PGP / SPD My story:

Overload, Support, and Purpose: My Journey : I have an important meeting and an appointment today, so I’ve cancelled all other plans to focus on these. Yesterday, my housing officer came earlier than expected — before my breakthrough worker arrived. Breakthrough is a DCC service that helps me declutter and organise because of my mobility issues. I’m glad I still have this support and that it hasn’t been sabotaged yet, especially given what I’ve seen happen to other services. I rely on it. She may have thought she was helping by offering to remove my stairlift — one of my most needed and relied-upon mobility aids. But this triggered me and made me feel invalidated. I literally used the stairlift the night before. I guess I mask well, but seriously?! The sudden change caught me off guard and inside I was screaming, though outside I just said, “Yeah, it’s fine, come in.” I wasn’t fine. On top of everything else from yesterday, it all pushed me into overload. I broke. I reached out to my F...

 📣 Accessibility Advocacy Update 📣 I’ve contacted both Redcar & Cleveland Council (contactus@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk) and Saltburn, Marske and New Marske Parish Council (office@smnmpc.co.uk) regarding the lack of disabled parking bays outside the Coco & Rum Thai restaurant in Saltburn. Let’s see if they can add one or two designated disabled bays to the small car park next to the premises — a simple step that would go a long way in making Saltburn more #Accessible and #Inclusive for disabled residents and visitors. I included photos in the email which show that the layout of the car park could easily accommodate one or two accessible spaces with minimal adjustment. I also want to thank the Coco & Rum team directly. They were kind, helpful, and made an effort to explain who the car park belongs to — which helped me direct my advocacy to the appropriate authorities. I’ve forwarded my council email to them for reference and shared the following message: --- ✉️ Email to C...

EDS, Hypermobility and hEDS/EDhS affect everyone differently—even when we share the same diagnosis. Many of us experience similar symptoms and familial patterns, but our day-to-day realities can vary hugely. This is just one version of how EDS can show up in someone’s life. For example, I don’t have flat feet—but I’m affected by nearly everything else on this list, and more. I'm proud to share this to raise awareness, because dynamic disabilities and invisible illnesses aren’t something you can see. You can't diagnose us with your eyes. So I ask you—look beyond the photo. Think outside the frame. See the whole picture. Thank you for taking the time to read. If you know someone with an invisible illness, why not share this with them? Let’s remind them: You are loved. You are seen. You are not alone. With love, Sarah Wingfield ❤️ Independent Disability Advocate #DisabilityInclusion #StrongerTogether #DisabilityAwareness #DisabilitySupport #DisabilityRights #ChronicIllnessWarrior ...

Fighting for Community: Why The Aviator Matters More Than Ever Something powerful happens when people come together — when a space opens its doors to everyone, no matter their background, ability, or walk of life. That’s what The Aviator Sports & Live Lounge has done for our town. And now, it’s under threat. For years, The Aviator has been more than just a venue. It’s been a beating heart in Newton Aycliffe. A place for celebration, connection, live music, family events, sports, comfort food, and spontaneous laughter with strangers who become friends. It’s one of the rare spaces that makes you feel like you belong — and in a world that can feel so divided and isolating, that’s priceless. As a disabled woman, I’ve often found public spaces either inaccessible or unwelcoming. But not The Aviator. It’s one of the few places where I’ve never had to fight to be included. The staff have always been kind, attentive, and respectful. I can just be. That shouldn’t be rare — but sadly, it is....

Finding Calm Through Pages: My New Tool for Healing and Hope: By Sarah Wingfield I recently discovered that Mind Charity has teamed up with Paperchase, and some of their beautiful and thoughtfully designed stationery is now available in selected Tesco stores. It might just be a notebook to some, but for me, it’s become something much more. I'm currently using one of these books to help me process both the good and bad days — to gently unpick the threads of harm, to understand the weight I carry, and to find my way back to myself after pain. Writing has always been one of my ways to cope, reflect, and recover, especially as someone who is disabled and neurodivergent. But this notebook has added a little spark — a reminder that support and beauty can coexist. That healing doesn’t always have to be loud. Sometimes, it’s found quietly in ink, intention, and a blank page. I'm also using it to set new goals for advocacy, to reignite my drive for positive change, and to hold space for...

  https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18jhfpj2f2/ If I had known that simply asking for accountability and an apology would lead to being ostracised in my hometown — to sabotage, abuse, organisations lying to the police, a false Community Protection Notice, and the loss of my voice as a disabled advocate — I might never have spoken up. But I did, because I believed in truth and justice. Now, Ayclive have joined in by blocking me from their page, after mistreating me and failing to make reasonable adjustments for my disabilities. It really makes you feel the “love” from your hometown, doesn’t it? The support group that coerced members into giving false statements against me is still operating. The man in the photo — who refused me a lift, prioritised PR over disability rights, and also gave false information to the police — is now a councillor. Durham County Council removed employment support from DurhamEnable, and silenced my advocacy because I’m legally prescribed medical cannabis. T...

