Project Reports

Reported 3 weeks ago by Anna Alston

Camden’s inaccessible infrastructure affects my mental health, says Anna

Anna shares her thoughts on how Camden's wheelchair-unfriendly roads, pavements, buildings and transport make her anxious about going out, causing her to sometimes cancel appointments and stay in, leading to a deterioration in her mental health.

Bio

Service providers’ lack of understanding makes living with impairments much harder, says Mick

In this piece, new reporter Mick Farrant reflects on how attitudes towards him as person with newly acquired impairments have deepened his pain. How much worse must things be, he ponders, for those who lack the means to make 'their own reasonable adjustments'.

Reported 3 weeks ago by Mick Farrant

Bio

From Idi Amin to local bins – Mick Farrant’s decades-long battles for justice

In this piece, new reporter Mick Farrant talks about his background and explains how fighting for justice has always been central to his existence.

Reported 3 weeks ago by Mick Farrant

Bio

Bin policy lifts the lid on rubbish attitude to disabled people, says Mick

In this autobiographical piece, new reporter Mick Farrant explains how the onset of health conditions and a council bin policy woke him up to disability discrimination and aroused in him a determination to fight for disabled people's equality.

Reported 3 weeks ago by Mick Farrant

Reported 1 month ago by Gloria Bradley

The day my boy was stabbed, by Gloria

In this moving piece, Gloria Bradley talks about the day her son was stabbed in a racist attack. The incident haunts her to this day and has worsened her post-traumatic stress disorder.

Reported 1 month ago by Mary

Swain’s Lane crossings much safer now, says Mary

In this short piece, Mary explains why the traffic-calming measures taken in Swain's Lane make the area easier for Disabled people to walk through.

Reported 1 month ago by Jill

Cartoon image of woman looking at receipt and bag of food.

Cost of living making every mealtime feel like ‘the last supper’, says Jill

In this short piece, Jill explains how the soaring cost of energy and food is making life hard for her and her family.

Reported 2 months ago by Oliver

Cartoon picture of two sad women talking over a cup of coffee.

Chatty cafe schemes help fight loneliness

In this short report Oliver talks about his efforts to join with the Chatty Cafe scheme to help him feel less lonely. Oliver has ambitions to set the scheme up in Camden.

Reported 2 months ago by Oliver

Keeping calm on public transport

For Oliver, sitting in silence while in a public place like a tube or train can fray his nerves. In this short piece, Oliver talks about the ways he calms himself down on public transport and his fears of how people may judge him for the methods he uses.

Audio Stories Microreports

I don’t feel supported by my support workers, says Fatima

In this short illustrated and audio report, CDA reporter Fatima explains why her support workers' unreliability prevents her from being able to make the most of her support package.

Reported 4 months ago by Fatima

Housing association has let me down, says CDA member

Janet left Belfast's Falls Road 26 years ago to find a better life in Camden but her territorial neighbours and ineffective housing association have caused her and her children great misery.

Reported 5 months ago by

Reported 6 months ago by Tom

Lack of toilets at Hampstead Cemetery an ‘absolute disgrace’, says CDA member

CDA member Yvonne Klemperer talks about how the lack of toilets at Hampstead cemetery has left her 'feeling traumatised'.

Reported 9 months ago by Oliver

Protestors holding up a banner at a Just Stop Oil demonstration

Quiet, polite protests don’t work, says Oliver

In this piece, Oliver says why he thinks gentle direct action methods are the only way to get people and the Government to take notice of the issues that really matter.

Reported 9 months ago by Mary

Mary reports on the thorny problem of Camden’s street clutter

As a blind person I am regularly faced with obstructions when making simple trips in the community. Just a walk down my own road can be fraught with hazards, making it more difficult for me to get out and about on my own.

Croftdown Road, London

Inaccessible health clinic leaves Mik in despair

In this short audio piece, Mik explains how private health clinics outsourced by the NHS are often not accessible, meaning wheelchair users like him are discriminated against and unable to get the same health care as people without impairments.

