Group Co-Ordinator Becca writes:
"The catalyst for Progression Sessions happened in 2013. As a wheelchair-user, I struggled to find work after finishing Sixth Form. After volunteering with them, I secured an apprenticeship at Activities Unlimited; I attended a focus group for disabled people. As insightful as it was, the lack of disabled young people attending bothered me; most of the participants at the event worked for organisations, but where were the young people? After completing my apprenticeship and successfully applying for grant funding from Activities Unlimited, I set up Progression Sessions.
Our group, initially for 14 to 25-year-olds, has grown and expanded. We continue to meet each month, particularly at The Meeting Place in Ipswich, because it’s so accessible. Over lockdown, we adapted and met online, and we have also forged partnerships with various organisations, including the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB), for an accessible voting campaign. Notably, in 2019, we collaborated with Suffolk Guide Dogs UK; we met with representatives of Ipswich County Council to improve safety and access to the Cornhill in the town centre.
We look forward to working with the Local Offer website, reviewing venues, and sharing our experiences as disabled people."