Peterborough Disability Forum: Addressing Accessibility Challenges

Proposals for the new Station Quarter were on the agenda for the Peterborough Disability Forum’s first meeting of 2024, which took place on Monday 9 January. Representatives of Peterborough City Council and PCC Chief Executive Matt Gladstone attended the meeting, alongside members of Peterborough’s voluntary and community sector organisations.

After the meeting forum chair Michelle King, CEO of local charity Little Miracles, said

We are delighted to be involved in a collaborative effort between the Peterborough Disability Forum and the Peterborough Local Authority in addressing the accessibility challenges faced by our members, particularly in regards to the proposed Station Quarter. In these early planning stages, we look forward to a promising partnership aimed at enhancing the city's infrastructure.

Together with the local council, we are committed to creating a more accessible Peterborough that caters to the diverse needs of all residents, including the 35,180 people living with a disability. This initiative marks a significant step towards a more inclusive and welcoming community for everyone.

Facilitated by Peterborough Council for Voluntary Services (PCVS), Michelle chairs the forum alongside Sandie Burns MBE of Disability Peterborough who is vice-chair. Forum members meet regularly to share, discuss and act on issues affecting disabled people, their families, and carers.

Peterborough Disability Forum is open to local VCS groups and city-based charities with an interest in disability issues. It is one of five voluntary and community sector forums that PCVS facilitates though the Recovery Project funded by The National Lottery Community Fund. To find out more, email communities@pcvs.co.uk or call the PCVS office on 01733 342683.

ENDS