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
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
International Day of People with Disabilities Event
In December 2019 we had a large celebratory event at Leeds City Museum to mark the International Day of People with Disabilities. It was a great event, with lots of people coming together from across the city to showcase their [...]
Locality Facebook Groups – response to Coronavirus
Leeds City Council have set up 33 locality ward Facebook pages where Covid 19 updates will be posted. Please join a group if you live, work or have family connections in any of the wards. Your elected Councillors and [...]
COVID-19: Charity Commission Guidance
Understandably, many charities are concerned about what to do during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, so the Charity Commission has published some advice based on “frequently asked questions” it has received in the last few weeks. The Commission says its approach to [...]
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 (22 January 2020) here
You can find the presentation from the last session (22 January 2020) here
Dates for 2020
23 April, 14:00 – 16:00 at St Georges Conference Centre, Leeds City Centre
08 July, 14:00 – 16:00 at The Vinery Centre, 20 Vinery Terrace, Leeds LS9 9LU
15 October, 10:00-12:00 at St Georges Conference Centre, Leeds City Centre
For more information please contact us at hello@forumcentral.org.uk
International Day of People with Disabilities Event Report
In December 2019 we had a large celebratory event at Leeds City Museum to mark the International Day of People with Disabilities.
It was a great event, with lots of people coming together from across the city to showcase their achievements and those of supporting projects
We are pleased to announce that the event report is now available and we hope you enjoy reading it and seeing all of the wonderful photo highlights from the day!
There are 3 versions of the report which you can download from this page:
The Event Report – In Large Print
The Event Report – Easy Read Version
Planning for a 2020 event is now underway. We hope to grow this celebration, learn from 2019 and make this years’ even better! If you wish to be involved please contact karen.fenton@forumcentral.org.uk or call 0113 242 1321.
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.
Chair: Phil Gleeson, Leeds Involving People and PSI-Volition Trustee
LCC representative: 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.
Chair: Shona McFarlane, Deputy Director, Adults and Health
Third sector representative: Karen Fenton,Development Worker PSI-Volition
Information & Resources
Contact Us
General Enquiries
0113 242 1321
Karen Fenton
Karen is the Development Worker for the Physical and Sensory Impairment and Mental Health Network.
Karen joined Forum Central in August 2019. She has a wide range of experience working in both statutory and third sector health organisations across the city for over 10 years in roles relating to involvement, community engagement, social marketing and membership within mental health, learning disability and cancer services.
Karens formal qualifications include a degree in Marketing and Events and an Msc in Health and Social Care Management. Many moons ago Karen also ran a successful children’s party business and still enjoys a good Hokey Cokey.
Leeds born and bred, having moved around and settled back home, she is very passionate about the city, the people who live here and is enthusiastic to be part of the Forum Central team, playing a small part in contributing to addressing health inequalities and increasing wellbeing for all.
When not at work Karen enjoys spending as much time as possible outside exploring with her nearest and dearest.