PGP / SPD My story:

Remember: Growth starts with accountability. I have never been diagnosed with, or experienced, paranoia. I also experience no side effects from my prescribed medical cannabis, none, which I use exactly as directed to manage chronic pain. My treatment is well documented and monitored by the medical professionals involved in my care. Ignorant assumptions are part of the problem. When someone leads with assumptions instead of curiosity, facts rarely change their mind because they weren't interested in the facts to begin with. Yes, I'm still annoyed about yesterday. I'm human, and I'm doing my best. That's all any of us can do. Sometimes it's okay to admit you got something wrong. I know I do. I'm proud I fix myself when I'm the issue and when others don't want resolution, like I do - I step away. Accountability means caring enough to reflect, apologise when necessary, and do better.  An apology isn't just words; it includes changed behaviour.  Real...

Harassment Isn’t Resolution: There’s something I’ve learned — and been reminded of again recently: not everyone wants resolution . Some people want control of the narrative. I entered a conversation about disability, ableism, and respect — a conversation that should have been rooted in understanding, nuance, and lived experience. Because disability is not a competition. Pain is not a hierarchy. And comparing people’s struggles to minimise them is, and always will be, harmful. So I said that. I spoke from lived experience as someone who is AuDHD. I clarified my intent, explained that tone can be misread in text, and asked for kindness, for clarity, for basic respect. That should have been enough. But instead of engaging with what I actually said, the focus shifted — not to the message, but to me. Suddenly, I wasn’t someone raising a valid point. I was “high”. I was “dangerous”. I was “abusive”. And when someone stops addressing your words and starts attacking your character, your health...

DCC Update - employment support and podcast: I’ve just been informed that Andrew Husband has offered to personally look into my situation. I’m honestly a little shocked to finally be getting access to someone who can help — but I’m also hopeful. If this is handled properly, it could resolve everything that has happened, including: • Having the podcast reinstated • Ensuring my images are shared as originally intended (not cropped) • Regaining access to the employment support I should never have lost This should never have become a fight. It has taken so much energy and unnecessary distress. Once this is resolved, I truly hope we can move towards a more positive working relationship with the council — especially given the volunteer safeguarding and youth work I already do with them. Fingers crossed 🤞 Sarah Wingfield Independent Disability Advocate #disabilityinclusion #disabilityrights #disabilityawareness #communitymatters #strongertogether #inclusion #advocacy