Reported 1 year ago by Thomas Marston

Thomas’ ideal work scenario

In this piece, Thomas explains what his usual job-hunting experience is like and what his ideal experience would be. With a few modest adjustments here and there, Thomas would be able to get a job, perform really well and enjoy the respect of his colleagues.

Reported 1 year ago by Oliver

I’ve learned how to make my events even more powerful, says Oliver

In this piece, community reporter Oliver Chan explains how a Leadership programme has helped him to hone his skills as an events organiser.

I’m being pushed in the wrong direction – Tayo on his employment experiences

Tayo's piece tells us how he has been pushed towards unsuitable jobs even though he is clear about what he is good at and what he wants to do.

Reported 1 year ago by

Reported 1 year ago by Fatima

Bullied from Reception to Year 10 – Fatima’s school years

In this short piece, Fatima explains that she was bullied at her primary and secondary schools by girls who sought to isolate her. Despite the trauma of her formative years, Fatima has been able to move on with her life, she says.

Reported 1 year ago by Oliver

Disabled people need homes not hospitals, says Oliver

In this short think-piece, Oliver sets out the changes he thinks need to happen so that Disabled people living in institutional homes can lead better and more independent lives.

Reported 1 year ago by Mary

Pavement obstructions make shopping trips a nightmare, says Mary

In this mini-report, Mary says street obstructions make it difficult for her to go shopping and she asks for greater enforcement of rules on street clutter and easier ways of reporting the problems to the Council.

Long read

Meet my friend pain

In this in-depth piece, Tom explains how the sudden and seemingly inexplicable onset of pain in his right shoulder in 2003 kick-started a near two-decade long battle with chronic pain. For 17 years medical professionals of all stripes failed to identify either the solution or the cause of the problem. In the end, peace came when Tom learned to live with and adapt to his pain instead of trying to destroy it.

Reported 1 year ago by Tom

Reported 1 year ago by Mary

Mary recommends audio-described cinema shows

As a blind person Mary can sometimes feel excluded from leisure facilities as well as from local amenities like shops due to poor access provisions. However in this piece, Mary explains how the Barbican's audio-described showing of the movie Belfast enabled her to thoroughly enjoy a trip to the cinema.

Long read

They believed I was an abomination – Quillias on his school days

In this in depth piece, Quillias describes the horrendous bullying and discrimination he faced at school from both pupils and staff. His formal education was an ordeal that damaged him and left him with few qualifications and no credible plan for the future. But Quillias didn't let the bullies win. He has bounced back, re-educating himself at college and forging a path towards becoming a scientist.

Reported 1 year ago by Quilliass Huntesmith

Reported 1 year ago by Sarah

Doctors wouldn’t listen to me, says Sarah

I developed complex regional pain syndrome because medical staff didn’t listen to me or take action at the right time. I hope my story will encourage people to speak out against doctors who fail to respect what Disabled patients tell them.

Reported 1 year ago by Jill

Discrimination is partly to blame for my pain, says Jill

In this heart wrenching story Jill explains the multiple causes of her chronic pain and tells us how discrimination has played a role in creating her pain and keeping it going.

My pain is overlooked because I’m Disabled, says Mik

Mik was born with cancer and has lived with pain for much of his life. In this audio Mik says his spinal problems have become worse, in part, because medical professionals have too often assumed his pain is simply due to him being Disabled.

Reported 1 year ago by Robert

‘Relaxed’ performances make theatre accessible

In this moving piece, Robert explains how a 'relaxed' performance of the Nutcracker allowed his Disabled daughter, Ellie, and her family members and support workers to thoroughly enjoy a theatre show without having to worry about access problems or negative reactions from other audience members.

Reported 1 year ago by Fatima

A flyer explaining Fatima's Zoom course.

Fatima releases video on Zoom course

In this short video, Fatima explains how she will deliver her Zoom training course to Disabled people. Lessons will now be delivered online because COVID restrictions mean people can't have meetings in person at the Greenwood Centre.

Not very NICE! Mik rails against guidelines on long term pain

In this report, Mik rails against NICE's (the National Institute for Health Care Excellence) recommendations that people manage chronic (long term) pain through exercise, mindfulness, acupuncture and psychological therapies instead of medications like opioids. Mik says the severe pain he's lived with for 40 years is often so bad he can't even get out of bed, let alone do yoga or eat 'mung beans'.