Public Statement: Speaking Up Shouldn’t Mean Being Silenced I’ve taken some time to reflect before saying anything publicly. But recent events have left me confused, disheartened, and needing to share what’s happened—not for attention or conflict, but because I believe in honesty, fairness, and the importance of being heard. As a disabled advocate and resident of County Durham, I recently raised a formal complaint about the conduct of a sitting councillor. This wasn’t something I did lightly. The behaviour I flagged involved public misinformation, a misuse of influence, and actions that had already harmed me and others in the community—especially those of us who are vulnerable or marginalised. I submitted my complaint with context, evidence, and a respectful request for anonymity due to past targeting. Despite this, I was told the complaint is unlikely to proceed, that my name cannot be protected, and that I may wish to withdraw it. What I’m struggling to understand is this: How is it ...

Speaking Up – Preparing for My Disability Awareness Talk By Sarah Wingfield 🌹 I’m so excited to have been invited to deliver a Disability Awareness Talk as part of my ongoing community advocacy work. It genuinely means so much to be trusted with a platform to speak honestly about lived experience, challenge bias, and offer insight into the realities of disability. This isn’t just a talk—it’s part of my mission to create safer, more inclusive spaces for everyone. What I’m Preparing My talk will blend personal storytelling with education and a strong call to action. I’ll be discussing things like: What dynamic and invisible disabilities are—and how they affect us day to day How language, judgment, and assumptions impact the disabled community Real examples of ableism and how we can dismantle it, together The importance of accessibility, understanding, and support in every space I’ve worked hard to make this talk engaging and inclusive. Even the introduction includes a visual description...

Image Alt text: Black background with white text: Event Accessibility Checklist by Sarah Wingfield. Image also has a white logo of a heart with Kawaii Doll Decora stated inside at the top. Accessibility Improvements – Ayclive: Comprehensive Inclusion Checklist, by Sarah Wingfield 🌹  Sensory Bags (Available for Borrowing or Renting) Each sensory bag should include: Noise-cancelling headphones or ear defenders Fidget toys (including different textures and types for sensory regulation) Mood cards (to help communicate feelings non-verbally) Sunglasses or coloured overlays for light sensitivity Tissues and grounding items (e.g. soft fabric, small weighted object) Laminated sensory cue cards with simple statements (e.g. "I need a break", "Please speak slowly") --- Disability Support Team A visible, designated team trained in autism, chronic illness, sensory processing disorders, and mental health conditions Staffed by individuals who are calm, respectful, and trained in ...

Improving Accessibility and Inclusion at Ayclive Festival I have emailed the following: Dear Ayclive Festival Team, I’m reaching out in the hope of initiating a constructive dialogue regarding accessibility and disability inclusion at Ayclive. Putting aside the personal bias I experienced in person from the manager, Paul Howarth, I want to clarify that I don’t hate your festival. In fact, I care deeply about making it better—not just for myself, but for all disabled residents of Newton Aycliffe. My goal is simply to see improved support and awareness for those with disabilities, particularly invisible illnesses, so that Ayclive can be a more welcoming event for everyone in our community. I was disappointed to be blocked from the Ayclive page, as it appeared to be a way of silencing legitimate concerns. Rather than shut people out, I believe there is real opportunity here to collaborate and grow. As an Independent Disability Advocate, I would be more than willing to work with your team ...

Seeking Compassion - Humour helps: One of my strongest memories from Ayclive is also one of the hardest. I was shaking, in pain, and sat on the floor at the entrance — overwhelmed, ignored, and treated with hostility. In the middle of all that, someone asked me for my ticket QR code. I said, “I’ll see if I can find that for you… and while I’m at it, maybe I’ll try and find some compassion too — it seems to be in short supply.” One of the few kind staff nearby chuckled, and so did I. I was having a PTSD flashback, completely caught up in a wave of panic and helplessness — but that moment of humour, my own defiance in the face of it all, snapped me out of it. Even as I relived the trauma, the memory of that small spark made me giggle again. And reminded me: humour is a valid coping strategy. Whoever said it isn’t clearly hasn’t needed it like we have. — Sarah Independent Disability Advocate #Disability #DisabilityInclusion #PTSDRecovery #DisabledAndProud #StrongerTogether #ChronicIllness...

