News

Jane’s journey to setting up her braille business

8 September 2023
Jane and Caroline enjoying an Autumn walk

We spoke with Jane, Coalition Member and also Board Member of the Coalition, about her journey to creating her braille business. At the age of nine Jane learnt how to touch type, every Monday afternoon she would have a lesson with her teacher on how to type and she still remembers these methods and skills. […]

Read Jane’s journey to setting up her braille business

Back to Number 10!

5 September 2023
Jane, Jonathan and Nikki in front of the door at No.10 Downing Street.

Rail Ticket Office Closures – updates

24 August 2023
Train at a platform

Access All Areas – Frensham Great Pond

24 August 2023
A path in the heathland at Frensham Great pond.

Superhero Tri 2023!

21 August 2023
group photo of the Coalition Superhero Tri participants at the event in front of a large lake. All of the participants are wearing a large yellow and silver medal.

Access All Areas – Hindhead Commons and the Devil’s Punch Bowl

18 August 2023
Far-reaching view of forests and hills at Hindhead Commons.

In August 2023, the National Trust invited The Coalition’s Access All Areas project to feedback on a sensory walk – which is currently in development – at Hindhead Commons and the Devil’s Punch Bowl. Sensory walks encourage people to use all their senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch) to connect with their surroundings while […]

Read Access All Areas – Hindhead Commons and the Devil’s Punch Bowl

David’s trip to Virginia Water for the SILC Waterside Walk

18 August 2023
Latest News Image

Meet our walkers/runners/wheelers for the Superhero Tri!

11 August 2023
Banner with four photos of our Superhero Tri participants

Meet our cyclists for the Superhero Tri!

8 August 2023
Banner with four photos of our Superhero Tri cyclists

Making Every Contact Count (MECC) training

31 July 2023
Yellow and pink gradient background with two graphics of multi colour people that are touching hands in a semi-circle and the following text: Making Every Contact Count (MECC) Training

Sunday afternoon swimming in the sunshine!

31 July 2023
Coalition staff members Katy, Caroline and Charlotte wearing wetsuits with a lake behind them

Preparations continue for the Superhero Tri with a visit to the lake for three of our swimmers to get some open water swimming practise. Despite it being a warm day, we all wore wetsuits as these are required on event day. It takes a bit of time to wiggle your way into a wetsuit – […]

Read Sunday afternoon swimming in the sunshine!

Tech Members in North West Surrey no longer able to access Tech Angel service due to lack of funding

25 July 2023
Person using a stylus pen on a digital tablet

We’ve been catching up with Attia, The Coalition’s Outreach Officer. Attia’s role involves working with the local communities in Surrey that may benefit from the support we can offer. This includes people who are digitally excluded in Surrey, who are at a much higher risk of loneliness and social isolation. Our Tech Angel volunteers provide […]

Read Tech Members in North West Surrey no longer able to access Tech Angel service due to lack of funding

Meet our swimmers for the Superhero Tri!

25 July 2023
Banner with photos of our four superhero tri swimmers

Pathways to Change – final update

10 July 2023
Banner with a blue background and the project title 'Pathways to Change' in a bold font. Also on the banner is a graphic of a purple megaphone and two graphics of multi colour people that are touching hands in a semi-circle

At the end of May, Salem and Immy held a focus group for South-Asian residents based around Guildford. This was held at The Coalition’s and SMEF’s headquarters in Astolat. Alex conducted interviews online. Participants highlighted the importance of seeing a professional from a similar background: “I’m blessed with a good one [psychiatrist]. She’s Asian too […]

Read Pathways to Change – final update

Making Every Contact Count

7 July 2023
Two people at a table holding cups of tea

Making Every Contact Count (MECC) is about using everyday conversations to help people make changes to improve their physical and mental wellbeing by signposting to local services. Rather than telling people what to do, Making Every Contact Count (MECC) is about recognising opportunities to talk to people about their wellbeing using the skills of asking and […]

Read Making Every Contact Count

In and Out updates

6 July 2023
Photo of hands clasped

On Thursday 22 June, Alex and Immy presented the In and Out report findings to Surrey and Borders Partnership (SABP)’s Governors at Dorking Halls. The Governors are local people with an interest in mental health services in Surrey and North-East Hampshire and hold SABP’s Board of Directors to account for the Trust’s performance. Future public […]