Reported 1 year ago by Fatima

My condition is more than skin deep, says Fatima

When I was 15 years old, my skin started turning white. I’m of Bangladeshi heritage and had always been brown so I was shocked when pale, itchy patches appeared on my face. I went to the doctor and they told me I had condition called Vitiligo, which makes your skin lose its pigmentation. Sure enough, after a while, my body began turning white too.

Microreports Reports

Arlington road consultations a sham, claims Mik

In this short piece, Mik argues that Camden Council is muscling through its planned streetscape changes for Arlington road without heeding calls for the changes to be adapted so they are more inclusive of Disabled people.

Reported 1 year ago by Mary

Hire-bikes must not be left on pavements says Mary

Leaving hire-bikes in the pavement makes navigation extremely difficult for me as a visually impaired person who uses a white cane.

Reported 1 year ago by Jill

ULEZ forced me to splash out on new motor says Jill

We have just bought a new hybrid (part electric, part petrol) car because of the £12.50-a-day charge for driving an old vehicle in the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).

Reported 1 year ago by Oliver

Colourful poster with the words 'happy to talk about arts'

My conversation starter posters will help beat loneliness, says Oliver

I want to tackle loneliness and ageism by encouraging people to talk to each other in public spaces. I think this will improve people’s physical and mental health. Since the winter started, I have been feeling very lonely myself and so I’ve come up with the idea of using themed conversation starter posters to make it easier for people to chat to me and others at my ‘happy-to-talk’ benches.

Expanded Ultra Low Emission Zone deals blow to Camden’s Disabled drivers

The ultra low emission zone (ULEZ) expanded from central London to the boundaries of the North and South Circular roads on Monday 25th October, meaning Disabled people in Camden will now be fined for driving older, highly polluting vehicles in the borough unless their vehicle is registered in the disabled tax class.

Microreports Video Stories

Sarah uncovers maze of access issues around HS2

In this short video, Sarah walks around the areas affected by HS2 building work in the Euston area. Sarah found many access problems as well as high levels of dust and noise pollution and a lack of greenery.

Fatima presses on with mission to teach Zoom

Since my last post I have helped a friend learn how to use Zoom. We both went to Movement Classes run by Unity Works at the Greenwood Centre and that is where we got chatting about Zoom.

Blogs Reports

Bridging the generational divides – Oliver’s work gathers pace

My last Engages All Ages event was the best attended so far. It took place on Sunday 3rd October in Chalcot Square in Primrose Hill and some of the participants played music, sang songs and read poetry about the generational divides.

Reported 2 years ago by Anna Alston

Blogs Reports

Ramping up the victories – Anna campaign makes local pub accessible

When I joined the Leadership Programme, I decided my project would be about making Camden venues more accessible for me and others. This is important to me because I am a wheelchair user and I like socialising with friends just like anybody else.

Cycle lanes and LTNs not blocking ambulances, research finds

When I heard reports saying the new pop-up cycle lanes and low traffic neighbourhoods (LTN) were delaying ambulances and putting people's lives at risk, I thought I should dig around and find out if the accusations were true.

Pancras Square, N1C 4AG

Camden’s inaccessible streets and services make me feel unwanted, says Mik

As I wheel around I'm reminded that Camden is a part of London that is so inhospitable to wheelchair users like me. Shop after shop, cafe after cafe, restaurant after restaurant, bar after bar and club after club isn't accessible to me just because I'm a wheelchair user.

No reasonable adjustments made in employment or interviews, says new reporter Nadia

In this piece, new reporter Nadia wrote her answers to the Project Lead’s questions about her background, her life and her challenges and triumphs.

Blogs Reports

Meet new reporter Jay

So there I was, a 17-year-old girl with no job and nowhere to call home. And that’s how my adult life started out.

Swimming against the tide – Sarah’s battle to use her local pools

Hi, my name’s Sarah and I am reporting on the issues I have had with the swimming pools in Islington and Camden. I will talk about the different issues I have had and the actions I have had to take to resolve some of the problems.

