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Tag: Loneliness

Audio Stories Reports
image of scared woman

Police and courts not doing enough to combat crime and anti-social behaviour, say two CDA members


In this piece Jill talks about her own experience of threatening and anti-social behaviour and she interviews fellow community reporter Gloria about a knife attack on her son. The story also presents figures on crime and anti-social behaviour in Camden.

Reported 6 days ago by Jill

Long read
image of neighbours arguing

My housing association is still mistreating me, says Gloria


In this long piece, Gloria explains how her housing association is continuing to let her down by failing to tackle her neighbour's anti-social behaviour or make the home adaptations she needs as a disabled person. The story also talks about a recent report that reveals how the victims of anti-social behaviour are so often failed by councils.

Reported 1 week ago by Gloria Bradley

Audio Stories Long read
bike parked on pavement

CDA reporters challenge Lime’s glowing report on London scheme


In this report, Jill and Tom challenge the glowing claims made by Lime about its operations in London between 2019 and 2023. We found several of its key claims are false or meaningless and we remain concerned about the impact of Lime bikes on disabled people's quality of life.

Reported 1 month ago by Jill

Reports
Man protesting

We must get our voices heard, says Mick


In this short piece, Mick says getting disability stories covered in the local press and this site is good, but that disabled people, CDA and the Disability Oversight Panel must be bolder and more radical in our fight for change.

Reported 1 month ago by Mick Farrant

Microreports
photo of man wearing glasses.

Unempathetic attitudes cause disablist discrimination, says Mick


In this short piece, Mick explains that, in his opinion, discrimination against disabled people is caused by negative or uncaring attitudes towards us.

Reported 1 month ago by Mick Farrant

Microreports
People sitting at a 'happy to talk bench.'

My journey to happy to talk benches


In this story, Oliver explains his passion for 'happy to talk benches' and speaks about the successful campaign work he has done to promote these loneliness-busting pieces of street furniture.

Reported 2 months ago by Oliver

Bio

The Blue Badge blues


In this piece, Gospel Oak activist Mick Farrant talks about the barriers he has faced in trying to obtain a blue badge. The council has, in Mick's view, failed to make the reasonable adjustments required to enable him to apply for the badge, which gives disabled drivers permission to park near to their destinations. The result? Mick has been forced to spend a fortune on taxis.

Reported 2 months ago by Mick Farrant

Reports
man with glasses trying to read

How the social model of disability has empowered me – by Mick Farrant


In the piece, Mick Farrant explains how the social model of disability has helped him identify the true source of the barriers he's faced since he developed hearing and heart impairments.

Reported 3 months ago by Mick Farrant

Reports
Protestors outside Kentish Town Tube

Camden Disability Action calls for Kentish Town Tube to be made step-free


On 23rd June 2023 Camden Disability Action and allies called for Kentish Town Tube to be made step-free.

Reported 3 months ago by Jill

Microreports
cartoon image of doctors.

Is there a doctor in the house?


In this piece, Michael Camden explain how his limited store of energy as a person who lives with long-term conditions has been sapped by a user-unfriendly GP and NHS 111 phone system.

Reported 3 months ago by Michael Camden

Long read
man in wheelchair next to an e-bike on the pavement.

Camden green-lights e-bikes despite anti-social parking


In this longer piece, Jill explains why e-bikes will continue to be used in Camden despite Disabled people's concerns about the way they are parked and their doubts about their green 'benefits'.

Reported 3 months ago by Jill

Microreports
Man protesting

Disabled Lives Matter so take accessibility seriously, says Mick


In this piece, Mick talks about service providers' failure to make information accessible for people with a variety of impairments. Access, he says, is a major equality issue.

Reported 4 months ago by Mick Farrant

Bio
Cartoon image of Indiana Jones

From the Temple of Doom to Community Rooms – the life of Michael Camden


All new reporters for the Camden Disabled People’s Voices site are invited to write a piece about how they came to develop their ‘super powers’ or strengths. In this piece, Michael ‘Camden’ explains how a youth spent roaming forests, living off the land and hitchhiking round the globe ignited within him the desire to do good both for the environment and local communities.

Reported 4 months ago by Michael Camden

Reports
Photo of woman in wheelchair.

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.

Reported 5 months ago by Anna Alston

Bio
Cartoon image of confused man.

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 5 months 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 5 months ago by Mick Farrant

Bio
photo of man wearing glasses.

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 5 months ago by Mick Farrant

Reports
Photo of woman with brown hair.

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 5 months ago by Gloria Bradley

Microreports
Blind woman standing by crossing

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 5 months ago by Mary

Microreports
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 5 months ago by Jill

Microreports
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 6 months ago by Oliver

Microreports
Painting of person on a train.

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.

Reported 6 months ago by Oliver

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 8 months ago by Fatima

Reports

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 9 months ago by

Reports

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 10 months ago by Tom

Reports
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 1 year ago by Oliver

Microreports
Mary in front of a bush and a bin

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.

Reported 1 year ago by Mary

Croftdown Road, London

Microreports

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 Mik

Reports

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 Thomas Marston

Blogs
Man with short hair

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.

Reported 1 year ago by Oliver

Reports
Photo of young man.

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 2 years ago by

Microreports
Girl with dark hair and pale skin

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 2 years ago by Fatima

Microreports
Man with short hair

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 2 years ago by Oliver

Microreports

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.

Reported 2 years ago by Mary

Long read
photo of Tom

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 2 years ago by Tom

Microreports

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.

Reported 2 years ago by Mary

Long read
sad man

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 2 years ago by Quilliass Huntesmith

Blogs
hands holding ankle

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 2 years ago by Sarah

Blogs

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.

Reported 2 years ago by Jill

Audio Stories
man holding back

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 2 years ago by Mik

Blogs
Photo of Ellie at the theatre

‘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 2 years ago by Robert

Video Stories
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. 

