD have trained Equipment Officers who can visit people in their homes to assess needs, demonstrate, and install equipment for them. They also provide support for the equipment after it is installed, including repairs, reinstallation after a house move, and training.

The types of equipment they provide include:

a) amplified or flashing doorbells,

b) amplified telephones,

c) TV listening devices,

d) personal listeners,

e) alarm clocks and,

f) baby monitors.

Referrals

The easiest way to refer someone to the equipment service is via a secure online form, which you can find here: cfd.org.uk/equipment-service-referral-form/

You can also contact CfD by phone or email: https://cfd.org.uk/contact/

Monthly Coffee Mornings

CfD run regular coffee mornings every Tuesday on Zoom, as well as face-to-face coffee mornings once a month. Information about this is posted to their Facebook page.