I was disgusted at the lack of services there were for disabled people in the Keighley and Bradford District.

I am a big supporter of equal opportunities, being disabled myself I know how hard it can be to get out and meet new people. Some disabled people that I know and have seen appear to be lacking in confidence. This is where a group like this can help!

The group is for people aged 18 and above with Physical and Learning disabilities. The members of the group meet on a Monday and Friday from 1.00 – 5.00 p.m. at the Keighley Disabled People’s Center. The group aims to provide a social element where by people with disabilities, their parents, carers and friends can meet, communicate, and take part in activities if they wish.

People who attend the sessions have the opportunity to bring issues to the sessions e.g. accessibility issues which may be of importance to them. The group members main aim is to provide awareness around disability.

The group already has formed steering committee and we are now looking for disabled people to form a management committee.

Some of our future plans are as follows:

• To be completely self sufficient by 2008
• Have Funding in place
• Posters in all shops in Keighley and beyond
• Fully operational transport service
• Many members
• Fully operational management committee
• Regular radio broadcasts to raise awareness of group
• Other members to come down and represent group.

I have already tried to promote and advertise the group through the local newspaper, leaflets, posters etc. I have contacted Bradford council, KVS, BACC, Clockhouse, Out There Club, Scope, Keighley Lions, Bradnet, Cliffe Castle, Keighley library Keighley town hall and SCAD, to see if they can offer us any support with the groups development.

I have agreed to help Rachael O’Driscoll facilitate empowerment group meetings every three months in the aim to enable young people with disabilities to have a stronger voice in relation to issues that affect them today but also in their future.