E-scooter trial to go ahead despite concerns

Camden will be forging ahead with a trial e-scooter hire scheme this October amid fears it will turn the borough’s streets and pavements into no-go zones for people with visual, auditory and mobility impairments.

Fatima’s Zoom project helps Camden Disability Action net tablets

In this piece, reporter Fatima explains her Zoom project and tells us how it has helped Camden Disability Action set up a digital hub.

Home cooking is all part of being independent, says Fatima

In this piece, Fatima explains why home cooking is important to her and shares some of her signature dishes.

Ellie brings cheer to bus passengers

Here's a lovely little story about an incident that took place last with my daughter one Sunday.

A page explaining that Oliver is Autistic and setting out what topics he likes to talk about.

Small talk can make a big difference

My ‘mood board’ idea is about generating stress-free conversations that help me quell anxiety attacks or combat loneliness.

I know where I’m going, and I know the truth, and I don’t have to be what you want me to be. … by Miissttii

As a transgender woman with a learning disability and autism, I think it’s really important for me and other transgender people to be free to express our identity in any way we choose. This is my message; it’s what I want to tell people.

Reported 2 years ago by Thomas Marston

The vicious cycle of unemployment

My name is Thomas Marsden and I have designed this infographic to show the difficulties I have faced in finding employment in the past.

Island crossings no good for my daughter – Robert on Kentish Town road

In this audio piece, Robert talks about the challenges his daughter Ellie faces when walking along Kentish Town road. Ellie has, epilepsy, a severe learning disability and visual and hearing impairments.

Kentish Town Road, NW5 2TJ

Reports Video Stories

Mary and Robert and A-boards on Kentish Town road

An ‘abomination of A-boards’ says Mary after Kentish Town check

In this video Mary and Robert talk about their experience of walking down Kentish Town road. Mary and Robert were checking how accessible the road is for Disabled people. Their findings will be fed back to Camden Disability Action’s (CDA) Street Access Co-Production Team.

Kentish Town Road

Camden – a disabling borough?

I ask Camden Council and Camden Market to start really making change for the better. Start building a borough that welcomes disabled people and lets the disabled people who live here take part in everything this amazing place has to offer.

Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8AH

Highgate village offers poor access, says Ed

I made a trip to Highgate village at the weekend. I planned a day out and as part of this, booked lunch at a chain restaurant which stated online that it was accessible. As a wheelchair user I find that this is often not the case, so I rang the branch to check and was assured everything was accessible.

Highgate High Street

Oliver battles ageism with poetry

I started doing Engages All Ages in Belsize Community Library in 2019. I came up with the idea when I got upset because I went to an art show where there were a lot of young people and I got rejected and I felt it was because of ageism. With Engages All Ages we hold outside poetry events and put on demonstrations to raise awareness about ageism.

Haverstock Hill

We need new ideas to deal with congestion on Kentish Town Road, says Oliver

Dealing with congestion is a challenge which is why it is important to trial new ideas. A solution for the Kentish Town Road pavement widening is to remove the kerb entirely and create a shared space for pedestrians and cars.

Microreports Video Stories

Electric car charging cables a trip hazard

I’m just coming out on my scooter down the road with my son to pick up some shopping and we come across this which is an electric car wire across the road. Partially sighted people and some old people who are not very good at seeing could trip over it. I could too.

Disabled people should have face to face care if there is another lockdown

Hi, my name is Sarah and I am going to report on the difficulties I have had on facing the health care system. One of the problems I have had is that there is a lack of communication.

‘What kept us going during lockdown’, a video celebration

I made this video for people who kept us going through lockdown. The pictures were made by people with learning disabilities and my family and this is what kept us going from the 19th of March 2020 to now 2021 which we are still doing.

Blogs Microreports

Building called Festival Hall at night time.

Reporter Fatima shares ten things she’s looking forward to now the lockdown is over

All of us have hobbies and activities we are excited to get back to when government guidelines allow. Here are five things Fatima is most looking forward to.

