A note from the BDEF staff team and trustees
As the seasons begin to change and we head into autumn, we know that this time of year can bring different opportunities and challenges for Disabled people.
We're excited to share our new website, which brings together useful resources, updates, and ways to get involved with BDEF and the wider Disabled community.
We encourage you to have a look and explore what’s available. You may find exactly the support, activity, or connection you need for the months ahead.
Thank you for being part of our community, and we hope you enjoy this edition of the newsletter.
The total BDEF Rebrand!
As voted for by you, our new branding has landed.
As part of our rebrand, we have completely redone our social media and website.
Our new website includes our live events page and a resources hub with useful links forDisabled people in Bristol.
BDEF Annual Members and Community Survey
An opportunity to feedback about your experience and tell us where to go next.
This survey is a chance to shape the work that BDEF does and to give us any feedback good or bad.
You also have an option to enter a prize draw where 3x £20 All in OneGift Card (covering supermarkets, restaurants, shops and more) can be won!
You can find versions of each survey to return to us in your envelope. Our address is BDEF Office, Easton Community Centre, Bristol, BS5 6AW.
Events and Opportunities
We encourage you to sign up in advance if you are planning to attend our meetings so we can make sure we can meet your access needs.
You can either sign up on our website or contact us and we can sign you up on our end.
Roll 'n' Stroll in Vassals Park
Join us for our quarterly accessible Roll and Stroll around Vassall's Park in Oldbury Court Estate on 17 September 2026.
Connecting Voices, Shaping Services
A series of information sessions to find out how you can get involved in shaping Adult Social Care services in Bristol.
Report Launch: Reality of Disability Hate in Bristol 2026
Bringing together community members, partners and organisations across Bristol to understand what the reality is for Disabled people in Bristol on 15 October.
Creative Wellbeing Workshops
A regular creative group where Disabled people can come together, make art, share ideas, learn from one another and build connections.
Members Forum: Let's Talk Housing
On 14 October, we have the space to chat all things BDEF plus our main focus this month is Housing. What are your experiences as Disabled person with housing in Bristol?
Community news
Timms Review of Personal Independence Payment: interim report
An update from the co-chairs of the Timms Review, Sharon Brennan, Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE and the Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms.
Easton and Lawrence Hill survey
Easton and Lawrence Hill are creating a Community-Led Nature Plan for their neighbourhoods.
Bread and Roses survey
The Bread & Roses project are running a survey on 'Disability, Rest & Free Time'.
Fill in the Bread and Roses surveyThey are also running group sessions to discuss this topic throughout Autumn 2026. Participants will receive a £40 Love2Shop voucher.
Talk to Healthwatch
Healthwatch would like to hear from Disabled people who are council or social housing tenants living in South Gloucestershire about their home adaptations.
Avon Fire and Rescue Service survey
Avon Fire & Rescue Service want to hear directly from communities about the risks they see or experience in their local areas.
Avon Fire and Rescue Service surveyBristol events
Where's Wa11y - Disability & Neurodiversity comedy night: 24 Sept and 26Nov 2026, The Snug at Tobacco Factory.
Seen Sisters Autumn Tea & Crafts: 1 October 2026, 4–6pm, The Beehive Centre, Bristol. Their last social of the year!
A new performance by Jamie Hamilton and the Phaedra Ensemble, exploring the territory between spoken language and musical sound, through the stammered voice: 10 October 2026, 7.30 - 8.30pm, Arnolfini Theatre.
(Ongoing) Wobbly Socials is a Bristol-based non-profit creating welcoming, low-pressure social spaces for adults aged 18 to 65 who feel “wobbly” about socialising.
A new mobility app
Check out the recently launched Mobility Mapper which is a free app for users of wheelchairs, mobility, scooters, adapted cycles, tricycles, and other wheeled mobility devices.
The app gathers real-world data by recording wheelers’ journeys, building a growing map of Britain's streets that show which routes are genuinely passable for people using wheeled mobility devices.
