Two pioneering organisations providing vital, tailored services to thousands of vulnerable people have been jointly crowned Home Improvement Agency Service of the Year.

West of England (WE) Care & Repair and Millbrook Healthcare received their awards from Lord Best at a ceremony held at the House of Lords and sponsored by Pro Care, Whale Pumps and Mira Showers.

The annual Home Improvement Agency and Handyperson Award Winners, organised by Foundations, celebrate work by 200 social value driven organisations throughout England that provide adaptations and other services designed to help disabled and older people live independently in their own homes.

The South West is full of wonderful heritage places to explore, from caves to historic houses and sweeping landscapes. According to the Papworth Trust, disabled adults in the North and South West report the highest number of life areas (education and leisure) where participation is restricted.  Despite the efforts of museums, galleries and other leisure attractions, feedback from disabled and Deaf people suggests there is more that can be done to make these places more accessible. 

Abacus Healthcare will be demonstrating its popular Gemini power assisted platform bath and offering the chance to win a new ‘Tiny the Turtle’ cuddly toy at Rise 4 Disability. 

 7th September: Rise 4 Disability, Stand C7, Kent Showground, Maidstone, ME14 3JF, 10am - 4pm, free admission.

This October, Breast Cancer Now is encouraging workplaces across the UK to dig out their pink glad rags for their flagship fundraiser, wear it pink, on Friday 20 October.

Wear it pink, the UK’s biggest pink fundraiser which takes place during October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, calls on employees to ditch their everyday uniforms and workwear and pull on some pink to raise money for Breast Cancer Now’s life-saving breast cancer research. 

The fundraising event, back for its 16th year, encourages workers to wear pink on Friday 20 October and make a donation to the charity to help it achieve its aim that by 2050 nobody will die from the disease. 

A military veteran and rifleman from Clevedon, Bristol who suffered extreme and life changing injuries after a motorcycling accident now aims to race at the ‘deadly’ Isle of Man TT in 2023. Chris Ganley, 28, hopes to make history by being the first to race at the TT with only one arm.

During the accident, Chris’ left arm was ripped off and his right arm was broken so badly that the doctors questioned whether to rebuild the arm or to amputate it. He says, “my injuries were horrific. In addition to losing my left arm and coming close to losing my right, I also broke my spine in three places which has left me with nerve damage and weak muscles in my core and back.

“I also suffered a bleed on my brain, broken ribs and popped lung – I’m very lucky to be alive.”

Two siblings are celebrating a decade of being in the saddle, thanks to an inspirational riding programme that opened the door to a fantastic new opportunity. 

Accessibility Mark centres are assisting charities to inspire disabled people to participate in new activities, helping them to realise their potential and succeed beyond their perceived limitations.

Riding for the Disabled Association, in partnership with the British Equestrian Federation’s participation programme, launched the revolutionary Accessibility Mark scheme to work with commercial riding centres with the aim of getting more disabled people to participate in riding.

For some this opportunity ignites a passion that leads to more than just attending a riding centre for an occasional group lesson.

If you're looking for an accessible day out in the North of England, you won't find many better regions to visit than County Durham. The area is a treasure trove of activities that are both fun and educational, with plenty to do and see.

To help you plan your trip, we've listed our five favourite accessible attractions in the county, with something to suit everyone. Read on to find out more.

Hall Hill Farm

Who'll love it: Younger visitors and animal lovers.

Hall Hill Farm is a fantastic day out for the whole family, with plenty of animals to pet and feed, as well as a host of activities to take part in.

Service users and staff members at Care Management Group (CMG), a leading provider of specialist residential care, supported living services and domiciliary care for people with learning disabilities, joined together at CMG’s Lilliputs Day Centre in Hornchurch to celebrate the organisations unique, annual ‘Service User Conference’.

Attended by over 300 members of staff and service users, the event provided a brilliant opportunity to join together in fun filled activities and entertainment.

-          Hebden Bridge’s Steve Bate MBE will attempt the feat on a ‘fat bike’, the first time this has ever been done
 
-          The 39-year-old, who only has 6% of his vision remaining, will lead a group of ten cyclists who are raising money for national disability charity Sense