The Physical and Sensory Impairment Network supports 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.
What we do
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. 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
Network Meetings
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.
If you would like to attend a meeting please email [email protected].
Upcoming Meeting dates
- PSI Info and Strategy Meeting: Tuesday 20 May, 1 – 3 pm
- PSI Info and Strategy Meeting: Thursday 25 September, 1 – 3pm
Previous Meeting Notes
Notes from previous Information and Strategy network meetings are available to view as Google Docs below.
Please email [email protected] for previous meeting notes not listed below.
For more information please contact Helen Brand – [email protected].
2025 Meetings
2024 Meetings
International Day of Disabled People – Leeds For All
The Leeds International Day of Disabled People 2024 Marketplace Event is on Tuesday 3 December at Leeds City Museum from 11 AM to 3 PM. The theme is ‘Advocating for Accessibility’.
The PSI Network has played an integral role in Leeds’ celebration of International Day of Disabled People (IDODP), also known as International Day of People With Disabilities (IDPWD). This is a globally recognised day observed annually on 3 December. The aim of the day is to raise awareness and promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilise support for dignity, rights and wellbeing of Disabled people.
Leeds has marked IDODP in a variety of ways since 2019. The ‘Leeds for All’ group brings together VCSE organisations, Forum Central and Leeds City Council’s Disability Hub to help organise the celebration.
View the reports and highlights videos and find out all about the events and activities which have taken place.
Information & Resources
Membership
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, housing and specialist supported housing
– Carer support, employment support, peer support, one to one support
– Information and advice, campaigning and awareness
– Healthy living, sport, social activities, accessible transport, art and wellbeing
– Advocacy
To find out more about our members please search the Forum Central members directory
For more information on joining please contact us.
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 Volition Trustee
Forum Central Representation: Helen Brand, PSI Development Worker
Inclusion for All Action Group
This group, chaired by Healthwatch Leeds was established in November 2019 aims to bring together representatives from health and care organisations across the city to address the effective implementation of the Accessible Information Standard, which became law in 2016 and makes accessibility a legal requirement for particular
Aiming to provide energy, ideas, actions to making health and care services in Leeds accessible for all communities. Focusing on actions and moving this important agenda forward, with commitments to taking actions individually, within own organisations and collectively as a city.
The group was established, following findings and recommendations from the Visual Impairments Snapshot report which Healthwatch Leeds produced in 2019.
Physical & Sensory Impairment News & Events
18 May | Yorkshire Ability Triathlon
Date: 18 May 2025 Time: 10 am onwards Location: Leeds Beckett University, Carnegie Sports Centre, Headingley LS6 3QQ The Yorkshire Ability Triathlon will take place at Leeds Beckett University’s Headingley Campus, who as a founding sponsor, have given exclusive access [...]
Forum Central Annual Member Satisfaction Survey 2025
Forum Central is a member-led partnership between Volition and Leeds Older People's Forum. Each year we invite our member organisations to share their thoughts to help us understand how we're doing and how we can do even better. We’d love [...]
Proposed Cuts to PIP and Welfare Benefits: Summary and Support for Leeds VCSE Third Sector
It is important to note the recent Government announcement about changes to PIP and welfare benefits, particularly for the disabled community and its support networks. There is an open consultation around the proposed changes which will have wide reaching impacts. [...]