Reported 2 years ago by Fatima

Audio Stories

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 2 years ago by Mik

Microreports
woman with black hair

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.

Reported 2 years ago by Fatima

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 2 years ago by Mik

Microreports
hire bikes on pavement

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 2 years ago by Mary

Microreports
Sign for ultra low emission zone

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 2 years ago by Jill

Microreports
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.

Reported 2 years ago by Oliver

Reports
Sign for ultra low emission zone

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.

Reported 2 years ago by Tom

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. 

Reported 2 years ago by Sarah

Reports

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. 

Reported 2 years ago by Fatima

Blogs Reports
Man reading poetry in Chalcot square

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 Oliver

Blogs Reports
Photo of Colonel Fawcett pub

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.

Reported 2 years ago by Anna Alston

Blogs Video Stories

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.

Reported 2 years ago by Tom

Pancras Square, N1C 4AG

Blogs Video Stories
Mik on his hand-propelled bike

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.

Reported 2 years ago by Mik

Blogs Video Stories
Image of woman named Nadia

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.

Reported 2 years ago by

Blogs Reports
Cartoon image of woman called Janet

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.

Reported 2 years ago by

Audio Stories Reports
image of scared woman

Police and courts not doing enough to combat crime and anti-social behaviour, say two CDA members


In this piece Jill talks about her own experience of threatening and anti-social behaviour and she interviews fellow community reporter Gloria about a knife attack on her son. The story also presents figures on crime and anti-social behaviour in Camden.

Reported 6 days ago by Jill

Long read
image of neighbours arguing

My housing association is still mistreating me, says Gloria


In this long piece, Gloria explains how her housing association is continuing to let her down by failing to tackle her neighbour's anti-social behaviour or make the home adaptations she needs as a disabled person. The story also talks about a recent report that reveals how the victims of anti-social behaviour are so often failed by councils.

Reported 1 week ago by Gloria Bradley

Audio Stories Long read
bike parked on pavement

CDA reporters challenge Lime’s glowing report on London scheme


In this report, Jill and Tom challenge the glowing claims made by Lime about its operations in London between 2019 and 2023. We found several of its key claims are false or meaningless and we remain concerned about the impact of Lime bikes on disabled people's quality of life.

Reported 1 month ago by Jill

Reports
Man protesting

We must get our voices heard, says Mick


In this short piece, Mick says getting disability stories covered in the local press and this site is good, but that disabled people, CDA and the Disability Oversight Panel must be bolder and more radical in our fight for change.

Reported 1 month ago by Mick Farrant

Microreports
photo of man wearing glasses.

Unempathetic attitudes cause disablist discrimination, says Mick


In this short piece, Mick explains that, in his opinion, discrimination against disabled people is caused by negative or uncaring attitudes towards us.

Reported 1 month ago by Mick Farrant

Microreports
People sitting at a 'happy to talk bench.'

My journey to happy to talk benches


In this story, Oliver explains his passion for 'happy to talk benches' and speaks about the successful campaign work he has done to promote these loneliness-busting pieces of street furniture.

Reported 2 months ago by Oliver

Bio

The Blue Badge blues


In this piece, Gospel Oak activist Mick Farrant talks about the barriers he has faced in trying to obtain a blue badge. The council has, in Mick's view, failed to make the reasonable adjustments required to enable him to apply for the badge, which gives disabled drivers permission to park near to their destinations. The result? Mick has been forced to spend a fortune on taxis.

Reported 2 months ago by Mick Farrant

Reports
man with glasses trying to read

How the social model of disability has empowered me – by Mick Farrant


In the piece, Mick Farrant explains how the social model of disability has helped him identify the true source of the barriers he's faced since he developed hearing and heart impairments.

Reported 3 months ago by Mick Farrant

Reports
Protestors outside Kentish Town Tube

Camden Disability Action calls for Kentish Town Tube to be made step-free


On 23rd June 2023 Camden Disability Action and allies called for Kentish Town Tube to be made step-free.

Reported 3 months ago by Jill

Microreports
cartoon image of doctors.

Is there a doctor in the house?


In this piece, Michael Camden explain how his limited store of energy as a person who lives with long-term conditions has been sapped by a user-unfriendly GP and NHS 111 phone system.

Reported 3 months ago by Michael Camden

Long read
man in wheelchair next to an e-bike on the pavement.

Camden green-lights e-bikes despite anti-social parking


In this longer piece, Jill explains why e-bikes will continue to be used in Camden despite Disabled people's concerns about the way they are parked and their doubts about their green 'benefits'.

Reported 3 months ago by Jill

Microreports
Man protesting

Disabled Lives Matter so take accessibility seriously, says Mick


In this piece, Mick talks about service providers' failure to make information accessible for people with a variety of impairments. Access, he says, is a major equality issue.

Reported 4 months ago by Mick Farrant

Bio
Cartoon image of Indiana Jones

From the Temple of Doom to Community Rooms – the life of Michael Camden


All new reporters for the Camden Disabled People’s Voices site are invited to write a piece about how they came to develop their ‘super powers’ or strengths. In this piece, Michael ‘Camden’ explains how a youth spent roaming forests, living off the land and hitchhiking round the globe ignited within him the desire to do good both for the environment and local communities.

Reported 4 months ago by Michael Camden

Reports
Photo of woman in wheelchair.

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.

Reported 5 months ago by Anna Alston

Bio
Cartoon image of confused man.

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 5 months 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 5 months ago by Mick Farrant

Bio
photo of man wearing glasses.

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 5 months ago by Mick Farrant

Reports
Photo of woman with brown hair.

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 5 months ago by Gloria Bradley

Microreports
Blind woman standing by crossing

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 5 months ago by Mary

Microreports
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 5 months ago by Jill

Microreports
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 6 months ago by Oliver

Microreports
Painting of person on a train.

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.

