Surrey Coalition of Disabled People

03/02/2026

Tandridge Healthy Communities have recently started some great sessions. They are a brilliant, low cost way to get more active, feel great and meet like minded people!

Session include:
- Indoor Bowls
- Strength & Balance
- Box Fit
- Wobble Classes

Visit the Tandridge Healthy Communities website to find out more: https://www.freedom-leisure.co.uk/healthy-communities/tandridge/

02/02/2026

Our friends at Autism Friendly Surrey have been working with lots of venues around Surrey to create visual stories to help people prepare for a visit.

A visual story is a simple guide to a venue or an activity answering questions people may have in advance of a visit. For example, where the toilets are, how to pay, opening hours, busy and quieter, how lockers work, how to ask for support and much more.

They are working with several leisure centres and their website is regularly being updated as the visual stories are produced. Dorking Leisure Centre will be published soon and you can already see the story for Guildford Spectrum on their website via the following link: https://autismfriendlysurrey.org.uk/visual-stories

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Our aim is to connect people, whilst supporting communities to be more inclusive for autistic and neurodivergent people

30/01/2026

New blog post - Wheelmap: community-powered accessibility tool

Wheelmap is a free, community-powered map showing accessibility of public places.

To kick off 2026, Wheelmap is encouraging everyone to make “more mapping” their New Year’s resolution. The campaign invites people to add as many accessibility entries as possible to Wheelmap.

Anyone can use Wheelmap, and anyone can contribute!

Read more about the campaign and the history behind Wheelmap on our website: https://surreycoalition.org.uk/wheelmap-community-powered-accessibility-tool/

[Image description: woman smiling and pressing the button for an elevator, next to her is a man who is a wheelchair user.]

wheelmap.org

29/01/2026

Redhill Train Station Accessibility Update

As you may remember, we have been campaigning against the new development that was proposed for Redhill Train Station. The proposed development would mean that Disabled people could no longer use the station safely.

Since the September planning hearing, we worked with some of our brilliant members on a video to show the real impact the proposed development would have on Disabled people. Huge thanks to Steve, Robin and Jean for helping us make this happen!

Update from Nikki Roberts, CEO, Surrey Coalition of Disabled People: "We are delighted that the planning inquiry has dismissed the appeal by the developers. The proposed changes would have had a huge impact on Disabled people. If the proposals had been approved many of our members would no longer be able to use the station safely. It’s so important that accessibility is considered at the outset of planning. Working with local Disabled people or Disabled people’s organisations will ensure that the proposals meet the needs of the whole community”.

Visit our blog to read more and to watch our video: https://surreycoalition.org.uk/redhill-train-station-accessibility/

[Image description: Coalition staff Nikki and Yasmin, with Coalition members Jean and Steve, walking and wheeling under a dark bridge at Redhill Train station.]

26/01/2026

In September, we won the Community Organisation Award for Disability at the National Diversity Awards in association with HSBC UK!

Vikki Walton-Cole, our Co-Chair and Trustee of Surrey Coalition of Disabled People shared her thoughts in an interview with none other than Ash Palmisciano who is currently acting in Emmerdale as the fantastic Matty Barton!

We are still over the moon with receiving the award and we are all looking forward to what 2026 has in store for us!

[Video description: Ash Palmisciano interviewing Vikki Walton-Cole at the National Diversity Awards.]

26/01/2026

With over 80 venues across Surrey, visit your local venue during Warm Welcome Week.

Warm Welcome venues are open to anyone who would like some warmth and company. You’ll find friendly faces, refreshments and a space to relax. No booking, no cost; just a warm welcome waiting for you.

Find your nearest Warm Welcome: https://orlo.uk/SrpEt

23/01/2026

In November we returned to the ever-popular Alice Holt Forest for their inclusive Thursday morning cycling session – and once again, it didn’t disappoint! With adapted bikes for all abilities, an incredible team of volunteers, and beautiful forest trails, there really is something for everyone 🚴‍♀️

If you’d like to try inclusive cycling, there’s no need to wait for the next Get Together – there are adapted bike sessions across Surrey.

