About PSI-Volition
PSI-Volition was formed in November 2017 through the merger of Volition (the mental health forum) and the Physical and Sensory Impairment (PSI) Network.
Through PSI-Volition we support third sector organisations that work to improve the lives of disabled people with physical and sensory impairments or long-term conditions in Leeds.
We promote the social model of disability, and the inclusion, independence and equality of disabled people.
Membership
There are over 50 PSI-Volition member organisations which support people physical and sensory impairment, and the number is steadily rising.
Physical and sensory impairment include, for example: long-term physical conditions, hearing impairments, visual impairments and mobility impairments
Our member organisations support people through a variety of different ways including:
● Independent living
● Specialist supported housing
● Information and advice
● Carer support
● Healthy living
● Peer support
● Social activities
● Sport
● Advocacy
● Housing
● Accessible transport
● Health
● Campaigning and awareness
● Art and wellbeing
● Employment support
● One to one support
To find out more about our members please search the Forum Central members directory or download the list of PSI-Volition members (pdf, 212KB, updated July 2018).
For more information on joining please contact us.
What we do
Our member organisations are at the heart of 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.
Physical & Sensory Impairment News & Events
18 September | PSI Information and Strategy Session
Wednesday 18th Sept | 10am -11.30am | Jimi’s Community Room, The Old Fire Station, Gipton Approach, Leeds LS9 6NL Physical and Sensory Impairment Information and Strategy Session Come along to: Meet Karen Fenton, our new PSI & Mental Health Development Worker Network with other disability third sector colleagues [...]
Forum Central Announcement: A New PSI/Mental Health Development Worker
Karen Fenton joined Forum Central in August 2019 as the Development Worker for the Physical and Sensory Impairment and Mental Health Network. Karen joins us from her recent role as Project Coordinator for one of the Forum member organisations, Leeds [...]
Blue Badge scheme extended from 30 August 2019
The Blue Badge scheme, which helps disabled people park closer to their destinations, will be extended to people with “hidden disabilities” - including people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health conditions - from 30 August 2019. The new Blue [...]
Representation
We work 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 is important that disability organisations have a voice in this work.
Our members and the Forum Central team also take up opportunities to represent the third sector at boards, meetings and steering groups on issues that affect disabled people, such as transport, housing and employment.
Better Lives Board
The Board oversees and provides leadership for implementation of Adults and Health’s Better Lives Programme.
The Board is chaired by:
Phil Gleeson, Leeds Involving People and PSI-Volition Trustee
Councillor Eileen Taylor
Ordinary Lives Project Board
Ordinary Lives, led by the Adults and Health directorate at Leeds City Council, is a project around housing and independent living, which aims to address the reliance on residential care within Leeds with the intention that everyone with impairment or support needs is (should they want to) able to live in an ordinary home and receive the support they need to live independent, meaningful and purposeful lives.
The Ordinary Lives Board provides strategic leadership for the project.
The Board is chaired by:
Shona McFarlane, Deputy Director, Adults and Health
Third sector representative
Lucy Graham, PSI-Volition Director
Information & Resources
Physical and Sensory Impairment – Strategic Updates
We hold regular physical and sensory impairment information and strategy sessions open to everyone with an interest in the disability third sector. These meetings are an opportunity to network, get the latest strategic updates and hear from guest speakers.
You can find the notes from the last session (27 February 2019) here
You can find the large print version of the notes from the last session (27 February 2019) here
You can find the presentation from the last session (27 February 2019) here
Dates for 2019
Wednesday 18 September, 10.00am-12 noon
Wednesday 4 December, 2.00pm-4.00pm
For more information please contact us at hello@forumcentral.org.uk
Contact Us
General Enquiries
0113 242 1321
Lucy Graham
Lucy is the PSI-Volition Director
Lucy brings a variety of experience to the role of Director, 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!