Reported 6 months ago by Oliver

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 8 months ago by Fatima

Reports

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 9 months ago by

Reports

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 10 months ago by Tom

Reports
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 1 year ago by Oliver

Microreports
Mary in front of a bush and a bin

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.

Reported 1 year ago by Mary

Croftdown Road, London

Microreports

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 Mik

Reports

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 Thomas Marston

Blogs
Man with short hair

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.

Reported 1 year ago by Oliver

Reports
Photo of young man.

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 2 years ago by

Microreports
Girl with dark hair and pale skin

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 2 years ago by Fatima

Microreports
Man with short hair

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 2 years ago by Oliver

Microreports

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.

Reported 2 years ago by Mary

Long read
photo of Tom

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 2 years ago by Tom

Microreports

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.

Reported 2 years ago by Mary

Long read
sad man

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 2 years ago by Quilliass Huntesmith

Blogs
hands holding ankle

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 2 years ago by Sarah

Blogs

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.

Reported 2 years ago by Jill

Audio Stories
man holding back

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 2 years ago by Mik

Blogs
Photo of Ellie at the theatre

‘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 2 years ago by Robert

Video Stories
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. 

Reported 2 years ago by Fatima

Audio Stories

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 2 years ago by Mik

Microreports
woman with black hair

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.

Reported 2 years ago by Fatima

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 2 years ago by Mik

Microreports
hire bikes on pavement

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 2 years ago by Mary

Microreports
Sign for ultra low emission zone

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 2 years ago by Jill

Microreports
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.

Reported 2 years ago by Oliver

Reports
Sign for ultra low emission zone

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.

Reported 2 years ago by Tom

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. 

Reported 2 years ago by Sarah

Reports

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. 

Reported 2 years ago by Fatima

Blogs Reports
Man reading poetry in Chalcot square

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 Oliver

Blogs Reports
Photo of Colonel Fawcett pub

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.

Reported 2 years ago by Anna Alston

Blogs Video Stories

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.

Reported 2 years ago by Tom

Pancras Square, N1C 4AG

Blogs Video Stories
Mik on his hand-propelled bike

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.

Reported 2 years ago by Mik

Blogs Video Stories
Image of woman named Nadia

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.

Reported 2 years ago by

Blogs Reports
Cartoon image of woman called Janet

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.

Reported 2 years ago by

Audio Stories Reports
image of scared woman

Police and courts not doing enough to combat crime and anti-social behaviour, say two CDA members


In this piece Jill talks about her own experience of threatening and anti-social behaviour and she interviews fellow community reporter Gloria about a knife attack on her son. The story also presents figures on crime and anti-social behaviour in Camden.

Reported 6 days ago by Jill

Long read
image of neighbours arguing

My housing association is still mistreating me, says Gloria


In this long piece, Gloria explains how her housing association is continuing to let her down by failing to tackle her neighbour's anti-social behaviour or make the home adaptations she needs as a disabled person. The story also talks about a recent report that reveals how the victims of anti-social behaviour are so often failed by councils.

Reported 1 week ago by Gloria Bradley

Audio Stories Long read
bike parked on pavement

CDA reporters challenge Lime’s glowing report on London scheme


In this report, Jill and Tom challenge the glowing claims made by Lime about its operations in London between 2019 and 2023. We found several of its key claims are false or meaningless and we remain concerned about the impact of Lime bikes on disabled people's quality of life.

Reported 1 month ago by Jill

Reports
Man protesting

We must get our voices heard, says Mick


In this short piece, Mick says getting disability stories covered in the local press and this site is good, but that disabled people, CDA and the Disability Oversight Panel must be bolder and more radical in our fight for change.

Reported 1 month ago by Mick Farrant

Microreports
photo of man wearing glasses.

Unempathetic attitudes cause disablist discrimination, says Mick


In this short piece, Mick explains that, in his opinion, discrimination against disabled people is caused by negative or uncaring attitudes towards us.

Reported 1 month ago by Mick Farrant

Microreports
People sitting at a 'happy to talk bench.'

My journey to happy to talk benches


In this story, Oliver explains his passion for 'happy to talk benches' and speaks about the successful campaign work he has done to promote these loneliness-busting pieces of street furniture.

Reported 2 months ago by Oliver

Bio

The Blue Badge blues


In this piece, Gospel Oak activist Mick Farrant talks about the barriers he has faced in trying to obtain a blue badge. The council has, in Mick's view, failed to make the reasonable adjustments required to enable him to apply for the badge, which gives disabled drivers permission to park near to their destinations. The result? Mick has been forced to spend a fortune on taxis.

Reported 2 months ago by Mick Farrant

Reports
man with glasses trying to read

How the social model of disability has empowered me – by Mick Farrant


In the piece, Mick Farrant explains how the social model of disability has helped him identify the true source of the barriers he's faced since he developed hearing and heart impairments.

Reported 3 months ago by Mick Farrant

Reports
Protestors outside Kentish Town Tube

Camden Disability Action calls for Kentish Town Tube to be made step-free


On 23rd June 2023 Camden Disability Action and allies called for Kentish Town Tube to be made step-free.

Reported 3 months ago by Jill

Microreports
cartoon image of doctors.

Is there a doctor in the house?


In this piece, Michael Camden explain how his limited store of energy as a person who lives with long-term conditions has been sapped by a user-unfriendly GP and NHS 111 phone system.

Reported 3 months ago by Michael Camden

Long read
man in wheelchair next to an e-bike on the pavement.

Camden green-lights e-bikes despite anti-social parking


In this longer piece, Jill explains why e-bikes will continue to be used in Camden despite Disabled people's concerns about the way they are parked and their doubts about their green 'benefits'.

Reported 3 months ago by Jill

Microreports
Man protesting

Disabled Lives Matter so take accessibility seriously, says Mick


In this piece, Mick talks about service providers' failure to make information accessible for people with a variety of impairments. Access, he says, is a major equality issue.

