Merton Centre for Independent Living

Some illustrations commissioned by Merton Centre for Independent Living. A local disability charity in Southwest London, run by and for Deaf and Disabled people. https://www.mertoncil.org.uk/

These images will help to keep their values in the day-to-day running of the charity at the forefront of people's minds.

Inclusion London - Live Scribing for Staff Away Day

A fab afternoon working for this wonderful bunch of people. Inclusion London is a charity that supports Deaf and Disabled organisation in London and campaigns for equality for Deaf and Disabled people.

For more information about the work they do please look at their website here: https://www.inclusionlondon.org.uk/about-us/

Drawings for Merton CIL

Some portraits and updates to the finances for Merton Centre for Independent Living (Merton CIL for short). Charlet Wilson and her wonderful team do so much amazing work for this small grass roots disability charity in South West London.

 

Illustration of a live event - in advance!

This is the 10th year I've done illustrations for the annual 'My Voice Matters' event for Merton Centre for Independent Living. https://www.mertoncil.org.uk/

This time they've given me the main points in advance and they are going to print this as an A3 poster to give to attendees. I think it's probably the first time I've been asked to draw out a live event in advance, but it does take the pressure off!

If you've never heard of the 'Social Model of Disability' it's basically the built environment and lack of adjustments that makes it difficult for people who live with a disability to live as they'd like to. 

The 12 pillars at the bottom of the graphic outlines what needs to be in place to support people in their day to day living.

London School of Economics, Postgraduate Poster

A piece of work for a postgrad research project at the London School of Economics.

I was asked to represent the findings of the project as an A2 size poster (click on the image to see more detail), this was mainly about the galvanising impact of activism, and that even though everyday life was still a struggle, the main impact of being part of the disability activism movement was one of  collective and individual joy as well as lifelong friendship and learning.

 

 

National Co-Production Week

I had a wonderful afternoon in Hammersmith recently, this was commissioned by Hammersmith and Fulham council, but the participants were local disabled residents who are mainly volunteers, speaking on behalf of all local disabled residents and steering services using the method of Co-Production.

Really energetic crowd, favourite phrase of the day: 'let's be ruthlessly inclusive!

More info on the work they're doing here: https://www.lbhf.gov.uk/councillors-and-democracy/co-production-doing-things-residents-not-residents/co-production-matters-hf

Live Scribing for Kent County Council

I was back in Kent yesterday and last week for the second visit of two children's centres. I hope both these centres become thriving Family Hubs once the next phase of restructuring is over. 

The staff at both sites are just so dedicated and they serve a very deprived local demographic who are hugely grateful for their support.

 

Caring for people with Autism in Camden

This month I was commissioned by Richard Lohan of Camden's accessible information team to draw out some images that will be used for a short film to explain how to assist young people with autism who may be going through a period of change.

I especially liked drawing out the breathing exercise and thought we could all probably do with the adoption of the worry box: put all your worries in a box and then make an appointment to go through them one by one with a person who cares about you.