Get in touch with Katy for details:

📧 Katy.hubbard@surreycoalition.org.uk
Call/SMS 07434 865062

Our Wellbeing Get Togethers are funded by The National Lottery Community Fund

[Video description: collection of videos and photos from members and staff from The Coalition on adapted bikes cycling through Alice Holt Forest on a sunny day with autumn trees.]

22/01/2026

The Surrey 5K or Half Marathon challenge - Sunday 22nd March 2026

Could you or someone you know walk, wheel or run 5k or a half marathon to raise funds for the Coalition?

We are looking for anyone who likes a challenge to help us raise funds to support all the good work that we do. We will pay for your entry, support you in the lead up and be there on the day to cheer you on.

To find out more or to sign up, please speak to any of the Coalition team, or contact Rachel on 07940 136895 or email rachel.roberts@surreycoalition.org.uk

Give it a go, what have you got to lose!

(Image Description: A man jogging on a path beside a woman who is a wheelchair user during a sunny autumn day in a park)

19/01/2026

Elmbridge Borough Council Volunteering Fair

Last week Caroline from our Tech Angels team attended the Elmbridge Borough Council Volunteering Fair. Caroline spoke to the local community about Tech Angel volunteering opportunities, and also met Cllr Steve Bax, Mayor of Elmbridge.

Thank you Elmbridge Borough Council for hosting a fantastic volunteering fair!

If you'd like to find out more about Tech Angels and volunteering opportunities, please visit our website: https://surreycoalition.org.uk/areas-of-work/technology/tech-to-community-connect/

[Image description: Caroline from the Tech Angels team with the Mayor of Elmbridge Steve Bax in front of a tall Tech Angels banner.]

Elmbridge BC

19/01/2026

For our latest Wellbeing Get Together, we returned to the martial arts with an inclusive Tai Chi session 🧘‍♀️

Guided by instructor Paul, we explored the gentle, flowing movements of Tai Chi — a low-impact practice focused on balance, breathing and cultivating “qi” (energy). We warmed up with visualisation, explored classic forms like Cloud Hands and White Crane Spreads Wings, and discovered how Tai Chi can be done seated or standing.

As always, we finished with a chat over a cuppa and (this time) mince pies 🥧 Some loved it, others were glad to have tried something new — and that’s what our Get Togethers are all about: trying new things in a safe, supportive space and connecting with others 💛

If you’d like to join us or find out more about Tai Chi, get in touch with Katy:

📧 katy.hubbard@surreycoalition.org.uk

📱 07434 865062

Our Wellbeing Get Togethers are funded by The National Lottery Community Fund

(Image description: A group of members engaging in a Tai Chi session)

16/01/2026

FREE Community Energy Advice Event – Just Pop In! 💡

Struggling with energy bills or keeping your home warm this winter? Join us at Redhill Baptist Church for independent, tailored advice to help you find low-cost ways to save money, stay warm and find out about grants and local support including help with your energy and water bills

📅 Wednesday 21st January 2026
⏰ 11.30am – 2pm

No appointment needed.

(Image description: A poster advertising a free community event offering personalised energy advice at Redhill Baptist Church on January 21, 2026, from 11:30 am to 2 pm)

15/01/2026

The new year can be a time when people seek a re-set and look towards fresh goals for the coming year.

If one of your goals is to Get More Active in 2026 then why not get in touch with Katy, our Physical Activity Navigator, and find out more about the support we can offer:

One to one appointment – an informal chat with Katy to discuss what you’d like to achieve and work with you to make a plan to help you reach your goals.

Regular Get More Active Get Togethers - We enjoy a social catch up and try out different physical activities and get to know fellow Coalition members. It’s a great opportunity to have a go at something new in a supportive environment.

Active Buddy - We understand that it can sometimes be daunting attending new activities, so we offer an active buddy service. Our lovely, friendly volunteers will attend activities with you and support with transport if required.

Contact Katy to find out more and sign up:

Katy - Phone/SMS: 07434865062

Email: katy.hubbard@surreycoalition.org.uk

(image description: A member engaging in a karate session with Katy in a bright room.)