Disabilities come in many forms, some more obvious than others, but the one thing they all have in common is the challenges they can pose to the disabled person themselves, and to their carers, families and loved ones. The three guests on Sunday’s show share a passion for raising people’s awareness to those challenges, and the need for support of the disabled in our community.
In the first hour of the show we had Sarah Wingfield, a disabilities awareness advocate who is passionate about raising people’s awareness to the challenges people with disabilities face on a daily basis. Sarah is seeking people with mental health conditions and disabilities to participate in an awareness book to help with raising awareness about the struggles individuals go through via their different conditions. Contributors to Sarah’s book are guaranteed anonymity, should they wish to contribute in confidence.
Sarah’s website is www.magnoliaphotography.co.uk and the ebook will be published and available on Amazon free of charge. A lady of many talents, Sarah is also an artist and designer and further details on her work can be found on Kawaii Doll Decora the official website!
In the second half of the show we welcomed Tony and Jaci Beddard into the studio. Tony and Jaci are trustees for All Disabilities Matter, and, amongst the many topics covered, we discussed how All Disabilities Matter has grown and continues to expand with currently 1700 members in the group. The social activities provided by the support staff and volunteers include events such as monthly discos, SEND youth club and crafts, and walk in coffee afternoons, benefiting all disabilities and supporting carers, whilst providing essential volunteer support direct to those with disabilities that need it most in our community.
Local businesses like The Big Club, Phoenix Club, including T&M Kitchen and Café HQ, all provide incredible support, with donations and providing their services at no charge to All Disabilities Matter, this enables us to continue to support those with incredibly complex needs in our community.
Being elected as the Newton Aycliffe ‘Mayors Selected Charity’, and the key support from our local councillors, including our local radio community champions, really does make a huge difference, and helps us to continue to provide this vital group and support, for which all of our members are incredibly grateful.

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