 Re-Traumatisation Is Real — And We Need to Talk About It There’s a quiet kind of pain that doesn’t always get acknowledged. It hides in plain sight. It can be triggered by the smallest moment — a look, a tone, an act of exclusion — and suddenly, you’re no longer in the present. You’re back there. Back in the memory. Back in the pain. That’s re-traumatisation. And it’s more common than people realise. What Is Re-Traumatisation? Re-traumatisation happens when something in the present activates the same emotional or physiological response you had during a past traumatic event. It can be loud — like a meltdown, panic attack, or visible distress — but more often, it’s quiet. It looks like shutting down. Dissociating. Going non-verbal. Suddenly freezing. Shaking. Tears you didn’t expect. It’s the body remembering. It’s the nervous system going, “We’ve been here before — and last time, we weren’t safe.” This isn’t weakness. This isn’t overreacting. This is biology. Psychology. Survival. ...

 Turn pain and lessons into power and action. ❤️✨ Disability Rights: Alt text: An illustrated group portrait of diverse individuals of different ages and abilities, including children, adults, and elderly people. Several are seated in wheelchairs, one uses a cane, and others are standing, showcasing visible diversity in disability. The group is facing forward with calm, determined expressions. The text above the group reads, “Turn pain and lessons into power and action.” Below, it says, “Disability Rights.” A heart in the top right corner contains the words “Kawaii Doll Decora,” and the same name appears vertically along the left edge as a watermark . I’m exhausted by the state of the world — but more determined than ever to change it. People need a reality check. The disabled community needs authentic voices, because those merely playing at supporting disability are revealing their true colours. Masks are slipping. And ableism persists — even from within our own community. When a ...

 💔 After spending a full year supporting this event, I promoted it, interacted with their posts, planned extensively, invested money, and made sure I had a safe space (a tent) to manage my autism. I even left them their only positive review — which I’ve now deleted. I was hopeful. But in the end, none of it mattered. My disability ID, walking stick, visible lanyard… completely ignored. Accessibility was denied. I was mistreated, triggered into a POTS episode, and offered only blame instead of care. And I’m now waiting for a refund. If you're disabled, excitement about events comes with risk. We put in triple the effort just to be included — and too often, we’re met with ignorance, exclusion, or outright harm. I hope no one else ever has to endure what I did. Lessons can be blessings, I suppose — but right now, the only lesson I see is this: some people will choose bullying over empathy every time… and they’ll do it proudly. Sarah Wingfield ❤️ Independent Disability Advocate | Acce...

I want to say a huge thank you to this incredible man, Peter Danks, for being such a supportive presence tonight during an upsetting and unfair experience. Thank you for being the man you are — for your strength, your care, and for standing by me when I needed it most. We can’t control how others behave, and we can’t force people to care. But I am so proud of the person I am — someone who refuses to tolerate bullying — and even prouder to have someone like you by my side. Thank you for drying my tears, making me laugh, and reminding me that even when things go wrong, we still have each other. We might have been unfairly treated and had to leave an event we’d looked forward to all year, but we’ll make our own memories — because being with you is the best part anyway. Thank you for being in my corner in the face of injustice. Thank you for simply being you. Love you. Appreciate you. Sarah 🌹 xx #DisabilityInclusion #StrongerTogether #DisabilityAwareness #DisabilitySupport #DisabilityRigh...

When Systems Fail Us, We Build Our Own Being disabled in the UK means constantly navigating a system that isn't built with us in mind. Employment opportunities are scarce. Access is inconsistent. Support is conditional. And worth? That’s something society often demands we prove — again and again — just to be seen. So I’ve stopped waiting for the world to catch up. I’m building my own future. Right now, I’m learning to drive so I can attend more acting auditions and paid work, and I’m setting up my own small sole tradership. It might not look like much to some, but it’s mine. I've run a business before, and I know what it takes. I still do the community work that matters — I’m an independent visitor for children in the care system, and I continue supporting charities and causes I believe in. But I also know I need to invest in my future too. I can’t afford to sit in the waiting room of broken systems anymore. Because here's the truth: we can't rely on people to understan...

I am so glad to be a part of this project and so happy another movie has wrapped up nicely!  This is just the beginning! 😁  IMDb.me/SarahWingfield   https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AwHXaMMgL/   (link to Facebook page for Diamond dogs video post) Alt text: A screenshot of a Facebook video post, posted by Diamond Dogs - Feature film (black text on white background) with a black, yellow and white logo at the top left corner. Video snapshot shows the production team of the Diamond Dogs movie are together and stating "it's a wrap" they are celebrating the finishing of the movie. 8 people are captured in the screenshot, a mix of women and men and all look excited and happy and toasting to the finished movie project. At the top in black writing against a white background it reads "As of 23/07/25 we have wrapped Diamond Dogs!"

