News / Politics
Disability service under threat from cuts
A free transport service giving disabled children and their families in Bristol respite breaks is being cut by the council, according to campaigners.
Bristol Parent Carers addressed the city’s councillors on Tuseday night, urging for funding to be restored for Let’s Go! Bristol.
A petition has been launched to lobby the council over funding which has not been renewed after two years of support.
is needed now More than ever
“As a disabled person who has a disabled child I used this service when I had no other way of getting my daughter to an activity last year,” said Paul Barnett, a parent of a disabled child who uses the service, said.
“A lot of disabled children have parents who can’t drive. Please don’t isolate us more than we already are.”
The transport scheme was started in 2013 as a partnership project between Bristol Parent Carers, Bristol Community Transport and Bristol City Council.
But, in spite of two initial successful years, campaigners say funding came to an end in June, leaving disabled children and their families struggling to access short breaks opportunities – some of them provided by Bristol City Council.
Deb Joffe, deputy leader of the Green Party, spoke in support of Bristol Parent Carers at Tuesday’s meeting.
She said: “‘These families simply want to enjoy the sort of activity which most of us take for granted, such as a trip to the beach or a football match, or to visit relatives.
“There are already so many barriers to people with disabilities living full lives which match their potential and I want to live in a city which supports and values all its citizens.”
To support the campaign, sign the petition here.