Equal Lives

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Equal Lives We are a user-led disability rights organisation based in Norfolk and Suffolk.

Equal Lives is a user-led disability rights charity based in Norfolk and Suffolk that has been established for over 20 years. We exist to support people of any age who face disabling barriers and we are dedicated to making their voices heard.

We are a user led organisation (ULO), meaning we are led by people who access care and support services themselves - with a strong majority of our board identifying as disabled.

We believe in supporting people to empower themselves to live independent lives. We do this through valuable services including Information & Advice, Advocacy, Shopmobility, and Campaigning.

Our mission for disabled people’s independence is why we work to the Social Model of Disability. Developed by disabled people, this model is a progressive way of viewing the world and says that individuals are limited by barriers within society and not by their own impairments or differences. Our aim is to breakdown these disabling barriers and work with people to achieve the life they choose.

If you want to find out more about our services and activities, call our free information advice and support service on: 01508 491210

email: [email protected]
website: http://equallives.org.uk/

We have shared a blog on our website about the recent heatwaves and the impact of climate change on Disabled people's li...
08/09/2026

We have shared a blog on our website about the recent heatwaves and the impact of climate change on Disabled people's lives.

Click the link to read the blog: https://www.equallives.org.uk/post/disabled-people-want-to-stay-cool

[Alt text: A collage-style artwork showing a painted path leading to the ocean, a paper sun, blue-green-and-white painted paper, plastic bottles, and a hand holding a sign that reads “Disabled people want to stay cool.” The Equal Lives has been placed on the bottom left hand corner. This Equal Lives logo features the words Equal Lives in white text. To the right of the text are small, simple bird silhouettes in flight. Beneath the name is the tagline “Free From Disabling Barriers”.]

Norfolk County Council would like to hear your thoughts on their proposal to charge for the council’s money management (...
01/09/2026

Norfolk County Council would like to hear your thoughts on their proposal to charge for the council’s money management (Appointee) service. The consultation closes at midnight on Monday 12 October 2026.

Full details can be found here: https://norfolk.citizenspace.com/consultation/7312c5e6/

How to take part:

There is an online feedback form, and print at home, large print and easy read versions are available. There will be drop-in events where you can find out more before giving your views. All details can be found at the above link.

If you need a copy of the consultation documents in a different format, you can email [email protected], call 0344 800 8020 or Text Relay on 18001 0344 800 8020 (textphone).

27/08/2026

We are launching a new PA Register in Suffolk!

We’re looking for people interested in care and support work to join our PA Register today.

As a Personal Assistant, you could help with everyday tasks, getting out and about, appointments, meals, social activities, and personal care. Every role is unique, but they all make a real difference.

No matter your background, if you have the skills to support people to live life their way, we’d love to hear from you.

Follow the link to register your details for our launch on the 7th September 2026
https://www.suffolkindependentliving.org.uk/pa-register

We have shared a guest blog from Suffolk-based Progression Sessions about their TACT-SEE campaign, which is working to i...
26/08/2026

We have shared a guest blog from Suffolk-based Progression Sessions about their TACT-SEE campaign, which is working to improve taxi services for Disabled people.

Here's the link: www.equallives.org.uk/post/tact-see-a-campaign-to-improve-taxi-services-for-disabled-people-in-the-uk

[image description] Overlaying a photograph of an orange-yellow 'taxi' sign on the roof of a cab. The words 'TACT-SEE' are in bold black text with a white background, and underneath, in smaller, white text with a black background, the words 'A campaign to improve taxi services for Disabled people in the UK'. At the top of the graphic, a rectangular orange strip runs horizontally along the top of the graphic, with Progression Sessions' logo on the right-hand side; their logo is the words 'Progression Sessions' in black text arc over a yellow wheelchair user symbol with two red arrows; one oriented forward and the other oriented upwards relative to the wheelchair user, indicating the trajectory of progression

Have you ever wondered why our staff chose to work at Equal Lives? Check out our new blog which interviews our CEO, Ben ...
03/08/2026

Have you ever wondered why our staff chose to work at Equal Lives? Check out our new blog which interviews our CEO, Ben Reed.

Here's the link: www.equallives.org.uk/post/the-lives-behind-equal-lives-interview-with-ben-reed

We hope you enjoy learning more about Ben's background.