Read In and Out updates

Access to Foodbanks/food support in Surrey

6 July 2023
Photo of pasta and tinned food on shelving

The Coalition would like your views on food support in Surrey and whether this is currently accessible to Disabled people. We have put together a short survey about food support in Surrey. This includes foodbanks, food clubs, community fridges and pantries etc. We are really keen to hear of any barriers for Disabled people in […]

Read Access to Foodbanks/food support in Surrey

Co-production Week

6 July 2023
Photo of a five people in a meeting looking at a board of sticky notes

What is co-production?Co-production is about working together. People with lived experience of using a service working with the service providers to reach a shared outcome. Why is co-production so important?Who best to advise on services than people that actually use the service. They have first-hand experience and can provide insights that nobody else can! How […]

Read Co-production Week

Improving the accessibility in our Surrey countryside

23 June 2023
A banner with five photos from our Access All Areas visits to the Surrey countryside.

Pathways to Change – The Gurkha Cup

9 June 2023
Banner with a bright green background and the project title 'Pathways to Change' in a bold font. Also on the banner is a graphic of a purple megaphone and two graphics of multi colour people that are touching hands in a semi-circle

On Sunday, 28 May 2023 researchers from the Pathways to Change project went to The Gurkha Cup in Aldershot. It is one of the biggest events for Nepalese communities in the UK, celebrating Nepalese culture, promoting integration with wider local communities, and supporting businesses and the local economy. The major highlight of The Gurkha Cup […]

Read Pathways to Change – The Gurkha Cup

Tech Angel helps to boost confidence for Tech Member

2 June 2023
Bright pink banner with three images in the shape of a circle. Image one: a man on a laptop. Image two: a women teaching another women how to use a laptop. Image three: a women smiling and holding a mobile phone

We spoke with one of our Tech Members about their experience with the Tech Angel’s project. My first help was with technology was my Tech Angel (TA) who was very efficient – I struggled at first because I am not very efficient! She is the most sweet, gentle human being you could ever meet. She […]

Read Tech Angel helps to boost confidence for Tech Member

Compassion in Crisis Updates

2 June 2023
Two women talking

Get More Active Get Together – Alice Holt Inclusive Cycling

26 May 2023
Group of coalition staff and members at Alice Holt forest on bikes

We will be returning to Alice Holt on 29th June at 11am for a cycle! To join please contact Katy – Email: katy.hubbard@surreycoalition.org.uk SMS/Phone: 07434 865062 Read about our trip to Alice Holt last year: Our group arranged to meet at the Activity Centre for 11am and with all of our plans running smoothly we […]

Read Get More Active Get Together – Alice Holt Inclusive Cycling

Surrey Police – Pegasus Scheme

23 May 2023
Person texting on a mobile phone

Information below about the Surrey Police Pegasus Scheme: Helping to support our deaf, blind and disabled communities. If a member of the public is deaf, blind, or has a disability which makes communication difficult, how could they call us for help? Our Pegasus scheme is for people who find it hard to communicate with us […]

Read Surrey Police – Pegasus Scheme

Pathways to Change updates

23 May 2023
Salem presenting at an event

Surrey Police – Hate Crime

15 May 2023
Police officer

What is a hate crime? What is a hate incident? Anything where someone believes they are being targeted with hostility and prejudice, simply because of who they are has no place in our society. This can be prejudice or hostility towards someone’s: In Surrey – we also look at Alternative Subcultures which is any crime/incident […]

Read Surrey Police – Hate Crime

Working together to enhance the local community’s technology skills

12 May 2023
Banner with a bright pink background and three photos in the shape of a circle. Photo one: a digital tablet with a recipe on the screen. Photo two: two people looking at a laptop. Photo three: a man looking at a laptop.

