Autumn Round-Up: Campaigns, Connections, and Dancing

When Mandela’s wisdom meets a Parliament round,
And we tackle life’s hurdles pound by pound,
With passion, progress, and a little bit of cheer,
Here’s a recap of autumn – one of our favourite seasons of the year!

As autumn’s golden glow fades into winter’s crisp clarity, I’m reminded of the wisdom imparted by Nelson Mandela — a dear friend to my father and a mentor I was privileged to have. His belief that resilience is rooted in kindness and courage mirrors the rhythms of the seasons: autumn’s quiet strength in change and winter’s bold invitation to act. These transitions inspire us to reflect and press forward in our campaigns for change, working tirelessly to create a better future for those we fight for.

Responding to the Autumn Budget Statement

October brought a remarkable first for the Spinal Injuries Association: we were invited by the Chancellor’s officials to provide direct feedback on the autumn budget statement. This marked the first time our voice was actively sought at this level, and it was a privilege to represent the perspectives of those we serve. While we remain cautious in our optimism, our response highlighted both the opportunities and areas for improvement, which has now been fed directly to the Chancellor and his Special Advisors. I know she has read it because she discussed it with me, during another meeting she and I had, with my other hat on.

READ OUR FULL STATEMENT

Building momentum with the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG)

Another big October highlight was the inaugural meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Spinal Injuries. It was inspiring to gather with more than sixty attendees, both in person at Parliament and via live stream, to discuss our current campaign priorities. The session focused on lived experiences that shine a light on the pressing issues faced by those with spinal cord injuries.

Women’s health takes the stage

Women’s health took centre stage this month, with the inaugural meeting of our Women’s Health Task Force, chaired by Gill Furness MP. Over twenty people joined, including MPs from all parties, clinicians, and women with lived experience. The contributions were powerful—from the robotics expert from the University of York sharing insights on innovations in women’s health to the passionate testimonies of disabled women on the systemic barriers they face. It was a moving session, paving the way for a parliamentary roundtable early next year, where we hope to drive real change.

Following on from that, one of the task force members and chair of our All-Party Parliamentary Group, Andy Macdonald MP, asked an oral question to the health Secretary on the inequality disabled women face in accessing screening tests. As a result of this, the Minister has agreed to meet our team to discuss this further.

Continuing the focus on women’s health, I also had the honour of speaking at Hudgell Solicitors’ Clinical Negligence Conference in York, addressing the urgent need for equitable access to healthcare for disabled women. Too often, disabled women face significant barriers in accessing basic screening tests and gynaecological care, which is not just a failure of healthcare but a clear breach of the Equality Act. These women deserve better, and I called for practical, immediate steps to bridge these gaps in healthcare.

Advocating for accessible housing

The momentum didn’t stop there. Following our APPG, Andrew Lewin MP asked written Parliamentary questions on the lack of data for wheelchair-accessible housing. Additionally, Gill Furness MP sent a letter to the housing minister on the same issue, pushing the needle on an important topic that has long gone unaddressed. Both MPs have requested the housing minister to meet with them and our team to discuss the disparities. In addition, we also met with Aspire and Disability Rights UK who are both keen to collaborate with us, as we take this campaign forward.

Improving travel accessibility

With my other hat on and a few well-placed conversations with friends in Government, I was able to play an insider role in enabling the Government to establish a Task and Finish Group on aviation accessibility. The organisations involved in campaigning for this have also played a very significant role in this of course, however, as with everything else in Government, sometimes the wish is there, but the will needs a push. On the other side of this coin, Glyn is part of the disability aviation group which, amongst other groups, will feed into the Task and Finish Group, wherever possible. We are hopeful this initiative will finally bring some real improvements to the skies.

Keeping to the same theme of accessible travel, the Department for Transport (DfT) has specifically invited us to contribute to the conversation on accessibility provisions in the Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Bill. Debates on this Bill have underscored the need for clearer commitments to accessibility, and I do think that our contribution is a valuable opportunity to ensure the voices of SCI passengers are represented at this important juncture. DfT will consider our briefing and look at incorporating elements of these when the legislation moves into implementation phase. Again, this came about because of some legislation related conversations I had with the ministerial team.

A season of firsts: The Listening Lounge, Black History Month Webinar and Diwali @ SIA House

October was also a month of firsts for SIA. We launched our very own Listening Lounge, a safe space for open talk, led by our very own Gill. Adelaide, Nicola and I are part of the organising team. We have already had conversations on menopause and men’s health. It was eye-opening and refreshing to share experiences openly in a supportive space. These types of conversations break down stigmas, and they remind us of the strength that comes from solidarity.

We also held our first Black History Month webinar, expertly chaired by our Board Chair, Faisal Hussain. It was a privilege to be part of this panel and share lived experiences. Personal stories – whether they’re about spinal injuries, racism, or other forms of discrimination – are incredibly powerful. Sharing them educates us, broadens our perspectives, and helps us value each other’s unique histories. Only by discussing these issues can we start to foster true understanding and inclusivity.

The fabulous Monday Club team also decided to start their new journey as an SIA sponsored club, with a Diwali celebration. It was fun to help the team plan the event, and I was disappointed I couldn’t be there for the actual day. However, my eldest daughter more than made up for that, as it was the same day she graduated with her master’s in law, and my husband and I were at her convocation that day.

We are now part of the Civil Society Group

I am delighted to share that we are now a part of the prestigious Civil Society Group, at the invitation of the Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy MP. This is a significant milestone, elevating our voice in national discussions and offering us new opportunities to champion the rights and needs of people with spinal cord injuries. The Civil Society Group brings together some of the most influential organisations in the voluntary and community sector. The Civil Society Group works closely with the Government to drive transformative change. READ MORE.

And now for some Autumn levity…

Of course, there’s no campaigns update without a bit of fun! After a weekend of charity balls, house parties, and children’s graduations, I had already planned to take a well-deserved night off and skip the Gunpowder Ball. But Glyn, who did attend, let slip that he danced! This was the same prim and proper colleague who I am sure told me said he doesn’t really dance much and offered to look after my purse whilst I danced away at the Cornflower Ball last year. It looks like he only hits the dance floor when I’m not around! I wonder if I can include dancing as a milestone (note to self: check with Naomie).

Autumn’s legacy

So, there you have it: a season filled with hope, humour, and some truly unforgettable firsts. We’ve made real progress, shared inspiring stories, and danced (some of us more than others!). As Glyn and I mark a year of service at SIA, we are grateful for the ups and the downs (that’s the only way to learn) and for the friendships and connections we have made, both in the organisation and whilst campaigning. Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of dining with some of the UK’s top scientists from the Prime Minister’s Council for Science and Technology, including my old friend Sir Paul Nurse, Nobel Prize-winning geneticist and Director of the Francis Crick Institute. Reconnecting with fellow scientists took me back to my roots in genetics and cardiology, a whole other chapter of my life. Over dinner, our conversations touched on the persistent challenges facing research (and other areas, globally) today, but also how we shared a collective resolve to keep pushing forward to make the world a better place. That’s exactly what campaigning is about, I realised.

As SIA completes half a century of serving the SCI community, and as Christmas approaches, there are lots of reasons to celebrate. And as we look forward to a new year and new resolutions, in an uncertain global environment, let’s carry the wisdom of Mandela, and the grit of everyone we serve, fighting always for those whose voices might not otherwise be heard. We wish everyone celebrating, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Dharshana & Glyn

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