Bristol Disability Equality Forum

05/10/2026

What’s on at BDEF this month?

From community groups to forums and opportunities to connect, there’s plenty happening across BDEF.

Save this post, share it with someone who might be interested, and come along to anything that’s for you! 💜

03/10/2026

Help shape Adult Social Care in Bristol!

BDEF is working with Bristol City Council’s Adult Social Care team to make sure people with lived expertise have a lead role in shaping the services that support adults across Bristol.

We’re looking for new people to join our Co-Production Policy Advisory Group and be involved in projects to help influence services, policies and projects and make them better for the people who use these services.
Want to find out more? Come along to one of our information sessions or ask us any questions.

[email protected]
07442 555842
Find the information sessions via the link in our bio.

01/10/2026

A new look and a new era of BDEF. 💜

Our rebrand is about reflecting who we are today and where we’re going next, while keeping our values and Disabled People-led approach at the heart of everything we do.

Swipe through to see the story behind our new look!

28/09/2026

Part of our new series, BDEF Politics aims to bring relevant national news for Disabled people and allies straight to your feed.

Although net budgeted spending on Adult Social Care has risen by £5.02 billion between 2019/20 and 2026/27, spending per person remains below 2009/10 levels when taking a range of factors into account.

At the same time, councils are facing increasing demand and rising costs. 80% of councils are reported to have overspent their Adult Social Care budgets, with pressures including rising costs and shortfalls in NHS aftercare funding.

Disabled people are one of the main groups accessing social care services, meaning changes to social care funding and provision can have a significant impact on Disabled people who rely on care and support.

What do you think about this commitment from Andy Burnham?

15/09/2026

Disability Pride 2026: wrapped! 💜

From performances and workshops to conversations, stalls and plenty of community spirit, this year’s event had so much to celebrate!

Here’s a little look back at the day - thank you to everyone who made it possible!

Check out the link in our bio to give us feedback on the event, we welcome any comments!

09/09/2026

The Social Model helps us understand being Disabled differently- focusing on the barriers created by society, rather than seeing Disability as something that needs to be “fixed.”

Swipe through to learn more. ➡️

03/09/2026

What does “Disabled people-led” mean to us? 💭

For us, it means Disabled people are at the heart of BDEF- shaping our priorities, influencing our work and leading the conversations that affect our lives.

Swipe through to find out more about what being
Disabled people-led means to us. 💜

31/08/2026

So, what does BDEF actually do? 👀

From campaigning and advocacy to creating opportunities to connect and have your voice heard, there are lots of ways we work to support Disabled people and challenge inequality across Bristol.
Swipe through to find out more! ➡️

28/08/2026

Hello from BDEF!

We’re Bristol Disability Equality Forum- a Disabled People-led organisation working to challenge inequality and creative positive change across Bristol.

This is just the beginning to of our new chapter on social media. Follow along to find out more about who we are, what we do and how you can get involved!

Real life, real voices, disability equality in action.

25/06/2026

We wanted to share some general guidance with you help protect you in this extreme weather. There is an easy read, short video linked at the bottom of this post as well.


🌡️ Stay safe in the heat:
• Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day
• Stay in the shade and avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm
• Keep your home cool by closing curtains or blinds in sunny rooms

🚶 If you’re going out:
• Take water with you
• Wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothing
• Plan ahead and avoid busy periods if travelling

🔥 Reduce fire risk:
• Don’t use BBQs in parks or open spaces
• Fully extinguish ci******es before disposing of them

🏫 Schools
Some schools may close or change arrangements.
Please check directly with your child’s school first, or visit:
https://www.bristol.gov.uk/residents/schools-learning-and-early-years/school-closures

🚛 Changes to council services
To keep teams safe, the council have said that some services will be different:
• Cleaning services will start earlier or be reduced and will stop if it becomes unsafe.
• Household Reuse and Recycling Centres will be closed

If your bin isn’t emptied, please leave it out and crews will return as soon as they can.

👉 Check service updates: Service changes - https://bristolwastecompany.co.uk/service-changes/

📚 Cool spaces in the city

Libraries and Museums remain open, and can offer a cooler space to take a break from the heat, but opening hours are subject to change due to the extreme weather so check for updates via Bristol City Council’s main website: Bristol City Council

❤️ Look out for others
Extreme heat can have a serious impact on health: Beat the heat: staying safe in hot weather - GOV.UK

Please check in on older people, young children and others/those with health conditions, and anyone who may be isolated or without support.

If you’re worried about your health, call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.

Take care

https://youtube.com/shorts/8U8bdklZouM?si=J_Gsb1wOF93uFBMv

Here you can find Anna talking about staying well in really hot wea...