Proposed changes to disability benefits – what we know so far
The government’s proposed changes to disability benefits, including restricting eligibility for Personal Independence Payments (PIP) and scrapping the Work Capability Assessment (WCA), are deeply concerning. The proposed cuts within the proposal risk pushing many disabled people into poverty at a time when the cost of living is already high and social care budgets are stretched. […]
Tribute to Jean Thorpe
Everyone at Living Options Devon has been deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our retired trustee, Jean Thorpe. Jean was a long standing friend and champion of Living Options, having supported our founder Peter Swain for many years. Her larger-than-life personality, humour, and unwavering support will be greatly missed. Jean had an incredible […]
Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training – a positive impact on all involved
On Friday 1st November, Living Options Devon celebrates one year since delivering the first Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism. Since the first Oliver McGowan Mandatory training session in Torquay in 2023, over 3,000 delegates have now received training, we have over 20 Experts by Experience and six Trainers delivering across Torbay, […]
We’re supporting Advocacy Awareness Week 2024!
Advocacy Week 2024 runs from Monday 14 – Friday 18 October and is a chance for us to join with other organisations across the UK raising awareness of advocacy and the impact it has. Here at Living Options Devon we form part of the Devon Advocacy Consortium. Working alongside our partners at Rethink Advocacy, Vocal […]
Support from Exeter Chiefs Foundation Charity
We’re thrilled to have received £1,000 from the Exeter Chiefs Foundation. Last season we had the privilege of being one the Exeter Chiefs Foundation designated charities, joining home games at Sandy Park, bucket collecting for the Foundation with our amazing volunteers. Match day funds are ringfenced for the Foundation’s designated organisations and are distributed via […]
I’m disabled. What does the Equality Act 2010 mean for me?
In a recent Devon Disability Voice (DDV) meeting, we talked about the Equality Act 2010. Some knew a little, some knew a lot, some knew nothing of what it could mean if you are disabled. To help, we’re here to explain more about the Equality Act 2010. What it means if you’re disabled or have […]
A ‘Walk and Talk’ with Exeter Library
Exeter Library, part of Libraries Unlimited review their accessibility on site with a Walk and Talk from Living Options. Exeter Library recently took part in a ‘Walk in Talk’ with our Business Services team to review accessibility on-site. This is new service available to organisations to get feedback, ideas and inspiration around accessibility. It’s the […]
Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training milestone!
We’ve hit another milestone! 1,500 NHS staff across Torquay, Exeter and Plymouth have now received Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism
Supporting #ClaresDay, 17 July
Today, #ClaresDay celebrates a special lady whose legacy has made a difference to thousands of people with disabilities. The Clare Milne Trust has been a long-term funder of Living Options – exceeding £50,000 to date. Most recently, funding has gone towards our Counselling service for people with disabilities and Deaf BSL users. Clare’s mother’s wish was “to […]
National Learning Disabilities and Autism awards 2024 finalists
It was a privilege to be recognised for our part in the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training at a national level, at the National Learning Disabilities and Autism Awards 2024.