Zoe Richards

A great day of catching up and connecting yesterday at #GOFOD3. To feel that strength in solidarity with the wonderful third sector in Wales.

A quote graphic with orange quotation marks placed in the top left and bottom right of the quote box. The text in the centre reads: If my benefits are lost then I will not be able to afford to live. I already live in poverty. Removing any financial support at all will lead to my suffering and probable death. DW's logo is placed in the top right corner.

A quote graphic with orange quotation marks placed in the top left and bottom right of the quote box. The text in the centre reads: I already had to give up my independence and move in with family as I could not afford my house. These benefits enable me to contribute to the family household. If cut, I'll lose even that reduced sense of adulthood. I'll be entirely dependent on my family to pay for me and my child. DW's logo is placed in the top right corner.

A quote graphic with orange quotation marks placed in the top left and bottom right of the quote box. The text in the centre reads: Benefits mean independence, dignity, and the ability to live my life without constantly relying on others. They're not 'extras' - they're essential tools that help level the playing field. These benefits allow me to travel, to communicate, to access the support and equipment I need just to function on a daily basis. Without them, even getting out of bed or attending a meeting becomes a barrier. DW's logo is placed in the top right corner.

A quote graphic with orange quotation marks placed in the top left and bottom right of the quote box. The text in the centre reads: The money helps me to buy things I need to support me. If my money is reduced, I would struggle to live a good life. I don't have any other support. DW's logo is placed in the top right corner.

"If my benefits are lost then I will not be able to afford to live."

Benefit cuts will hit disabled people in Wales the hardest.

All Welsh MPs must vote against the Bill.
#NoToDisabilityBenefitCuts #StopDisabilityBenefitCuts

Had a great time at #AdFest2025 this week. The theme was hidden talents. I attended a great workshop led by @gerraintgriff.bsky.social on content creation. Also leaned lots from other people in the workshop. Now it’s Llandudno for the Welsh Labour Party conference.

We had a wonderful time at the Arts and Business Cymru awards last week. We celebrated the partnership between First Choice Housing and Gig Buddies Cymru and were presented with the award in the diversity category. It was an honour to be celebrated alongside Hijinx Theatre and The Queer Emporium.

By my count there are only 3/27 Welsh Labour MPs on this list despite Wales being hit harder by the benefit cuts than any other part of the UK.

Steve Witherden (Montgomeryshire), Ruth Jones (Newport West) & Henry Tufnell (Mid and South Pembs) are the Welsh rebels.

It is Learning Disability Awareness week this week and the theme this year is ‘Do you see me? There are some great events and lots of news being shared during the week so keep a look out.

There is loads going on and you can find out more by checking out the video of Georgia, one of our trustees.

A really important telling of her story #LoveAndRageMunroeBergdorf in the cinemas last night and tonight. See it if you can

Disability benefit cuts impossible to support, 42 Labour MPs tell Starmer Exclusive: Backbenchers sign letter calling for change in direction on plans expected to be put to vote next month

Yes. 42 people listened to constituents and campaigners - and can't ignore evidence that:
- 'cuts don’t create jobs, they just cause more hardship'
- it's the biggest attack on the welfare state since austerity
- it'll impact 3 million of the most disadvantaged

www.theguardian.com/politics/202...

Organisations are closing around us. But what is the big picture for Wales?

Looking forward to seeing this in Port Talbot

Keir Starmer given benefit cuts warning by Welsh FM - 'we will not stay silent' Eluned Morgan, Wales's Labour First Minister, is expected to break ranks over the party's controversial decision to slash the disability benefits bill in a major speech on Tuesday

Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan will distance herself from Labour's benefit cuts and warn the Government that she will stand up against "unfairness". www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...

Mental health law 'won't stop detentions' Campaigners warn new mental health law will not reduce detention of disabled people in secure hospitals.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Its been great to join the launch online today. Some serious work for us all to do. But great to know that we have the right intention.

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Do you want a document in an accessible Easy Read format but don't know where to start? Request a quote to see how we can help: easyread@ldw.org.uk

Lovely to see this Swansea story in the Grand today. 4 actors, wonderful story telling, the only unbelievable thing about it was the high scoring hygiene rating on the chicken shop window. Catch it this week. Another triumph for the team at @grandambition.bsky.social

Here's what audiences at Sherman Theatre thought of Hot Chicks. Book now to see the show right here in Swansea!
www.swanseagrand.co.uk/hotchicks

Disability groups consider ‘step back’ from government A number of disability-led organisations say they are considering “stepping back” from engaging with the government over benefit cuts

What disability groups and disabled people and families think is clear, well-established and well-reported, unless strategic un-listening is your MO.
'I very much hope that they will carry on talking to me because I need to know what they think about these proposals.'

www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Stolen Lives, activism and the role of academia in defending human rights The Learning Disability & Autism Research Group at Manchester Met welcome guest speaker Dr Dawn Cavanagh.

Speaking about Stolen Lives at MMU on April 9th.

In person and online.

You can sign up here.

www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/stolen-liv...

If your organisation wants to make information clear, accessible, and inclusive, we can help. Get in touch to find out more.
#EasyRead #Accessibility #Inclusion #DisabilityRights #CommunicationForAll

I’m almost 50 with 4 children and I’ve spent at least 5 hours today playing Crossy Road. Send help!

🚨 Let’s set the record straight.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is NOT an out-of-work benefit. It's a vital lifeline designed to support disabled people with the extra costs of disability. 1/

Just done the Hokey Cokey before bed. Gosh it’s uplifting!

In-depth: How are charities navigating social media in a post-truth world? Emily Moss speaks to charities navigating the evolving social media landscape in different ways…

With rising concerns over misinformation and online safety, many charities are rethinking their strategies on social media platforms such as X. In this @civilsociety.bsky.social blog, we’ve shared our approach, along with other charities, of how we’re navigating these changes: bit.ly/3XLUViq

Spoke to Sky News about Chief Executive Dame Clare Moriarty’s warning against short-term action on disability benefits which has very serious long-term consequences

Read more:
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...

@citizensadvice.bsky.social

Welsh NHS Confederation Health and Wellbeing Alliance Manifesto Marketplace. Drop in to speak to 18 leading health and care organisations 13.00-14.00 Saturday 22 March 2025 Conwy Room, Venue Cymru. Plaid Cymru Spring Conference 2025

We will be at the @plaidcymru.bsky.social conference this weekend to talk about key issues for people with a learning disability and their carers that need to be addressed in the next Senedd election. Come chat to us on Saturday 22 March, Conwy Room Venue Cymru 1-2pm @welshnhsconfed.bsky.social

Stayed in St Dogmaels on the weekend and watched the game at the White Heart community owned pub. Really friendly atmosphere.

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March Offer: 10% Off Easy Read Services!
Make your information clear and accessible and save 10%.
How to claim: Email us at easyread@ldw.org.uk with code B648MAR25. Accept your quote by 5:00pm, 31 March. Let’s make your information Easy Read! #EasyRead #Accessibility #Discount

Oh my!

Great to attend and join the panel in North Wales exploring a children’s right approach to providing support for disabled children with @childcomwales.bsky.social