In August 2023 Kingston upon Thames Cuncil secured funding from the London Cuncils Engagement Grant for one part-time Project Officer to setup and run the Kingston Disability Network.
In October 2023 the network was launched at a Kingston Council-hosted event:
Link to Kingston Council News Page
The aim was to build an inclusive network to create a collective, stronger voice for those with disabilities in the Borough. The network currently comprises 90 individual members, either as persons with lived experience, or as a representative from organisations in the borough specifically catering for the needs of disabled residents.
Funding from the London COuncils Engagement Grant ran out in July 2024. Since then the Network has continued to meet with the aim to becoming self-sustaining and to be co-produced with the Members, becoming a critical friend and challenger to the Council, and other agencies within the borough.
It has always been the ambition for the network to be co-produced with members and to act as a critical friend and challenger to the council.
In the middle of July 2025 at the Kington Disability AGM, a Steering Group will be elected, comprising: CHair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, Greasurer, Social Media/Communications Officer and up to 6 Members. Initially this group will meet monthly, dealing with the kinds of issues raised as priorities by the members in recent meetings, as well as setting the agenda for the “conference-style” meetings for the whole group, which will be held every six-months or so, and give a much wider opportunity for face-to-face networking, etc.