Surrey Coalition of Disabled People

21/08/2026

Well done to our Superhero Tri 2026 team! 👏

On Saturday 15th August, Coalition staff and members took part again in the 10th annual Superhero Tri at Dorney Lake in Windsor. Founded by Paralympian Sophia Warner, and sponsored by Marvel, the event is open to all ages and abilities, with no cut-off times or restrictive rules – making it truly accessible.

Graham and Yasmin finished the cycling course in record time, our SUPER team completed the walk/wheel and another Superhero Tri team member joined Rachel for a relaxing chat as they swam in the lake. Despite being quite a hot day, it was filled with lots of smiles and laughter. Thank you to everyone who took part and to our wonderful supporters, Gill and Steve – it was a great team effort!

So far, we have raised £170 for the Coalition and there is still time to donate using the following link: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/thecoalition

Thank you for your support!

[Image description: three photos of Coalition staff and members at the Superhero Tri. With the words 'Well done to our Superhero Tri team!' in the centre.]

Superhero Series

20/08/2026

Thank you to the Virgin Unite Local Legends fund for funding towards our disability rights work.

Nikki Roberts, CEO of the Surrey Coalition of Disabled People said, 'We are very grateful to have been chosen by the panel to receive funding from the Virgin Unite Local Legends fund. We know how much our members are disabled by society and we work hard to reduce barriers. This money will ensure that we continue our important work to promote disability rights'.

We will be sharing updates of our disability rights work in our Weekly Newsletter and on social media.

[Image description: Coalition's co-chair Vikki holding a sign that says 'I have a right to travel by train safely'. Vikki is a wheelchair user and is wearing a colourful outfit.]

19/08/2026

We're looking for new Trustees to join The Coalition!

Are you a Disabled person with experience in communications, law, fundraising or organisational strategy?

Surrey Coalition of Disabled People is looking to recruit new trustees to join our Board and help shape the future of our organisation.

We are a Disabled People’s Organisation, led by and for Disabled people. We work to remove barriers, influence change and ensure Disabled people across Surrey have a strong voice in the services and decisions that affect their lives.

We’re particularly keen to hear from people with experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Communications, marketing or public relations
- Law or legal governance
- Fundraising or income generation
- Organisational strategy or business development

To find out more and to apply please visit our website: https://surreycoalition.org.uk/vacancy/trustee-surrey-coalition-of-disabled-people-volunteer-role/

Closing date: 31/08/2026

[Image description: Photo of Coalition members and staff in front of a lake at a Coalition sailing event. The second photo is of Coalition staff and board members smiling, they are in front of the Number 10 Downing street door. Between the two images there's the following text 'The Coalition is seeking some new Trustees to join our amazing charity' and below the bottom image is the following text 'If you are passionate about empowerment and inclusion for all Disabled people in Surrey this could be the role for you.']

18/08/2026

We're looking for members who'd like to join us for a relaxing Forest Bathing session at Alice Holt Forest on the 27th August at 10am. Forest bathing is all about slowing down, switching off from everyday distractions and taking in the sights, sounds and atmosphere of nature.

We'll be creating a visual story to show others what it's like to visit Alice Holt Forest and what they can expect from the experience. To help bring this to life, we'll be taking photos and videos throughout the session and asking participants to share their thoughts and feedback. If you'd like to get involved, please get in touch and be happy to be photographed, filmed, and have your feedback used as part of the project.

We're looking for a few existing members who would like to volunteer as a buddy for anyone interested in joining our upcoming Forest Bathing activity but feeling a little unsure about taking part. This could simply involve having a friendly chat beforehand, answering any questions, and offering some reassurance.

To take part speak with Kirsty on 07871319439 or email [email protected]

[Image description: photo of a pond, trees and the visitor centre at Alice Holt Forest, with the title 'Alice Holt Forest Accessibility Project'.]

Community Foundation for Surrey Alice Holt Forest - Forestry England Forestry England The National Lottery Heritage Fund

14/08/2026

Good luck to our SUPER team participating in the Superhero Tri tomorrow!

We’re heading back to Dorney Lake as The Coalition takes part in the Superhero Tri! It’s a fantastic opportunity to Get More Active, take on a challenge and raise funds for the Coalition.

We’re looking forward to a brilliant day filled with fun, determination and plenty of team spirit, with participants swimming, cycling, walking and wheeling their way around the course.

If you would like to support the Coalition by sponsoring the team, please visit the following link: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/thecoalition

[Image description: Coalition members and staff walking and wheeling around Dorney Lake with Coalition CEO Nikki in the foreground with member Brian and his guide dog Oasis.]

13/08/2026

Wellbeing activities in Staines-upon-Thames - Kitchen Cupboard Remedies

We are running a series of FREE wellbeing activities in Staines-upon-Thames, funded by the Bupa Foundation.

Discover the everyday uses of herbs & spices: a focus on digestion. Explore the herbs and spices you may already have in your kitchen cupboard or garden, and discover new ways to use them in everyday cooking.

- Learn about commonly used herbs and spices
- Explore a variety of foods and ingredients
- Discover practical ideas for everyday meals
- Try some simple, delicious recipes to make at home

📍Where: St Pauls Egham Hythe, St Pauls Road, Staines, TW18 3HG

🕥When: Monday 24th August at 10.30am - 12.30pm

Contact Kirsty to join: Email: [email protected] Tel/SMS: 07871 319 439

[Image description: poster with the information in the caption and a photo of different herbs and another photo of a chopping board, sauce, wooden spoon and herbs.]

13/08/2026

11/08/2026

Guided Walk and Wheel

Join us for our next Thames Water funded event, a guided walk and wheel along the Hogsmill, with a talk about the Pre-Raphaelites followed by a wallpaper printing activity

📍Where: Bourne Hall, Spring Street, Ewell, KT17 1UF
🕙When: 10:00am – 1:00pm Wednesday 2nd September

FREE activity. To join or for any questions please contact us: Tel/SMS: 07908 671402 Email: [email protected]

[Image description: poster with the title 'Guided Walk and Wheel' and below is the information in the caption and two photos of members and staff walking and wheeling over a bridge and on a path surrounded by trees.]

Thames Water

10/08/2026

Share your experience: advocacy support in Surrey 💬

The coalition is working with Surrey County Council to develop a Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA). The JSNA will explore the current and future health and social care needs of people with physical disabilities and sensory impairments in Surrey.

Each week, we focus on a different theme from the report. This week the theme is advocacy support. What is your experience of advocacy support services in Surrey? Has anything been particularly useful? Have there been any challenges or gaps?

Please email [email protected]

[Image description: person holding a speech bubble close to the camera. On the speech bubble are the words 'Share you experience: advocacy support in Surrey.]

07/08/2026

🚗 1 in 10 admit to using disabled bays without a permit according to Confused.com latest survey. It’s inconsiderate, a thoughtless act that ignores the real impact it has on disabled people who genuinely need that space.

Help fight for change by completing the 5 minute Baywatch survey when you are next at any of the following supermarkets - Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, Aldi, and Lidl. https://www.disabledmotoring.org/news-and-features/news/post/1098-baywatch-campaign-2026-when-will-the-blue-badge-rules-be-enforced-properly