Reported 4 months ago by Mick Farrant

Bio
Cartoon image of Indiana Jones

From the Temple of Doom to Community Rooms – the life of Michael Camden


All new reporters for the Camden Disabled People’s Voices site are invited to write a piece about how they came to develop their ‘super powers’ or strengths. In this piece, Michael ‘Camden’ explains how a youth spent roaming forests, living off the land and hitchhiking round the globe ignited within him the desire to do good both for the environment and local communities.

Reported 4 months ago by Michael Camden

Reports
Photo of woman in wheelchair.

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.

Reported 5 months ago by Anna Alston

Bio
Cartoon image of confused man.

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 5 months 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 5 months ago by Mick Farrant

Bio
photo of man wearing glasses.

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 5 months ago by Mick Farrant

Reports
Photo of woman with brown hair.

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 5 months ago by Gloria Bradley

Microreports
Blind woman standing by crossing

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 5 months ago by Mary

Microreports
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 5 months ago by Jill

Microreports
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 6 months ago by Oliver

Microreports
Painting of person on a train.

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.

Reported 6 months ago by Oliver

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 8 months ago by Fatima

Reports

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 9 months ago by

Reports

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 10 months ago by Tom

Reports
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 1 year ago by Oliver

Microreports
Mary in front of a bush and a bin

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.

Reported 1 year ago by Mary

Croftdown Road, London

Microreports

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 Mik

Reports

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 Thomas Marston

Blogs
Man with short hair

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.

Reported 1 year ago by Oliver

Reports
Photo of young man.

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 2 years ago by

Microreports
Girl with dark hair and pale skin

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 2 years ago by Fatima

Microreports
Man with short hair

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 2 years ago by Oliver

Microreports

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.

Reported 2 years ago by Mary

Long read
photo of Tom

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 2 years ago by Tom

Microreports

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.

Reported 2 years ago by Mary

Long read
sad man

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 2 years ago by Quilliass Huntesmith

Blogs
hands holding ankle

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 2 years ago by Sarah

Blogs

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.

Reported 2 years ago by Jill

Audio Stories
man holding back

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 2 years ago by Mik

Blogs
Photo of Ellie at the theatre

‘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 2 years ago by Robert

Video Stories
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. 

Reported 2 years ago by Fatima

Audio Stories

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 2 years ago by Mik

Microreports
woman with black hair

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.

Reported 2 years ago by Fatima

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 2 years ago by Mik

Microreports
hire bikes on pavement

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 2 years ago by Mary

Microreports
Sign for ultra low emission zone

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 2 years ago by Jill

Microreports
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.

Reported 2 years ago by Oliver

Reports
Sign for ultra low emission zone

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.

Reported 2 years ago by Tom

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. 

Reported 2 years ago by Sarah

Reports

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. 

Reported 2 years ago by Fatima

Blogs Reports
Man reading poetry in Chalcot square

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 Oliver

Blogs Reports
Photo of Colonel Fawcett pub

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.

Reported 2 years ago by Anna Alston

Blogs Video Stories

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.

Reported 2 years ago by Tom

Pancras Square, N1C 4AG

Blogs Video Stories
Mik on his hand-propelled bike

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.

Reported 2 years ago by Mik

Blogs Video Stories
Image of woman named Nadia

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.

Reported 2 years ago by

Blogs Reports
Cartoon image of woman called Janet

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.

Reported 2 years ago by

Audio Stories Reports
image of scared woman

Police and courts not doing enough to combat crime and anti-social behaviour, say two CDA members


In this piece Jill talks about her own experience of threatening and anti-social behaviour and she interviews fellow community reporter Gloria about a knife attack on her son. The story also presents figures on crime and anti-social behaviour in Camden.

Reported 6 days ago by Jill

Long read
image of neighbours arguing

My housing association is still mistreating me, says Gloria


In this long piece, Gloria explains how her housing association is continuing to let her down by failing to tackle her neighbour's anti-social behaviour or make the home adaptations she needs as a disabled person. The story also talks about a recent report that reveals how the victims of anti-social behaviour are so often failed by councils.

Reported 1 week ago by Gloria Bradley

Audio Stories Long read
bike parked on pavement

CDA reporters challenge Lime’s glowing report on London scheme


In this report, Jill and Tom challenge the glowing claims made by Lime about its operations in London between 2019 and 2023. We found several of its key claims are false or meaningless and we remain concerned about the impact of Lime bikes on disabled people's quality of life.

Reported 1 month ago by Jill

Reports
Man protesting

We must get our voices heard, says Mick


In this short piece, Mick says getting disability stories covered in the local press and this site is good, but that disabled people, CDA and the Disability Oversight Panel must be bolder and more radical in our fight for change.

Reported 1 month ago by Mick Farrant

Microreports
photo of man wearing glasses.

Unempathetic attitudes cause disablist discrimination, says Mick


In this short piece, Mick explains that, in his opinion, discrimination against disabled people is caused by negative or uncaring attitudes towards us.

Reported 1 month ago by Mick Farrant

Microreports
People sitting at a 'happy to talk bench.'

My journey to happy to talk benches


In this story, Oliver explains his passion for 'happy to talk benches' and speaks about the successful campaign work he has done to promote these loneliness-busting pieces of street furniture.

Reported 2 months ago by Oliver

Bio

The Blue Badge blues


In this piece, Gospel Oak activist Mick Farrant talks about the barriers he has faced in trying to obtain a blue badge. The council has, in Mick's view, failed to make the reasonable adjustments required to enable him to apply for the badge, which gives disabled drivers permission to park near to their destinations. The result? Mick has been forced to spend a fortune on taxis.

Reported 2 months ago by Mick Farrant

Reports
man with glasses trying to read

How the social model of disability has empowered me – by Mick Farrant


In the piece, Mick Farrant explains how the social model of disability has helped him identify the true source of the barriers he's faced since he developed hearing and heart impairments.

