Disability Forums

Suffolk Coastal Disability Forum

The Suffolk Coastal Disability Forum has been set up as a reference group to help East Suffolk Council to listen, learn and consult with disabled people. It was formed in 2012 and is a valuable resource for disabled people

The Forum creates opportunities for disabled people, their families, and disability organisations in the southern part of East Suffolk to come together to:

• consult directly with the council on the services and facilities which affect disabled people
• provide a collective and stronger voice on all issues of disability to achieve positive outcomes for the community
• make a positive difference and improve lives

Membership is free and open to:

• disabled people and their family carers, including people with physical disabilities, sensory disabilities, learning disabilities or mental health problems
• representatives of disability organisations that provide a service to people who live in the area
• representatives of East Suffolk Council and Town and Parish Councils in the southern part of East Suffolk
• people, groups and organisations with an interest in disability issues

To join the Forum, please email: secretary.scdf@gmail.com or telephone 07856 623240.

Suffolk Coastal Disability Forum meeting information

Suffolk Coastal Disability Forum meetings are held quarterly (January, April, July and October), either virtually on Zoom or in different locations in the area.

Guest speakers are invited to provide information, discuss particular areas of concern & respond to members’ questions. Recent topics discussed have been issues relating to access to new developments, access to health and well-being services, social isolation, public transport, car parking for blue badge holders, access to leisure facilities & the improvements to Felixstowe Sea Front. Members are also encouraged to raise issues which are of concern to them & which affect the lives of disabled people.

Waveney Disability Forum

The Waveney Disability Forum was set up as a reference group to help the district council to listen, learn and consult with people with disabilities and their carers.

Since it was formed it has created an opportunity for disabled people, their carers and disability organisations in the district to come together to:

• consult directly with the council on the services and facilities which affect people with disabilities
• provide a collective and stronger voice on all issues of disability to achieve positive outcomes for the community

The forum holds its meetings quarterly and membership is open to:

• people with physical, sensory or learning difficulties, or mental health problems and their parents and carers
• representatives of disability organisations that provide a service to people who live in the area
• representatives of the district council

Other representatives from statutory and voluntary organisations are invited as guest speakers to discuss particular issues.

The forum continues to work hard and be the voice for people with disabilities. Some of the topics discussed at meetings and projects they support include:

• issues relating to public transport for people with disabilities
• access to shops and restaurants in the area
• access to leisure facilities - which saw the forum work in partnership with a number of local organisations to fund a new swimming pool hoist at Water Lane Leisure Centre in Lowestoft