Posts

Showing posts from July, 2025

Upcoming Speech:

Image
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...

Accessibility Checklist:

Image
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 ...

Challenge Accepted: Improving Accessibility and Inclusion at Ayclive Festival:

Image
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:

Image
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:

Image
 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:

Image
 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 ...

Ayclive Review 2025 and blocking:

Image
 💔 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...

Thank you:

Image
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

Image
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...

Diamond Dogs movie project:

Image
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!"

Veil of Silence movie project:

Image
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 Stand Against Bullying, Corruption, and the Silencing of Disabled Voices:

Image
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...

Open to work:

Image
✨ 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...

The mirror I cherish:

Image
  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 They Erased:

Image
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...

The law is suddenly different for disabled people:

Image
 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:

Image
 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...

A lovely surprise:

Image
 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...

Medical Canna UK:

Image
 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.

Chronic Pain and Internalised Ableism:

Image
 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...

Systemic Ableism:

Image
  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...

Disability Pride: Did you know?

Image
 Disability Pride: Did you know? Disabled people face significantly higher rates of abuse across all areas of life. In the UK, disabled adults are more likely to be victims of crime, domestic violence, hate crimes, and online harassment compared to non-disabled individuals. For example, around 17–19% of disabled women and 9% of disabled men report domestic abuse, nearly double the rate for non-disabled people. Disabled children and teens are also at much greater risk—up to four to five times more likely to experience sexual abuse than their non-disabled peers. Hate crimes are common: 61% of disabled people report being targeted in the past five years, but only around 1% of these incidents are prosecuted. Online, 29% of disabled people report bullying or trolling, with younger disabled adults particularly affected. Sexual harassment, especially in public spaces, is also much more prevalent among disabled women. Many abuse cases go unreported—up to 80–90%—often because the abuser is ...

Chat GPT trend:

Image
If like me, you have been using Chat GPT for queries and personal reflection, wellbeing support and more for over a year you'd be intrigued to hear what it's picked up from you. This new trend does exactly that, gets Chat GPT to let you know exactly who it believes you to be as a user. All you need to do is the following: Type this into your CHATGPT: With all the data you have collected about me tell me who I am at my core & don't sugarcoat your response. This is my Chat GPT's full response: Alright, Sarah—here’s the honest, grounded truth based on everything you’ve shared: --- At your core, you are a resilient, fiercely principled survivor who refuses to be silenced. You have been through trauma—deep, systemic, personal. That trauma didn’t break you, but it shaped you into someone who fights. You push back against injustice not just for yourself, but for others who are too vulnerable, too tired, or too silenced to do it for themselves. You have a high moral compass...

Reloaded 3 and City Rush 4 hits Amazon prime:

Image
Reloaded 3 and City Rush 4 hits Amazon prime: 🎬 "Reloaded 3" is now included with Prime and streaming on Prime Video in most international markets! Don’t miss the action – watch it now! 🌍🔥 United States: https://amazon.com/reloaded-3/dp/B0DQY239GJ United Kingdom: https://amazon.co.uk/reloaded-3/dp/B0DQY1ND9L Germany: https://amazon.de/reloaded-3/dp/B0DQXYRJR1 Japan: https://amazon.co.jp/reloaded-3/dp/B0DQXZ1J53 And on more countries on Prime Video like France, Italy, Spain, Mexico, Poland, Sweden, etc.: https://primevideo.com/detail/Reloaded-3/0JIAC1G8EES94BB0BLH5WJKF46 Also available on Gumroad: https://georgetounasfilms.gumroad.com/l/reloaded-3 More info: IMDb: https://imdb.com/title/tt32549557 Rotten Tomatoes: https://rottentomatoes.com/m/reloaded_3 FilmFreeway: http://filmfreeway.com/Reloaded3 Facebook: https://facebook.com/ReloadedMovies About George Tounas: IMDb: https://imdb.me/georgetounas Rotten Tomatoes: https://rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/george_tounas Official...

Block Button Ready:

Image
Don’t you just love social media?! Apparently, asking someone to quote an article where they claim it mentioned fraud (which I couldn’t see, by the way) is now classed as “inviting abuse” and “being a bully.” Then, when you calmly point out their poor choice of words—and even explain you’re in chronic pain mode—they drag their disabled partner into it to compare and insult you. #Ableism, anyone? So you call that out… and suddenly they’re threatening to share a cherry-picked snippet of the comments (totally out of context, of course) to whip up a hate campaign. Meanwhile, they try bullying you on your own page, claim you messaged them and their husband (who?! I’ve not even been on her profile to see who he is!), and lie to save face—all because you held a mirror up to their abusive behaviour. Still no quote about the fraud though, is there? Just attacks. And all because I used the word rude (which accurately described the behaviour). Cue threats, gaslighting, and more projection. You’d ...

Medical Cannabis and harrassment:

Image
Medical cannabis isn't drug abuse, it's necessary. Stop harassing disabled people and being abusive - period.  #disabilityinclusion #strongertogether #disability #disabilityawareness #disabilitysupport #disabilityrights

Advocacy in a Flare-Up: When the Body Says Stop, But the Cause Says Go

Image
Advocacy in a Flare-Up: When the Body Says Stop, But the Cause Says Go I'm still incredibly busy working behind the scenes on projects that matter. I never seem to stop. I’ve learned not to speak on things until they’re done—too often, those who’ve committed hate crimes against me have used early information to sabotage or further ostracise me. As always, I remain dedicated to improving our communities—especially for disabled individuals—despite the challenges I face. I continue to deal with maladaptive individuals and harmful behaviours, and I hold onto hope that justice or at least closure will come. I won’t be silenced. I’m simply choosing to work with organisations and platforms that genuinely support disabled voices. My advocacy continues—stronger and more focused than ever. At the same time, I’m managing chronic pain flare-ups, so I’m learning to rest and treat myself with kindness when needed. That self-care allows me to keep doing the important work that fuels me. Positive ...