Reported 3 months ago by Mick Farrant

Reports
Protestors outside Kentish Town Tube

Camden Disability Action calls for Kentish Town Tube to be made step-free


On 23rd June 2023 Camden Disability Action and allies called for Kentish Town Tube to be made step-free.

Reported 3 months ago by Jill

Microreports
cartoon image of doctors.

Is there a doctor in the house?


In this piece, Michael Camden explain how his limited store of energy as a person who lives with long-term conditions has been sapped by a user-unfriendly GP and NHS 111 phone system.

Reported 3 months ago by Michael Camden

Long read
man in wheelchair next to an e-bike on the pavement.

Camden green-lights e-bikes despite anti-social parking


In this longer piece, Jill explains why e-bikes will continue to be used in Camden despite Disabled people's concerns about the way they are parked and their doubts about their green 'benefits'.

Reported 3 months ago by Jill

Microreports
Man protesting

Disabled Lives Matter so take accessibility seriously, says Mick


In this piece, Mick talks about service providers' failure to make information accessible for people with a variety of impairments. Access, he says, is a major equality issue.

Reported 4 months ago by Mick Farrant

Bio
Cartoon image of Indiana Jones

From the Temple of Doom to Community Rooms – the life of Michael Camden


All new reporters for the Camden Disabled People’s Voices site are invited to write a piece about how they came to develop their ‘super powers’ or strengths. In this piece, Michael ‘Camden’ explains how a youth spent roaming forests, living off the land and hitchhiking round the globe ignited within him the desire to do good both for the environment and local communities.

Reported 4 months ago by Michael Camden

Reports
Photo of woman in wheelchair.

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.

Reported 5 months ago by Anna Alston

Bio
Cartoon image of confused man.

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 5 months 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 5 months ago by Mick Farrant

Bio
photo of man wearing glasses.

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 5 months ago by Mick Farrant

Reports
Photo of woman with brown hair.

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 5 months ago by Gloria Bradley

Microreports
Blind woman standing by crossing

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 5 months ago by Mary

Microreports
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 5 months ago by Jill

Microreports
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 6 months ago by Oliver

Microreports
Painting of person on a train.

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.

Reported 6 months ago by Oliver

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 8 months ago by Fatima

Reports

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 9 months ago by

Reports

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 10 months ago by Tom

Reports
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 1 year ago by Oliver

Microreports
Mary in front of a bush and a bin

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.

Reported 1 year ago by Mary

Croftdown Road, London

Microreports

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 Mik

Reports

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 Thomas Marston

Blogs
Man with short hair

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.

Reported 1 year ago by Oliver

Reports
Photo of young man.

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 2 years ago by

Microreports
Girl with dark hair and pale skin

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 2 years ago by Fatima

Microreports
Man with short hair

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 2 years ago by Oliver

Microreports

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.

Reported 2 years ago by Mary

Long read
photo of Tom

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 2 years ago by Tom

Microreports

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.

Reported 2 years ago by Mary

Long read
sad man

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 2 years ago by Quilliass Huntesmith

Blogs
hands holding ankle

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 2 years ago by Sarah

Blogs

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.

Reported 2 years ago by Jill

Audio Stories
man holding back

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 2 years ago by Mik

Blogs
Photo of Ellie at the theatre

‘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 2 years ago by Robert

Video Stories
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. 

Reported 2 years ago by Fatima

Audio Stories

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 2 years ago by Mik

Microreports
woman with black hair

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.

Reported 2 years ago by Fatima

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 2 years ago by Mik

Microreports
hire bikes on pavement

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 2 years ago by Mary

Microreports
Sign for ultra low emission zone

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 2 years ago by Jill

Microreports
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.

Reported 2 years ago by Oliver

Reports
Sign for ultra low emission zone

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.

Reported 2 years ago by Tom

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. 

Reported 2 years ago by Sarah

Reports

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. 

Reported 2 years ago by Fatima

Blogs Reports
Man reading poetry in Chalcot square

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 Oliver

Blogs Reports
Photo of Colonel Fawcett pub

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.

Reported 2 years ago by Anna Alston

Blogs Video Stories

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.

Reported 2 years ago by Tom

Pancras Square, N1C 4AG

Blogs Video Stories
Mik on his hand-propelled bike

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.

Reported 2 years ago by Mik

Blogs Video Stories
Image of woman named Nadia

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.

Reported 2 years ago by

Blogs Reports
Cartoon image of woman called Janet

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.

Reported 2 years ago by

Audio Stories Reports
image of scared woman

Police and courts not doing enough to combat crime and anti-social behaviour, say two CDA members


In this piece Jill talks about her own experience of threatening and anti-social behaviour and she interviews fellow community reporter Gloria about a knife attack on her son. The story also presents figures on crime and anti-social behaviour in Camden.

Reported 6 days ago by Jill

Long read
image of neighbours arguing

My housing association is still mistreating me, says Gloria


In this long piece, Gloria explains how her housing association is continuing to let her down by failing to tackle her neighbour's anti-social behaviour or make the home adaptations she needs as a disabled person. The story also talks about a recent report that reveals how the victims of anti-social behaviour are so often failed by councils.

Reported 1 week ago by Gloria Bradley

Audio Stories Long read
bike parked on pavement

CDA reporters challenge Lime’s glowing report on London scheme


In this report, Jill and Tom challenge the glowing claims made by Lime about its operations in London between 2019 and 2023. We found several of its key claims are false or meaningless and we remain concerned about the impact of Lime bikes on disabled people's quality of life.

Reported 1 month ago by Jill

Reports
Man protesting

We must get our voices heard, says Mick


In this short piece, Mick says getting disability stories covered in the local press and this site is good, but that disabled people, CDA and the Disability Oversight Panel must be bolder and more radical in our fight for change.

Reported 1 month ago by Mick Farrant

Microreports
photo of man wearing glasses.