Reported 2 years ago by Anna Alston

Councillor Adam Harrison explains Camden’s streetscape changes

In this piece community reporters Anna and Mik interview Councillor Adam Harrison on the streetscape changes introduced by Camden Council since the Covid-19 pandemic began.

The law on inaccessible shops needs to be upheld

In this audio report Sarah describes how some local shops and pavements aren't accessible to wheelchair users or people using other mobility aids.

Audio Stories Microreports

Chapel Market

All about reporter Fatima

The most important thing that has happened in my life is getting my own flat. I now have my own space and the independence to do the things that I had been waiting to do for a long time. This has made me who I am today.

Mik suggests solution to Arlington Road LTN

In this video Mik suggests a solution to the LTN access problems faced by Blue Badge Holders. Mik suggests using Congestion Charging Exemption systems to allow Blue Badge Holders to access to roads closed to other motorists.

Arlington Road

More electric car charge points needed, says Mary

There are increasing numbers of electric cars in my area despite their high prices. The problem is some locals are charging their pollution-busting vehicles from their homes, which has resulted in cables being draped across pavements.

Boscastle Road

Jill and Mary grill urban design company over Dartmouth Park ‘rules’

In this piece, community reporters Jill and Mary interview design engineer Rebecca Jones from Urban Movement about the Dartmouth Park 'charter'.

Twisden Road, NW5 1DL

Cycle lane wands absolute magic – Jill

It’s much better now the pop-up cycle lanes have these ‘wands’ because you can see the lanes at night. They look just like the runways at airports at night-time

Camden High Street, NW1 0NE

Mik’s first drive to hospital through the Arlington Road LTN

I live with in the Arlington Road Lower Traffic Neighbourhood and just took my first trip to the Royal Free Hospital since the project started. Roads total gridlock. A journey that used to take 10 minutes took 34 only by using side roads.

Arlington Road

Pavement bays widened for social distancing ‘not really in use’, Jill says

We walk down Kentish Town High Street there are lots people on the pavement but just by Iceland and McDonald’s and the motorbike box that the person uses to put the takeaway McDonald’s food in accidentally caught my arm.

Holmes Road, NW5 3AN

Island crossings and A boards could be dangerous, says Robert

I’m writing about Kentish Town Road and the potential obstacles to our safety: the A boards that traders place on the pavement to advertise their wares.

‘Happy to Talk’ benches can beat loneliness, says new reporter Oliver

I found out about Happy to Chat benches from the BBC News. The idea behind them is to help tackle loneliness by encouraging strangers to talk to each other in a safe, neutral space, like a park. It’s as simple as ideas get really.

Camden’s Low Traffic Neighbourhoods, pollution and Disabled people

In this piece, two Camden Disability Action community reporters, Jill and Mik, and the project lead Tom talk about how Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) affect Disabled people, how they could be made more inclusive for Disabled people and the importance of cutting pollution.

Audio Stories Video Stories

The middle way for cyclists and Disabled people

When it comes to our streets, cyclists and Disabled people can sometimes appear to be natural foes, with each group permanently camped on opposite sides of the active travel debate.

Camden High Street, NW1 7JY

Inconsiderate cycling puts us all at risk, says Mik

Yesterday I popped to the shops with my wife. A quick pop to Sainsbury's. As I push out onto a crossing I notice two Lycra-clad cyclists deep on conversation sped towards me, despite the lights on the junction being at red.

LTNs turning our streets into car graveyards – Jill, Mik and Robert

In this piece, community reporters Jill, Mik and Robert exchange thoughts on Low Traffic Neighbourhoods.

Kentish Town road pavement widening scheme like a building site, says Robert

Harmood Street LTN has no impact on my daughter’s travels, says Robert

Harmood Street

Not good enough by a long chalk – Jill

The pop-up cycle lane on Chalk Farm Road outside the tube station is very dangerous, especially when people are driving at night.

Bus stop bypasses a royal mess, say Jill and Mik

In this piece, community reporters Jill and Mik talk about the pitfalls of cycle lanes that run behind bus stops.

Royal College Street

New reporter Fatima talks about her work experiences

In this video, new reporter Fatima talks about the employment challenges she has faced as someone with a learning disability.