A movie that is being created from a book by author Mike Davies was published in a magazine recently and I can't wait to be a part of this movie project! IMDb.me/SarahWingfield   I'm reposting his post here: --- @highlight Everyone Active Feeling incredibly grateful today. 🙏 The Veil of Silence has built such a huge following — I honestly never imagined the impact it would have. Thank you all so much for the continued support, messages, and excitement surrounding the film. This journey means even more to me after everything I’ve been through. A local magazine recently featured my story — about the accident that changed my life, and how I’ve poured everything into writing and filmmaking ever since. They also gave The Veil of Silence a great spotlight, which is beyond humbling. To everyone who’s believed in me, followed the project, or simply taken the time to reach out — thank you from the bottom of my heart. This is just the beginning. 🎬🖤 #TheVeilOfSilence #Grateful #Indepen...

I keep reading posts online about a gentleman I encountered and it appears that I am not an isolated incident. I Stand Against Bullying, Corruption, and the Silencing of Disabled Voices In my personal and lived experience, Anthony Beddard has demonstrated a severe lack of integrity and accountability. I am currently involved with the Crime Commissioner regarding how I, a disabled woman, was ostracised and mistreated by individuals in power—including Anthony Beddard—who chose to side with abusive behaviour rather than support or protect me. When I sought an apology for the unacceptable telephone manner I experienced from Paul Howarth, I was instead met with hostility, false accusations, and ultimately blacklisted from Aycliffe Radio. I was denied the lift Anthony had originally offered to support my appearance—an action that, to me, was a clear signal of bias and exclusion. Since then, I have been forced to defend myself against a false Community Protection Notice, which I have publishe...

✨ Hi, I’m Sarah! ✨ I’m currently #OpenToWork and looking for a paid role to support the unpaid roles I’m passionate about — including being an Independent Visitor for children in care 💛 (I’m up to date on all safeguarding legislation and learning to drive to be even more helpful!) 🎯 I’m looking for: ▪️ Admin / Assistant roles ▪️ Sales Associate / Advocate ▪️ HR positions ▪️ Data Input / Analyst work ▪️ Acting roles too 🎭 📍 Based in: Newton Aycliffe | Darlington | Bishop Auckland 💻 Open to Hybrid / Flexible options 🧠 About me: I’m a qualified disability advocate with over 20 years’ experience. I bring knowledge, heart, and a serious work ethic — and I’d love the chance to join a supportive, inclusive team. Let’s connect! I’d be grateful for leads, advice, or a friendly chat. 💬 Thank you for reading! Now hire me — just kidding… but seriously, let me send over my CV and impress you. 🫵🏻😏 Sarah Wingfield 🌹 #HireMe #Disability #Inclusion #FlexibleWork #HybridWork #PartTime #JobSea...

  I got this mirror as part of a set from my Great Grandma Dale. This is the only piece that survived the damp after being in storage, and I cherish it deeply. It always reminds me of her, and her love for the colour green. She was Scottish, as was her husband and their daughter, my Great Aunt Margaret. Just a little random thought for today. ~ Sarah ❤️ 

The podcast that they erased because I manage my disability with prescription cannabis: The Notes from the DurhamEnable podcast that was part of my employment support until it was removed, that Durham County Council doesn't want you to know: Podcast prep: Can you tell us a bit about yourself, who you are, any interests/hobbies? Hi Bambi, thanks for having me on the show, I'm someone who likes to make a positive difference in the lives of others, and I do a lot of charity and community work as well as independent disability advocating. On top of that I'm an actress, producer, author, artist, alternative model, music artist and more and I enjoy getting involved in creative endeavours. What is the nature of your disability? Mine is fundamentally a mobility impairment and chronic pain condition. I have a dislocated pelvis known as symphysis pubis dysfunction, a gap of 10.9mm and Ehlers Danlos hypermobility Syndrome amongst others. I'm likely AuADHD just waiting final assess...