[Alt Text] Against a navy-blue background, 'The Lives Behind Equal Lives' and a microphone illustration appear in red text over a white brushstroke graphic. Alongside is a portrait photograph of Ben Reed outdoors against a leafy green background. Ben is a white man with brown hair and a beard. He is wearing a floral sweatshirt and smiling at the camera. The text below the photo reads "with Ben Reed, CEO". The Equal Lives 30th anniversary logo, marking 1996–2026, is displayed at the top, alongside the original Equal Lives logo: Equal Lives is written in blue text, with a tagline written in purple - Free from disabling barriers. There are 3 orange birds flying into the air above the writing.

We're recruiting: Independent Living Adviser, SuffolkDo you want a career where you genuinely make a difference every da...
30/07/2026

We're recruiting: Independent Living Adviser, Suffolk

Do you want a career where you genuinely make a difference every day?

Equal Lives is looking for an Independent Living Adviser to join our Suffolk Independent Living Service in Ipswich.

In this role, you'll support people who use Direct Payments and personal budgets to manage their support, recruit Personal Assistants, plan for their future and achieve greater independence. You'll provide practical advice, build positive relationships and work alongside families, professionals and community organisations to help people live the lives they choose.

We're looking for someone with excellent people skills, strong organisation skills, confidence using IT systems and a commitment to equality, empowerment and the Social Model of Disability. Experience in HR, recruitment, advice services, social care or customer-focused roles would be advantageous.

At Equal Lives, every role contributes towards a society where Disabled people have choice, control and equal opportunities.

https://www.equallives.org.uk/workforus

[Image Description: A graphic featuring a yellow megaphone beside the text “Join our TEAM!” in blue and purple lettering. The text is framed within an orange outlined arrow pointing right, with small bird illustrations above. The Equal Lives logo with the tagline “Free From Disabling Barriers” and a “30 Years, 1996–2026” anniversary logo appear in the bottom right corner.]

We would like to share a new guest blog written by one of our members, Helen. Helen tells her story about the challenges...
24/07/2026

We would like to share a new guest blog written by one of our members, Helen. Helen tells her story about the challenges of using public transport to reach what should have been accessible healthcare appointments.

You can have a read by clicking this link: https://www.equallives.org.uk/post/when-transport-becomes-a-barrier

[Alt Text]: A photo looking down the aisle of an empty bus, facing lots of blue patterned seats, including two seats with signs indicating they are for Disabled customers. Over the photo, a pale grey circle houses the text 'When Transport Becomes a Barrier'. Beneath the image is the Equal Lives logo: Equal Lives is written in blue text, with a tagline written in purple - Free from disabling barriers. There are 3 orange birds flying into the air above the writing.

Join Our Team – Disability Rights Adviser Are you passionate about disability rights, inclusion and empowering people to...
08/07/2026

Join Our Team – Disability Rights Adviser

Are you passionate about disability rights, inclusion and empowering people to live independently?

Equal Lives is recruiting a Disability Rights Adviser to provide information, advice and guidance to disabled people across Norfolk.

We're looking for someone with strong communication skills, experience supporting people in complex situations, and a commitment to equality and the Social Model of Disability.

Help us create a world where disabled people have choice, control and equal opportunities:

https://www.equallives.org.uk/workforus

[Image Description: A graphic featuring a dark blue megaphone beside the text “Join our TEAM!” in orange and purple lettering. The text is framed within an orange outlined arrow pointing right, with small bird illustrations above. The Equal Lives logo with the tagline “Free From Disabling Barriers” and a “30 Years, 1996–2026” anniversary logo appear in the bottom right corner.]

15/06/2026

Happy Pride Month!

We're proud to stand with our LGBTQ+ communities this month. Within those communities many will, undoubtedly, identify as Disabled and experience their own unique barriers. It goes without saying, our commitment to disability rights is inseparable from our commitment to equality for all.

Together we can build a more inclusive and accessible society; our journeys might be different, our destination is the same. Equality and belonging for all.

[Image description: A rainbow coloured road starting from the top left corner move down the graphic, widening as it flows towards the bottom right. The text "Pride Month 2026" appears prominently in the centre, with the tagline "Different journeys. Same destination." below]

It’s Volunteers’ Week!We want to say a huge thank you to all of the incredible volunteers and trustees at Equal Lives. T...
04/06/2026

It’s Volunteers’ Week!

We want to say a huge thank you to all of the incredible volunteers and trustees at Equal Lives. Their time, commitment and energy make a real difference to the people we support every day.

If you are interested in getting involved in volunteering or becoming a trustee, we would love to hear from you. Please get in touch to find out more.

Address

Ground Floor, St Vedast House, 5-7 St Vedast Street
Norwich, Norfolk
NR1 1BT

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+441508491210

Website

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