A note from the BDEF staff and Trustees
As October brings cooler days and the changing colours of autumn, October is also carrying on the big changes at BDEF! Thanks to everyone who has helped bring our new branding, website and social media to life.
We're also launching a more regular programme of activities, so keep an eye out for ways to get involved.Thank you for being part of our community and enjoy this newsletter.
Don't forget to check out our new website and social media for events, updates and our new resource hub for Disabled people and those working alongside Disabled people.
BDEF news
Recruiting a Treasurer
We are also currently seeking a voluntary Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees.
We're looking for someone with finance, accounting, bookkeeping and/or auditing experience who would like to use their skills to support a Disabled people-led organisation making a difference across Bristol.
Funding and Consultancy
Laura’s Legacy is a new annual micro-grant scheme launching in January 2027, funded by a gift left to BDEF by former Forum Manager Laura Welti. The fund will support Disabled people-led groups and organisations, whether new or established. To find out more, contact us.
We have also launched Inclusive Futures through which we offer training and support with consultation or engagement activities.
Events and opportunities
Planning to attend one of our meetings? Please sign up in advance so we can make sure your access needs are met.
Find all our upcoming events, including our 'Being Heumann' film showing and panel at Watershed and more, on our events page!
Have your say
Help a PhD student
Josie (a PhD student at University of Southampton and a Bristol resident) is carrying out interviews with women living in or around Bristol who have experienced a heatwave in the UK.
Participants will receive a £25 voucher. Get in touch with Josie if interested at [email protected]
What's your experience of heatwaves?
Disability Rights UK have launched a survey on heatwaves and Disabled people covering how heatwaves affect all areas of Disabled people's lives.
BSL and Easy Read versions also available.
Park Quality Plan for Bristol
Your Park Bristol & Bath are developing a new Park Quality Plan for Bristol and want to hear from people so that local people can share what matters most to them and how they would want to be involved.
They are holding meetings on 17 October at The Park Centre, Knowle West and 23 October at Pavey House, Clifton. Everyone who attends gets a £30 voucher.
Community events
Music meet ups
Hard of Hearing Support Group
Centre for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People are running a Hard of Hearing Support Group on 21 October at 36 The Horsefair, BS1 3JE.
Music meet ups
Drake Music are running weekly Platform Ensemble and Platform Music meet ups for Disabled adults at Beacon Music Hub in Southmead every Friday and have spaces for new members.
Find out more by emailing Louise at [email protected].
Sense Arts music sessions
Sense Arts are running inclusive music sessions on 9 and 16 October at Vassall Centre.
Inclusive Education webinar
BRIL presents an ALLFIE workshop on Inclusive Education on 21 October at 2pm to 4pm.
BSL taster sessions
Centre for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People are running BSL Taster Sessions on 29 October, 5 November and 19 November.
Community news
Brigstowe
Brigstowe is a a Bristol-based charity that supports people living with or affected by HIV.
They are recruiting for new Trustees, particularly looking for people of African and Caribbean heritage to join.
Learning Disability England
Learning Disability England is running a project to improve cancer care for people with learning disabilities from Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic communities.
They are looking for people to join their working group which will be paid. If you're interested, get in touch with Annabelle!
Forest of Avon Trust
The Forest of Avon Trust is looking for new trustees.
Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust
Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust (an organisation we work closely with at BDEF) in Bristol are currently fundraising to open a new community cafe in Lockleaze.