We spoke with Rachel, The Coalition’s Technology Trainer about her role and what the Tech to Community Connect Team have been up to recently. Rachel joined the Technology Team in January of this year, her role involves providing 1 to 1 Technology sessions to Tech Members in their homes, at coffee shops, at residential homes […]

Read Working together to enhance the local community’s technology skills

Richer Minds Podcast: In & Out – life on a mental health ward and inspiring change

27 April 2023
Women speaking into a microphone

This podcast contains sensitive material, please read the YouTube description for more information. Kirsty our Trainee Peer Researcher features on the Richer Minds Podcast to talk about the In and Out Project. You can find out more about the In and Out Project via the following link: In and Out Project full report – Surrey Coalition […]

Read Richer Minds Podcast: In & Out – life on a mental health ward and inspiring change

How the Alliance’s priorities were decided for 2023

27 April 2023
Group of people in a meeting brainstorming ideas

Surrey Adult Mental Health Alliance decided its priority for 2023 through a series of workshops. Firstly, the Advisory Forum held a virtual workshop in December 2022 with attendees representing Independent Mental Health Network, Surrey Minority Ethnic Forum, Mary Frances Trust, Oakleaf, Catalyst, Surrey and Borders Partnership, Active Prospectus, and Age UK. The workshop was to […]

Read How the Alliance’s priorities were decided for 2023

Join our campaigns group to help improve the long waiting lists for a carer in Surrey

25 April 2023
Banner with three images. The background of the banner is purple and the three images are in the shape of circles. Image one is of a carer talking to a women, image two is of a man with a carer playing a guitar and image three is of a women and a carer in a park.

We spoke with Attia our Outreach Officer about care services and what she has observed from speaking with Coalition members and the local community. Attia’s role involves talking to the community about The Coalition, signing up new members and speaking to people in the local area. Attia joined The Coalition two years ago and over […]

Read Join our campaigns group to help improve the long waiting lists for a carer in Surrey

Experience of Accessing Health and Wellbeing Services in Surrey & NE Hants Survey

21 April 2023
Person on a laptop

Superhero Tri interview with Angie and Katy

21 April 2023
Bright blue background with a green box with the title: Superhero Tri interview with Angie and Katy

Katy, our Physical Activity Navigator chats with Angie, our Engagement Officer about the Superhero Tri. To read our blog on the Superhero Tri please visit the following link: https://surreycoalition.org.uk/exciti… To find out more about Superhero Tri please visit their website: https://superheroseries.co.uk/

Read Superhero Tri interview with Angie and Katy

World Autism Acceptance Week: creating a more inclusive environment for autistic people

28 March 2023
Two women talking and sat outside at a cafe

It’s World Autism Acceptance Week, a time that focuses on educating society about autism and working together to create an environment that helps to enable autistic people to feel more comfortable and accepted. World Autism Acceptance Week was created in 2007 and since then awareness and understanding of autism has progressed. However, there’s still a […]

Read World Autism Acceptance Week: creating a more inclusive environment for autistic people

Nikki and Salem visited Muslim Women’s Group in Surrey to run a mental health workshop

28 March 2023
Two women talking and smiling

When a women says ‘this group is my oxygen’, you really quickly get a picture of how important it is. Nikki and Salem visited Muslim Women’s Group in Surrey to run a mental health workshop. We wanted to hear about their views on mental health and the mental health services in Surrey. The group was […]

Read Nikki and Salem visited Muslim Women’s Group in Surrey to run a mental health workshop

Introduction to the Surrey Adult Mental Health Alliance and Advisory Forum

7 March 2023
Two women chatting

The Surrey Adult Mental Health Alliance exists to improve mental health support and services for people in Surrey. Organisations have come together to work with each other and people with lived experience. Partnership working increases capacity and capability whilst reducing rivalry between service providers. This enables Surrey to focus more on what our residents need […]

Read Introduction to the Surrey Adult Mental Health Alliance and Advisory Forum

Pathways to Change Survey

2 March 2023
Photo of a man looking at a computer

Exciting Coalition announcement…

2 March 2023
A banner with three images - image one is a close up photo of a wheelchair user on a sports track, image two is of two people running into water and image three is of Coalition staff member Yasmin and Coalition Chair Jonathan on a tandem bike.

We are participating in the UK’s one and only disability sports triathlon – The Superhero Tri. The event takes place this summer, August 12th at Dorney Lake, Windsor. It is a day full of fun, excitement, and team spirit! We are attending as relay teams, which will consist of Coalition staff and members, and we […]

Read Exciting Coalition announcement…

The Coalition’s trip to Downing Street

27 February 2023
Coalition staff and members in front of the Number 10 door, holding an envelope with the following writing on: Rishi Sunak Prime Minister

The Coalition’s trip to Downing Street to hand in a petition to stop plans to close ticket offices and remove guards from trains which will plunge Disabled people in Surrey into greater isolation as travelling on trains independently will no longer be possible under proposed changes.