Covid rules ruined my Garden oasis says Sarah

The last year has changed the way people live their lives and this has affected people’s mental health and wellbeing. At times I have felt lonely because of not being able to go to the shops or meet up with friends and family. Before the Covid-19 pandemic began, the Culpeper Community Garden in Islington was one of the things that helped keep my spirits up.

Cloudesley Road, N1 0EJ

The pavements are like an assault course, says Mary letter

Cars on the pavement make it difficult for Disabled people to walk around.

Chetwynd Road

Mary marks International Women’s Day

International Womens Day. Vector illustration with women different nationalities and cultures. Struggle for freedom, independence, equality.

Jill checks out the new Morrison’s

I went to the new Morrison’s in Chalk Farm - the temporary one that’s going to be there for five years. It was very good, easy to walk in to. You had to queue and then a security guard looks at you and then he makes sure you’re okay.

Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8EH

Meet new reporter Sarah

My superpower is having empathy and understanding for people who are disabled, including people with learning difficulties and having the determination to help change the future for the better in terms of education, housing, transport and equal rights in the workplace.

Wheels for Wellbeing on how to make active travel accessible

Click here to see part of a Wheels for Wellbeing presentation to Camden Disability Action’s Street Access Co-production Team on how to make active travel changes accessible for Disabled people.

In the dock – Councillor Adam Harrison on hire bikes

Zoom helps Robert meet daughter during lockdown

"We sang Christmas Carols to Ellie through the window." - Robert meets his daughter Ellie and other family members on zoom

“Signs too high to see” – Jill on Swain’s Lane’s traffic reduction

"I got in my car and looked everywhere for the no right turn sign on Swain's Lane and then I finally found this. You have to actually look up high before you see it. It's too high for anyone in a car seat to see."

Swain's Lane

“So many people are ignoring this” – Mary on Swain’s Lane Low Traffic Neighbourhood

"My name is Mary. I'm a Trustee of Camden Disability Action. I'd like to give some feedback on the traffic-calming measures on Swain's Lane, N6.

Swain's Lane

Lime back peddles after Mik Tweet

After taking this photo of two hire bikes from the company Lime, and posting it to Twitter, Lime contacted me to reassure me they would be moved. I have also heard from a new company that produces accessible bike stores available for all types of cycles, including those used by disabled people.

“Pop up cycle lanes are no good” says Jill

My view is that pop-up bike lanes are not a good idea. They are dangerous because they take up too much room, they don't have barriers around them and they’re not lit up properly.

Prince of Wales Road

“The safer travel programme is for vulnerable people like me” – Mary’s Haverstock Hill response.

"This is my response to the pausing of the Haverstock Hill cycle lane. I live in the borough of Camden and I'm disabled. Camden's policy of safer streets is for vulnerable people, people like me.

Haverstock Hill

The Haverstock Hill Street Blues – Mik slams the planned cycle lane

Hello it’s Mik Scarlet here and I thought I’d give you my thoughts on the Haverstock Hill situation.

Haverstock Hill

More consultation needed – Robert on the Haverstock Hill cycle lane

I am in two minds about the successful legal challenge to the pop-up cycle lanes on Haverstock Hill. I welcome the challenge but I am shocked that Camden Council carried out the changes without any consultation.

Haverstock Hill

“It is making Camden less safe for disabled people” – Mik on hire bikes

Mik discusses the issue of hire bikes and street access.

Bin that bad attitude says Jill

This morning I had a run-in with the rubbish collector. He was shouting at me, complaining that my family hadn’t put our bins out on the street.

Bio Microreports

Meet Mary

I was brought up in County Limerick with my Granny’s sister.The most important thing that happened to me in my life was being the daughter of an Irish single mother. It shaped my feminism

Meet Eléonore & Robert

Eléonore was born with a very rare genetic disorder. There is no evidence that her condition is hereditary nor was it a condition that could be detected in a foetal examination. In other words she appeared as a complete surprise. And she was born in France during our one year stay there.

Bio Blogs

Meet Jill & Jargon John

The most important thing to me is being able to speak up for other people who cannot speak up for themselves.