Unempathetic attitudes cause disablist discrimination, says Mick


In this short piece, Mick explains that, in his opinion, discrimination against disabled people is caused by negative or uncaring attitudes towards us.

Reported 1 month ago by Mick Farrant

Microreports
People sitting at a 'happy to talk bench.'

My journey to happy to talk benches


In this story, Oliver explains his passion for 'happy to talk benches' and speaks about the successful campaign work he has done to promote these loneliness-busting pieces of street furniture.

Reported 2 months ago by Oliver

Bio

The Blue Badge blues


In this piece, Gospel Oak activist Mick Farrant talks about the barriers he has faced in trying to obtain a blue badge. The council has, in Mick's view, failed to make the reasonable adjustments required to enable him to apply for the badge, which gives disabled drivers permission to park near to their destinations. The result? Mick has been forced to spend a fortune on taxis.

Reported 2 months ago by Mick Farrant

Reports
man with glasses trying to read

How the social model of disability has empowered me – by Mick Farrant


In the piece, Mick Farrant explains how the social model of disability has helped him identify the true source of the barriers he's faced since he developed hearing and heart impairments.

Reported 3 months ago by Mick Farrant

Reports
Protestors outside Kentish Town Tube

Camden Disability Action calls for Kentish Town Tube to be made step-free


On 23rd June 2023 Camden Disability Action and allies called for Kentish Town Tube to be made step-free.

Reported 3 months ago by Jill

Microreports
cartoon image of doctors.

Is there a doctor in the house?


In this piece, Michael Camden explain how his limited store of energy as a person who lives with long-term conditions has been sapped by a user-unfriendly GP and NHS 111 phone system.

Reported 3 months ago by Michael Camden

Long read
man in wheelchair next to an e-bike on the pavement.

Camden green-lights e-bikes despite anti-social parking


In this longer piece, Jill explains why e-bikes will continue to be used in Camden despite Disabled people's concerns about the way they are parked and their doubts about their green 'benefits'.

Reported 3 months ago by Jill

Microreports
Man protesting

Disabled Lives Matter so take accessibility seriously, says Mick


In this piece, Mick talks about service providers' failure to make information accessible for people with a variety of impairments. Access, he says, is a major equality issue.

Reported 4 months ago by Mick Farrant

Bio
Cartoon image of Indiana Jones

From the Temple of Doom to Community Rooms – the life of Michael Camden


All new reporters for the Camden Disabled People’s Voices site are invited to write a piece about how they came to develop their ‘super powers’ or strengths. In this piece, Michael ‘Camden’ explains how a youth spent roaming forests, living off the land and hitchhiking round the globe ignited within him the desire to do good both for the environment and local communities.

Reported 4 months ago by Michael Camden

Reports
Photo of woman in wheelchair.

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.

Reported 5 months ago by Anna Alston

Bio
Cartoon image of confused man.

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 5 months 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 5 months ago by Mick Farrant

Bio
photo of man wearing glasses.

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 5 months ago by Mick Farrant

Reports
Photo of woman with brown hair.

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 5 months ago by Gloria Bradley

Microreports
Blind woman standing by crossing

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 5 months ago by Mary

Microreports
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 5 months ago by Jill

Microreports
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 6 months ago by Oliver

Microreports
Painting of person on a train.

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.

Reported 6 months ago by Oliver

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 8 months ago by Fatima

Reports

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 9 months ago by

Reports

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 10 months ago by Tom

Reports
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 1 year ago by Oliver

Microreports
Mary in front of a bush and a bin

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.

Reported 1 year ago by Mary

Croftdown Road, London

Microreports

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 Mik

Reports

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 Thomas Marston

Blogs
Man with short hair

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.

Reported 1 year ago by Oliver

Reports
Photo of young man.

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 2 years ago by

Microreports
Girl with dark hair and pale skin

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 2 years ago by Fatima

Microreports
Man with short hair

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 2 years ago by Oliver

Microreports

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.

Reported 2 years ago by Mary

Long read
photo of Tom

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 2 years ago by Tom

Microreports

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.

Reported 2 years ago by Mary

Long read
sad man

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 2 years ago by Quilliass Huntesmith

Blogs
hands holding ankle

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 2 years ago by Sarah

Blogs

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.

Reported 2 years ago by Jill

Audio Stories
man holding back

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 2 years ago by Mik

Blogs
Photo of Ellie at the theatre

‘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 2 years ago by Robert

Video Stories
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. 

Reported 2 years ago by Fatima

Audio Stories

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 2 years ago by Mik

Microreports
woman with black hair

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.

Reported 2 years ago by Fatima

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 2 years ago by Mik

Microreports
hire bikes on pavement

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 2 years ago by Mary

Microreports
Sign for ultra low emission zone

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 2 years ago by Jill

Microreports
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.

Reported 2 years ago by Oliver

Reports
Sign for ultra low emission zone

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.

Reported 2 years ago by Tom

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. 

Reported 2 years ago by Sarah

Reports

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. 

Reported 2 years ago by Fatima

Blogs Reports
Man reading poetry in Chalcot square

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 Oliver

Blogs Reports
Photo of Colonel Fawcett pub

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.

Reported 2 years ago by Anna Alston

Blogs Video Stories

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.

Reported 2 years ago by Tom

Pancras Square, N1C 4AG

Blogs Video Stories
Mik on his hand-propelled bike

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.

Reported 2 years ago by Mik

Blogs Video Stories
Image of woman named Nadia

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.

Reported 2 years ago by

Blogs Reports
Cartoon image of woman called Janet

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.

Reported 2 years ago by

Audio Stories Reports
image of scared woman

Police and courts not doing enough to combat crime and anti-social behaviour, say two CDA members


In this piece Jill talks about her own experience of threatening and anti-social behaviour and she interviews fellow community reporter Gloria about a knife attack on her son. The story also presents figures on crime and anti-social behaviour in Camden.

