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Disability Equality Commission
Bristol is recruiting a Chair for the new Disability Equality Commission, which is being established in recognition of the inequalities faced by Disabled people in the city.
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Once appointed, the Chair will lead the establishment, development, and delivery of the new mayoral commission.
The Commission aims to make a difference to the lives of Disabled people in Bristol through its work to embed disability equality in policy and practice across the city.
Deputy Mayor Asher Craig, Chair of the Disability Equality Commission Steering Group said: “We want to build a more inclusive city to improve the lives and opportunities of all Disabled people. The commission is being set up because we recognise the negative impact that COVID-19 has had on Disabled people who already experience inequalities in transport, employment, housing, and social care support.” The commission will hold focus groups with Disabled people in Bristol. The information gathered will feed into the development of a strategic plan to tackle disability inequality in Bristol, influence future decisions and recommendations to the Mayor and One City boards.
Kelvin Blake, Chair of the West of England Centre for Inclusive Living (WECIL) and member of the Disability Equality Commission Steering Group said: “It is really important that we talk to diverse and under-represented Disabled people about their experiences, to understand the issues that affect their lives and what they feel the priorities are for them.
“We want the whole city to be involved so we can start a more inclusive conversation about disability. There will be discussions about current government policies, choice, how to empower communities and build effective partnerships with stakeholders and service providers across the city.”
Applications from Disabled people from all backgrounds are welcome. Applications close Thursday 22 July. More details can be found on the website Apply - Disability Equality Commission Chair - bristol.gov.uk.
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Free school meal vouchers and activities
Families who are eligible for free school meals (FSM) are being offered extra support over the six-week school summer holiday period. Bristol City Council is working with partners across the city offering a programme of support for families this summer, including access to free holiday activities and FSM vouchers.
Families who currently receive benefit-related FSM will be given £15 vouchers per week per eligible child (£90 in total) to cover the whole six-week summer holiday period. Vouchers can be used at supermarkets including Aldi, Tesco and Sainsburys.
Vouchers are being distributed via childminders, early years settings, schools, academies, and further education establishments, not Bristol City Council.
Families who receive benefits-related FSM are also eligible for the Your Holiday Hub (YHH) summer activity programme. Over 80 organisations and providers in Bristol have already received funding to deliver over 1,500 sessions across the city.
Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol said: “We know that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on Bristol’s children and young people. School closures, isolation and separation from family members and friends has disproportionally affected our city’s most vulnerable children and young people. “Our programme of support, which includes covering the six week summer break with FSM vouchers and the Your Holiday Hub programme, is an opportunity to help families rebuild our children and young people’s confidence and social skills through play, sport, adventure, and friendship.”
YHH activities, including sport, drama, and cookery, will be taking place in schools, community centres and open spaces across this city this summer. The programme is free for those children taking part and includes a nutritious meal.
Councillor Helen Godwin, Cabinet Lead for Families, Education and Women said: “The summer holiday period can be a challenging time for all families, which is why we have put together this programme to help those who really need it. We have also put together a resource for all the activities that are taking place across the city for all Bristol families to use.”
Summer holiday activities for all families can be found here: Synergy - Enquiry (servelec-synergy.com) Dan White CEO of the Robins foundation, one of the largest YHH providers said: “We are delighted to partner with the Bristol City Council on the YHH programme. We know first-hand the impact COVID-19 has had on young people, in particular those who live in areas of deprivation. “Being able to provide free food and activities for them over the summer holiday period will channel their energy into positive activity and support their families with meals that they would normal rely on the schools for.” The YHH programme is funded by the Department for Education (DfE) through the Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) grant. Local Authorities in England have been allocated funding based on the number of FSM students in their local area.
Bristol City Council is working closely with the Bristol Association of Neighbourhood Day-care, Playful Bristol, Feeding Bristol and Fareshare to coordinate the YHH summer 2021 programme of fun and engaging activities for children and young people in Bristol. For more information visit the Bristol City Council website Find a holiday activity in your area - bristol.gov.uk
