About Us
Through the PSI Network we support third sector organisations that work to improve the lives of disabled people in Leeds.
We promote the social model of disability, and the inclusion, independence and equality of disabled people.
Our Members
The PSI Network CIO has over 50 member organisations, and this number is steadily rising.
Members are:
Third sector organisations
Based in or work in Leeds
Working with or supporting disabled people with physical and sensory impairments
Physical and sensory impairments include, for example, mobility impairments, long term physical conditions, hearing and visual impairments.
You can search the Forum Central members directory for services here, or download a booklet listing all PSI Network members at May 2017 here (pdf, 1.8 MB).
The booklet is also available in a plain Word Format here (57KB). For more information on joining contact us.
The PSI Network became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in March 2016, having been a network of Voluntary Action Leeds for many years before that.
Our member organisations are involved in everything that we do. They are a mixture of:
- Groups and organisations run by and controlled by disabled people
- Organisations commissioned or funded to provide services for disabled people, including support to live independently, housing or employment support
- Local groups which run social and other activities
- Local support groups that are part of large, national charities for people with specific impairments or conditions
- Disability sport organisations
- Third sector organisations that support a range of people or communities, and which have specific regard for people with physical and sensory impairments
We work to ensure that our members are involved in strategic planning and development of services for disabled people.
We encourage partnership between agencies and across sectors, and provide information to third sector organisations to support them in delivering high quality services.
We hold networking events, run consultations, and communicate local and national news amongst our members.
Representation
The PSI Network CIO works to ensure that third sector disability organisations are involved, along with the rest of the health and care sector, in major strategic developments that go beyond our specialist areas. It’s important that disability organisations have a voice in this work. And of course we take up opportunities to represent the sector at boards and working groups about issues that affect disabled people, such as transport and employment.
Better Lives Board
Oversees and provides leadership for implementation of Adult Social Care’s Better Lives Programme.
Third sector representatives:
Phil Gleeson, Leeds Involving People, one of the PSI Network’s trustees, Co-chairs this Board along with a councillor.
Ordinary Lives Project Board
Vacant
Information & Resources
Latest Strategic Information
Ordinary Lives, a new project, led by Adult Social Care, around housing / independent living with the vision:
Everyone with impairment or support needs is able to live in an ordinary home and receive the support they need to live independent, meaningful and purposeful lives.
The aspiration of the project is to offer an alternative to residential care, instead using community based ordinary living options that give greater choice, control, independence and social inclusion.
Improving Lives, the work, health and disability green paper sets out proposals to halve the disability employment gap.
These include:
- Partnership roles for third sector organisations in supporting disabled people and people with health conditions into work
- Changes to the Work Capability Assessment
- Support for employers
- Timely and personalised access to employment and health services
- Integrating the health and social care and welfare systems
The consultation on this green paper closed on 17th February 2017.
Latest Physical & Sensory Impairment news from Forum Central
New NHS England guides for GPs
NHS England have just published guides about how to make GP services more accessible to disabled people, linked to the Accessible Information Standard: https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/guides-to-help-staff-support-people-with-access-needs/ There is one specifically about reasonable adjustments for learning disabled patients
9 October | Yorkshire Get Yourself Active Learning Event
Mon 9 October 2017, 10:00am – 2.00pm at St George's Centre, Great George Street, Leeds LS1 3DL A Yorkshire update about a national partnership funded by Sport England and led by Disability Rights UK around enabling disabled people to use personal [...]
Mixed Ability Dance Consultation
Local charity, Yorkshire Dance, are considering setting up a new mixed-ability dance class for adults living in the Leeds area. If you are aged 18+ and live in the Leeds area Yorkshire Dance would greatly value feedback on this idea. [...]
Contact Us
General Enquiries
0113 242 1321
Lucy Graham
Volition and PSI Network, Development Worker
Lucy brings a variety of experience to the role of Development Worker, having worked and volunteered in numerous third sector organisations big and small, both locally and in her native Northern Ireland. Most recently, she lead a team in a start-up social enterprise, focusing on providing sustainable employment for people with mental health difficulties.
With a degree in Law and MSc in Psychology, Lucy feels strongly about human rights, equality and inclusion, and is passionate about better mental health for all.
Outside of work, Lucy enjoys exploring Leeds’ diverse culinary offerings – as with many adopted Yorkshire folk, she has a particular soft spot for a good pie!