Reported 6 days ago by Jill

Long read
image of neighbours arguing

My housing association is still mistreating me, says Gloria


In this long piece, Gloria explains how her housing association is continuing to let her down by failing to tackle her neighbour's anti-social behaviour or make the home adaptations she needs as a disabled person. The story also talks about a recent report that reveals how the victims of anti-social behaviour are so often failed by councils.

Reported 1 week ago by Gloria Bradley

Audio Stories Long read
bike parked on pavement

CDA reporters challenge Lime’s glowing report on London scheme


In this report, Jill and Tom challenge the glowing claims made by Lime about its operations in London between 2019 and 2023. We found several of its key claims are false or meaningless and we remain concerned about the impact of Lime bikes on disabled people's quality of life.

Reported 1 month ago by Jill

Reports
Man protesting

We must get our voices heard, says Mick


In this short piece, Mick says getting disability stories covered in the local press and this site is good, but that disabled people, CDA and the Disability Oversight Panel must be bolder and more radical in our fight for change.

Reported 1 month ago by Mick Farrant

Microreports
photo of man wearing glasses.

Unempathetic attitudes cause disablist discrimination, says Mick


In this short piece, Mick explains that, in his opinion, discrimination against disabled people is caused by negative or uncaring attitudes towards us.

Reported 1 month ago by Mick Farrant

Microreports
People sitting at a 'happy to talk bench.'

My journey to happy to talk benches


In this story, Oliver explains his passion for 'happy to talk benches' and speaks about the successful campaign work he has done to promote these loneliness-busting pieces of street furniture.

Reported 2 months ago by Oliver

Bio

The Blue Badge blues


In this piece, Gospel Oak activist Mick Farrant talks about the barriers he has faced in trying to obtain a blue badge. The council has, in Mick's view, failed to make the reasonable adjustments required to enable him to apply for the badge, which gives disabled drivers permission to park near to their destinations. The result? Mick has been forced to spend a fortune on taxis.

Reported 2 months ago by Mick Farrant

Reports
man with glasses trying to read

How the social model of disability has empowered me – by Mick Farrant


In the piece, Mick Farrant explains how the social model of disability has helped him identify the true source of the barriers he's faced since he developed hearing and heart impairments.

Reported 3 months ago by Mick Farrant

Reports
Protestors outside Kentish Town Tube

Camden Disability Action calls for Kentish Town Tube to be made step-free


On 23rd June 2023 Camden Disability Action and allies called for Kentish Town Tube to be made step-free.

Reported 3 months ago by Jill

Microreports
cartoon image of doctors.

Is there a doctor in the house?


In this piece, Michael Camden explain how his limited store of energy as a person who lives with long-term conditions has been sapped by a user-unfriendly GP and NHS 111 phone system.

Reported 3 months ago by Michael Camden

Long read
man in wheelchair next to an e-bike on the pavement.

Camden green-lights e-bikes despite anti-social parking


In this longer piece, Jill explains why e-bikes will continue to be used in Camden despite Disabled people's concerns about the way they are parked and their doubts about their green 'benefits'.

Reported 3 months ago by Jill

Microreports
Man protesting

Disabled Lives Matter so take accessibility seriously, says Mick


In this piece, Mick talks about service providers' failure to make information accessible for people with a variety of impairments. Access, he says, is a major equality issue.

Reported 4 months ago by Mick Farrant

Bio
Cartoon image of Indiana Jones

From the Temple of Doom to Community Rooms – the life of Michael Camden


All new reporters for the Camden Disabled People’s Voices site are invited to write a piece about how they came to develop their ‘super powers’ or strengths. In this piece, Michael ‘Camden’ explains how a youth spent roaming forests, living off the land and hitchhiking round the globe ignited within him the desire to do good both for the environment and local communities.

Reported 4 months ago by Michael Camden

Reports
Photo of woman in wheelchair.

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.

Reported 5 months ago by Anna Alston

Bio
Cartoon image of confused man.

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 5 months 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 5 months ago by Mick Farrant

Bio
photo of man wearing glasses.

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 5 months ago by Mick Farrant

Reports
Photo of woman with brown hair.

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 5 months ago by Gloria Bradley

Microreports
Blind woman standing by crossing

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 5 months ago by Mary

Microreports
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 5 months ago by Jill

Microreports
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 6 months ago by Oliver

Microreports
Painting of person on a train.

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.

Reported 6 months ago by Oliver

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 8 months ago by Fatima

Reports

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 9 months ago by

Reports

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 10 months ago by Tom

Reports
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 1 year ago by Oliver

Microreports
Mary in front of a bush and a bin

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.

Reported 1 year ago by Mary

Croftdown Road, London

Microreports

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 Mik

Reports

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 Thomas Marston

Blogs
Man with short hair

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.

Reported 1 year ago by Oliver

Reports
Photo of young man.

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 2 years ago by

Microreports
Girl with dark hair and pale skin

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 2 years ago by Fatima

Microreports
Man with short hair

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 2 years ago by Oliver

Microreports

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.

Reported 2 years ago by Mary

Long read
photo of Tom

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 2 years ago by Tom

Microreports

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.

Reported 2 years ago by Mary

Long read
sad man

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 2 years ago by Quilliass Huntesmith

Blogs
hands holding ankle

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 2 years ago by Sarah

Blogs

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.

Reported 2 years ago by Jill

Audio Stories
man holding back

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 2 years ago by Mik

Blogs
Photo of Ellie at the theatre

‘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 2 years ago by Robert

Video Stories
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. 

Reported 2 years ago by Fatima

Audio Stories

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 2 years ago by Mik

Microreports
woman with black hair

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.

Reported 2 years ago by Fatima

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 2 years ago by Mik

Microreports
hire bikes on pavement

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 2 years ago by Mary

Microreports
Sign for ultra low emission zone

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 2 years ago by Jill

Microreports
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.