Read The Coalition’s trip to Downing Street

Pathways to Change

24 February 2023
Surrey Coalition of Disabled People Logo

Surrey Minority Ethnic Forum (SMEF) and Surrey Coalition of Disabled People (The Coalition) are currently working on a research project looking at the experiences of South-Asian adults within mental health services in Surrey and North-East Hampshire. The project is titled ‘Pathways to Change’ and began at the end of 2022. It specifically focusses on whether […]

Read Pathways to Change

In and Out Project full report

23 February 2023
A man looking out of a window

The In and Out Project looked at admissions to and discharge from mental health hospitals. Please find below the full report from the research project. We are looking for Surrey-based adults (18+) with experience of admission to, and discharge from mental health hospital to develop recommendations from the In andOut Project’s findings. Please contact us if […]

Read In and Out Project full report

Wheelchair users and their families are having to suffer unnecessary pain and distress

20 February 2023
Image of the wheels of a power chair

The impact from the cost of living crisis on our community

10 February 2023
Close up photo of a table at a food bank with people passing food.

Attia and Heather from our Tech to Community Connect team spent the day at a local Job Centre to talk to our community about The Coalition, our different projects and how we can help people. It gave us an opportunity to meet and chat with new people and share the cost of living survey. This […]

Read The impact from the cost of living crisis on our community

Jonathan’s steam train adventure on the Sherwood Forester

3 February 2023
Steam train on a railway track surrounded by trees

Compassion in Crisis research project animation

23 January 2023
Surrey Coalition of Disabled People Logo

Compassion in Crisis (CIC) is a research project, which explores and documents experiences of crisis which may or may not have led to an unplanned admission to mental health hospital or specialist units. It focuses on the experiences of autistic individuals and/or individuals with learning disabilities. This animation explains the aims and process of the […]

Read Compassion in Crisis research project animation

Surrey resident confined to home due to poor wheelchair service

20 January 2023
Surrey Coalition of Disabled People Logo

Compassion in Crisis

22 December 2022
Four icons: an icon of a hand and heart, a superhero icon, a knot and three arrows in a circle.

In collaboration with Surrey Heartlands, Surrey County Council & Systems Safety Compassion in Crisis (CIC) is a research project, which explores and documents experiences of crisis which may or may not have led to an unplanned admission to mental health hospital or specialist units. It focuses on the experiences of autistic individuals and/or individuals with […]

Read Compassion in Crisis

Jonathan and Jane visit Bath on the Sir Nigel Gresley steam train

14 December 2022
Steam train at a railway station

Last week, Jonathan our Chair and fellow Board Director Jane, who both have a visual impairment, went on a trip to the Christmas Markets in Bath on the Sir Nigel Gresley steam train! They were very lucky and were in the Pullman dining car. They were served brunch which consisted of granola, yoghurt, melon, brioche, pastries and […]

Read Jonathan and Jane visit Bath on the Sir Nigel Gresley steam train

In and Out Project executive summary

9 December 2022
Two men sat at a table talking

There are two versions of the In and Out Project executive summary below, firstly the plain text version and secondly the PDF presentation. The full report will be available soon and uploaded to our website. In and Out: People with lived experience, carer & professional perspectives on avoiding admission to mental health hospitals, and how […]

Read In and Out Project executive summary

In and Out Project update

9 December 2022
Woman looking at her reflection in a window

In and Out: People with lived experience, carer and professional perspectives on avoiding admission to mental health hospitals, and how discharges could be safely made more quickly  In Spring 2022, Surrey Coalition of Disabled People (The Coalition) was asked to undertake a research project to better understand:  Data Collection  The In and Out Surveys ran […]

Read In and Out Project update

In and Out Project animation

9 December 2022
Surrey Coalition of Disabled People Logo

Animation about the aims, research process and findings from the In and Out Project. The In and Out Project looked at admissions to and discharge from mental health hospitals. The full report will be available soon and uploaded to our website.

Read In and Out Project animation
I've not been out for ages; it was really lovely to get out.
- Get More Active Get Together attendee
Simple acts of kindness that can transform somebody's day to day life
- Tech to Community Connect member