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
Tackling Coronavirus Episode 2: Supporting people with sensory loss
Tackling Coronavirus Episode 2: Supporting people with sensory loss during COVID-19 By Sean Tunnicliffe, Communications Officer, Forum Central This the latest in a series of blog posts where I talk to key workers from local third sector organisations about how [...]
Devolution – a message for Leeds
A message from Councillor Judith Blake CBE, Leader of Leeds City Council and Tom Riordan CBE, Chief Executive, Leeds City Council We hope you and your families are keeping well. It continues to be a challenging time for everyone, but [...]
New Action on Hearing Loss Service
Action on Hearing Loss is launching a new service in Leeds providing information, advice, support and training about hearing loss and tinnitus. Many people diagnosed with hearing loss experience significant barriers and isolation (both socially and at work), social distancing [...]
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 virtual session held on 19 May here
You can find the notes from the session held on (22 January 2020) here
You can find the presentation from the session held on (22 January 2020) here
Dates for 2020
17 June, 10:00-11:30am via Google Meet, Please contact [email protected] to RSVP and receive the meeting invitation.
For more information please contact us at [email protected]
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 [email protected] 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
Forum Central Representation: Karen Fenton, 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.
Versions of the report can be found here
For more information please contact [email protected]
Third Sector Reps: Karen Fenton, PSI Development Worker | Jez Coram, LD Development Worker
(Also present are representatives from DeafBlind UK, Leeds hearing and sight loss service, Leeds society for deaf and blind, National Federation for Blind)
Information & Resources
Contact Us
General Enquiries
Karen Fenton
Karen is the Volition Development Worker for Physical and Sensory Impairment and Mental Health
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.