Disability issues in Swansea put in the spotlight

Disabled people of all ages came from across Swansea to meet with local politicians have their say on how their city is and is not working for them.

The people in this room are part of the fabric of Swansea. We love Swansea like everyone else, however, we are not treated the same as everyone else.

Swansea resident Colin John
A group of people sitting in white chairs and turning to look at the camera

Joining forces on Monday 9 September at Morgan’s Hotel, as part of charity Leonard Cheshire’s new Citizen’s Panel, the group took on issues ranging from 

disability hate crime to the need for disabled people in Swansea to have a bigger voice in local media. 

Swansea resident Colin John said:

‘The people in this room are part of the fabric of Swansea. We love Swansea like everyone else, however, we are not treated the same as everyone else.

‘We need a voice and Leonard Cheshire’s panel will help give us that voice so people recognise that just because we have a disability doesn’t mean we should be excluded and not recognised as ordinary folk.’

Quinton Davies, a resident who joined the panel, said:

‘There are many talented individuals within Swansea that have great skill and potential. However, the barriers that they face daily can be debilitating. Hopefully, with the existence of a citizen panel we can break those barriers down.’

Labour Cllr Alyson Pugh said:

‘It has been an absolute pleasure to attend this event this evening. I feel very passionately about working in collaboration and it’s clear from this evening the engagement, enthusiasm and desire by the people in the room that we have a real opportunity to do some wonderful work and make real change.

‘I look forward to working with the Citizen Panel members and Leonard Cheshire to identify the key areas of priority and work in partnership to make a difference to the lives of disabled residents of Swansea.’

Following this first panel event, six further meetings are scheduled and members will share opinions through surveys, focus groups, and forums, with the first official meeting taking place in early November.

Joshua Reeves, Campaign Support Officer at Leonard Cheshire, played a key role in organising the event. 

Joshua said:

‘The first meeting of the Citizen’s Panel was a fantastic start, with strong attendance and lively discussion. We look forward to the continuing success of the Panel. 

‘Over the course of upcoming meetings, the panel will examine ways of making Swansea a brighter, safer, and more confident city for disabled people.’

For more information about the Citizen’s Panel, including how to get involved, contact Leonard Cheshire’s Wales office by emailing Wales.Office@leonardcheshire.org.

Media enquiries

For further information, interview requests and case studies, please contact Sam Buckley on samuel.buckley@leonardcheshire.org or call 020 3242 0204.

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