Reported 2 years ago by Oliver

Reports
Sign for ultra low emission zone

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.

Reported 2 years ago by Tom

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. 

Reported 2 years ago by Sarah

Reports

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. 

Reported 2 years ago by Fatima

Blogs Reports
Man reading poetry in Chalcot square

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 Oliver

Blogs Reports
Photo of Colonel Fawcett pub

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.

Reported 2 years ago by Anna Alston

Blogs Video Stories

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.

Reported 2 years ago by Tom

Pancras Square, N1C 4AG

Blogs Video Stories
Mik on his hand-propelled bike

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.

Reported 2 years ago by Mik

Blogs Video Stories
Image of woman named Nadia

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.

Reported 2 years ago by

Blogs Reports
Cartoon image of woman called Janet

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.

Reported 2 years ago by

Audio Stories Reports
image of scared woman

Police and courts not doing enough to combat crime and anti-social behaviour, say two CDA members


In this piece Jill talks about her own experience of threatening and anti-social behaviour and she interviews fellow community reporter Gloria about a knife attack on her son. The story also presents figures on crime and anti-social behaviour in Camden.

Reported 6 days ago by Jill

Long read
image of neighbours arguing

My housing association is still mistreating me, says Gloria


In this long piece, Gloria explains how her housing association is continuing to let her down by failing to tackle her neighbour's anti-social behaviour or make the home adaptations she needs as a disabled person. The story also talks about a recent report that reveals how the victims of anti-social behaviour are so often failed by councils.

Reported 1 week ago by Gloria Bradley

Audio Stories Long read
bike parked on pavement

CDA reporters challenge Lime’s glowing report on London scheme


In this report, Jill and Tom challenge the glowing claims made by Lime about its operations in London between 2019 and 2023. We found several of its key claims are false or meaningless and we remain concerned about the impact of Lime bikes on disabled people's quality of life.

Reported 1 month ago by Jill

Reports
Man protesting

We must get our voices heard, says Mick


In this short piece, Mick says getting disability stories covered in the local press and this site is good, but that disabled people, CDA and the Disability Oversight Panel must be bolder and more radical in our fight for change.

Reported 1 month ago by Mick Farrant

Microreports
photo of man wearing glasses.

Unempathetic attitudes cause disablist discrimination, says Mick


In this short piece, Mick explains that, in his opinion, discrimination against disabled people is caused by negative or uncaring attitudes towards us.

Reported 1 month ago by Mick Farrant

Microreports
People sitting at a 'happy to talk bench.'

My journey to happy to talk benches


In this story, Oliver explains his passion for 'happy to talk benches' and speaks about the successful campaign work he has done to promote these loneliness-busting pieces of street furniture.

Reported 2 months ago by Oliver

Bio

The Blue Badge blues


In this piece, Gospel Oak activist Mick Farrant talks about the barriers he has faced in trying to obtain a blue badge. The council has, in Mick's view, failed to make the reasonable adjustments required to enable him to apply for the badge, which gives disabled drivers permission to park near to their destinations. The result? Mick has been forced to spend a fortune on taxis.

Reported 2 months ago by Mick Farrant

Reports
man with glasses trying to read

How the social model of disability has empowered me – by Mick Farrant


In the piece, Mick Farrant explains how the social model of disability has helped him identify the true source of the barriers he's faced since he developed hearing and heart impairments.

Reported 3 months ago by Mick Farrant

Reports
Protestors outside Kentish Town Tube

Camden Disability Action calls for Kentish Town Tube to be made step-free


On 23rd June 2023 Camden Disability Action and allies called for Kentish Town Tube to be made step-free.

Reported 3 months ago by Jill

Microreports
cartoon image of doctors.

Is there a doctor in the house?


In this piece, Michael Camden explain how his limited store of energy as a person who lives with long-term conditions has been sapped by a user-unfriendly GP and NHS 111 phone system.

Reported 3 months ago by Michael Camden

Long read
man in wheelchair next to an e-bike on the pavement.

Camden green-lights e-bikes despite anti-social parking


In this longer piece, Jill explains why e-bikes will continue to be used in Camden despite Disabled people's concerns about the way they are parked and their doubts about their green 'benefits'.

Reported 3 months ago by Jill

Microreports
Man protesting

Disabled Lives Matter so take accessibility seriously, says Mick


In this piece, Mick talks about service providers' failure to make information accessible for people with a variety of impairments. Access, he says, is a major equality issue.

Reported 4 months ago by Mick Farrant

Bio
Cartoon image of Indiana Jones

From the Temple of Doom to Community Rooms – the life of Michael Camden


All new reporters for the Camden Disabled People’s Voices site are invited to write a piece about how they came to develop their ‘super powers’ or strengths. In this piece, Michael ‘Camden’ explains how a youth spent roaming forests, living off the land and hitchhiking round the globe ignited within him the desire to do good both for the environment and local communities.

Reported 4 months ago by Michael Camden

Reports
Photo of woman in wheelchair.

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.

Reported 5 months ago by Anna Alston

Bio
Cartoon image of confused man.

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 5 months 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 5 months ago by Mick Farrant

Bio
photo of man wearing glasses.

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 5 months ago by Mick Farrant

Reports
Photo of woman with brown hair.

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 5 months ago by Gloria Bradley

Microreports
Blind woman standing by crossing

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 5 months ago by Mary

Microreports
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 5 months ago by Jill

Microreports
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 6 months ago by Oliver

Microreports
Painting of person on a train.

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.

Reported 6 months ago by Oliver

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 8 months ago by Fatima

Reports

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 9 months ago by

Reports

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 10 months ago by Tom

Reports
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 1 year ago by Oliver

Microreports
Mary in front of a bush and a bin

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.

Reported 1 year ago by Mary

Croftdown Road, London

Microreports

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 Mik

Reports

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 Thomas Marston

Blogs
Man with short hair