 I looked on GOV.UK for support, but it doesn't explain how a disabled person can report discrimination or harassment — especially when the police aren't interested. When I'm ganged up on, harassed, targeted, sabotaged, and ostracised, I'm told it's a civil matter. But when three organisations made false statements about me to the police — that suddenly became a police matter. Recently, a false Community Protection Notice was issued against me. It was unsigned and undated, and when I contacted the police data department for ombudsman and appeal information, I was met with silence. All I did was speak the truth — publicly — about what I experienced. I left a support group because it was no longer safe for me to stay. After that, statements were made and used against me. Why is it only treated seriously when the accusations are against me — but not when I report what they've done to me? Why is my experience as a disabled woman being dismissed as a “civil matter” —...

 Pursue yourself. Self-reflect. Set little goals. Celebrate little wins. Be kind when you make mistakes or struggle — you’re flawed, and that’s okay. Just learn from it. Let people hate and misunderstand you. Try to spread kindness where you can — it’s needed. Always speak up. Action positive change. Challenge what needs to be challenged. Work with others. Find your spirit tribe, even if it’s only online. Let others be wrong about you. Be honest in the face of injustice. Even if others laugh or belittle you — stand stronger, speak louder, and never quit. Hit pause, but never quit. Rest is necessary for balance. Meditate on problems. Relax and think about what is within your control to change. Never ask, “Why me?” Instead ask, “What can I do?” “What is this teaching me?” Your path is always the right path. ❤️ — Sarah 🌹 #positivevibes #positiveenergy #mindset #progress #goals #Support #positive  Alt text: Black background image with white text that reads: "Uncommon advice: If y...

 What a lovely surprise today! 🥹 I’ve been low on spoons, had to rearrange a doctor’s appointment just so I could rest ahead of my driving lesson tomorrow — but I managed to have a shower, so I’m counting that as a win! 🚿 Then suddenly knock knock — a very confused delivery man stood at my door. I was equally confused, standing there in just a towel (the glamour!) trying to explain I hadn’t ordered any food. 😅 Turns out it was for my address… and the name on the order? Peter, my boyfriend — you cheeky thing!! 😂 Honestly, I’m so touched. Thank you so much. I really appreciate the thought and the kindness. ❤️ Sarah 🌹 xx Alt text: A cosy, warmly filtered photo of a Greggs meal. It includes a takeaway cup of freshly ground coffee, a portion of seasoned potato wedges in a pink Greggs box, a cupcake with yellow icing and white sprinkles in its own packet, and a wrapped chicken bake. The wrappers are clearly branded with Greggs logos and product names. Decorative doodles of stars and...

 Full legalisation with education and regulation like cigarettes and alcohol for medical use! 💚 #medicalcannabisuk #medicalcanna #LegaliseProperly #disabilitysupport #DisabilityPride #DisabilityPrideMonth Alt text: , The image features a background filled with green cannabis leaves. In the center, there's a cartoon cannabis leaf with a face, looking relaxed and holding a lit joint in its mouth. One of its leaves is shaped like a hand giving a thumbs-up. The text over the image reads: "WHETHER OR NOT I USE CANNABIS, I BELIEVE IN IT. I FULLY SUPPORT THE END OF CANNABIS PROHIBITION." The design and message promote cannabis legalisation and normalisation, regardless of personal use.

 Do not internalise ableism. You didn't choose this. Your feelings are valid. Your struggling is real. Stay kind to yourself and stay around people who understand.  Chronic pain is difficult but it's society that makes it even worse for chronic pain sufferers. Sarah Wingfield Independent Disability Advocate  #chronicpainisvalid #DisabilityPrideMonth #disabilitysupport #disabilityinclusion Alt text / image description: A circular infographic titled "Chronic Illness Gaslighting" with the subtitle "Chronically Fabulous: You Are Not Alone". The circle contains six coloured bubbles, each representing a common gaslighting phrase directed at people with chronic illness. They are numbered 1 to 6 and arranged in a loop to show the ongoing cycle. The phrases are: 1. "Other people have it worse" (orange bubble) 2. "You are exaggerating your symptoms" (red-orange bubble) 3. "It is all in your head" (light blue bubble) 4. "You need to b...

  Alt text: A social media post from "Making Space" discusses accessibility green flags for disabled jobseekers. The post highlights the importance of knowing if a job meets access needs before applying. It invites people to comment their own green flags and lists several, including remote/hybrid options, employee assistance programs, disability insurance, flexible time off (with mental health and sick days separated), good DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) ratings, health insurance for part-time roles, transparency around unlimited PTO, disability inclusion in job postings, having a Disability ERG (Employee Resource Group), and accessible bathrooms and break rooms. The post ends with “What did we miss?” and includes hashtags: #Disability #Remote #Accessibility. We’re still being made to take exams and navigate inaccessible processes just to be considered for jobs — even while managing the daily challenges of chronic pain and illness. Accessibility remains seriously lack...