Celebrating Disability Pride Month

July marks Disability Pride Month. Around 16.8 million people in the UK have a disability and, in Plymouth, approximately 20% of residents meet the Equality Act 2010 definition of disability. 

Disability Pride Month is a time to celebrate the diversity, achievements and contributions of the disabled community, while raising awareness and encouraging positive conversations.

What is disability?

When people think about disability, they often picture a physical condition. However, disability comes in many forms, including visible and non-visible conditions, neurodivergence, sensory impairments and mental health conditions.

What do PCH do to support our employees?

At Plymouth Community Homes, we're committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can succeed.

In 2023, PCH became the first employer in Plymouth to achieve Level 3 Disability Confident Leader status the highest level of the Government's Disability Confident scheme. 

Being a Disability Confident Leader means that we:

• Recruit, retain and develop disabled employees.
• Increase understanding and awareness of disability.
• Work to remove barriers to employment and career progression.
• Support colleagues with disabilities and long-term health conditions to achieve their ambitions.

We also provide access to a range of wellbeing resources through our Employee Assistance Programme, Health Assured, alongside disability awareness training and resources covering accessibility, mobility and neurodiversity.

What do PCH do to support our residents? 

Through our partnerships and services, we help residents access support, stay independent and improve their wellbeing.

Connect to Work Scheme

PCH is supporting Plymouth City Council's Connect to Work programme, which aims to help around 2,200 Plymouth residents into sustainable employment.

The scheme provides tailored support for people with disabilities, health conditions and other barriers to work, helping them build confidence, develop skills and find meaningful employment.

Home Adaptations and Trusted Assessor Service

We understand that small changes can make a big difference. Through our Trusted Assessor Service, residents may be able to access minor aids and adaptations that support them to live safely and independently at home. Our Trusted Assessor can, carry out home assessments, recommend suitable equipment and adaptations, provide information on additional support services and make referrals where needed.

Jackie Day, Trusted Assessor at Plymouth Community Homes, said:

“Working as a Trusted Assessor is incredibly rewarding, as it gives me the opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of our residents. Even something as simple as providing a small piece of equipment can have a significant impact on a person's independence, confidence and safety. Supporting residents to remain independent and live well is at the heart of everything I do."

To request a Trusted Assessor home assessment, contact us on 0808 230 6500 or email us.

Working with our partners

Strong partnerships are vital in helping residents stay safe, healthy and independent. We work closely with Improving Lives Plymouth (ILP), a local organisation that provides support, advice and services for people living with long-term health conditions, disabilities and caring responsibilities.

In addition, our Communities and Partnerships team has partnered with Mental Fitness to deliver seated workout sessions for residents aged 55 and over, helping those with mobility difficulties stay active and improve their wellbeing.

Gill, a PCH resident and attendee, said:

"I thoroughly enjoy it. It's a great way to get moving, and a bit of exercise is always good. I can't wait for the next session."

Sessions take place every Wednesday at 2.30pm in the community hall at The Beacon. For more information about the support available through ILP click, here. If you are interested in our partnerships click, here.

Through initiatives like these, alongside our Disability Confident commitments and resident support services, PCH is helping people stay active, independent and connected this Disability Pride month.