Access in St Neots

02/09/2026

I am able to give you access to an exciting opportunity as part of my voluntary role as a member of ITV Anglia's Equality and Diversity Panel.

The ITV Academy News Traineeship 2027 has opened for applications on the ITV Careers website. The link for more information and the online application form is: https://careers.itv.com/

To hear from former trainees about their experience on the scheme, as well as a Talking Trainees vodcast, please follow this link:
https://careers.itv.com/blog/itv-academy-news-traineeship-2027-what-is-it-really-like

Applications Open: Tuesday 1st September 2026
Close: 23:59 Monday 14th September 2026

Additional info:
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a 1 day online assessment centre on either 28th, 29th or 30th October.

The traineeship will be 9 months, starting Monday 1st February 2027.

Eligibility: Applicants will need to provide evidence of having a GCSE in English Language 4/C or above, as well as being able to evidence a genuine interest in news output. They should also be over the age of 18 by 1st February 2027.

We are particularly interested in people who have committed themselves to a career in journalism, either through their writing, their work experience or their career to date, as well as those with an interest in journalism who are looking for a career change.

The ITV Academy News traineeship is providing trainee journalist opportunities for those who are looking to start their career in News and is particularly keen to receive applications from those who are from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people and those from lower socio economic groups as we recognise that individuals from these groups are currently underrepresented in our industry.

If you have any questions or would like to apply, please let me know and I will give you the contact details.

A business that’s changing the way we all see the world. A space where you can be yourself and be your best - whoever you are. We’re More than TV.

26/08/2026

I have huge concerns over a disabled parking sign in Bishop's Road car park in Peterborough, behind the Lido. I've attached a photo.

It says that only vehicles with so-called 'especially adapted' vehicles can park, even when displaying a Blue Badge. I'm worried this could lead to Blue Badge holders being ticketed if their vehicle doesn't 'look' adapted.

I can't find any information on the council's site explaining why this rule exists or what counts as an essential or non-essential adaptation. I have written to the council about this, and copied below screenshots of their response. I have also followed up with further questions about the policy behind the sign.
One concern is how practical it is to expect parking officers to make a judgement about disability related needs by looking at a vehicle, given that adaptation may not be visible and a Blue Badge is tied to the person, not the car.
I shared the photo of the sign in a UK wheelchair users group, and over 90 people responded, most expressing serious concern.

As the East of England rep for the Wheelchair Alliance's Collective, I'm trying to understand whether others locally have run into similar issues.
If you have had any experience with this sign or similar wording, I'd be very grateful if you could share what happened either on here or e-mail me [email protected]

Also, if you know of other car parks in Peterborough that also has this sign, I'd be interested to know where.

19/08/2026

I juat wanted to say a massive thank you to all those that support this group. It was particularly lovely to meet and hear from people in person at both the Dragon Boat Festival and at the Market Square yesterday evening. Your lovely comments and feedback means a lot and makes what I try to do, feel very worthwhile.

17/08/2026

HDC and CCC really don't care about the dropped kerbs initiative. Maybe Cllr Stephen Ferguson can have a word, as it was your project?

15/08/2026

Fabulous support from our mayor Cllr Catherine J Goodman and St Neots Town Council at the Dragon Boat Festival today. I am super grateful for my group to be included in the mayor's charities for this year.

05/08/2026

Just be careful at the Waitrose St Neots entrance. The extra scaffolding poles and location of the plant trolleys are making the entrance much narrower than usual! I have been to customer services to tell them and ask if they can move the trolley nearest the door. Waitrose & Partners

03/08/2026

This really is an example of the government massively misunderstanding disability! How on earth has this been allowed to happen?!

30/07/2026

https://www.nwangliaft.nhs.uk/latest-news/disability-groups-give-seal-of-approval-to-changing-places-facility-9364/

This is the project I have been involved with at NWAFT....

Check out the latest news from across our Trust!

27/07/2026

FREE digital skills workshop taking place in St Neots in August!

About the workshop

Purple Surfers, provided by Purple Direct Payment Support Service, is hosting a free in-person digital skills session for adults aged 18 and over. The workshop is led by our specialist digital accessibility trainer and is designed for people who find technology challenging or who would like to discover free accessibility tools that can make everyday digital tasks easier for themselves or for those they support.

It is completely beginner-friendly and no prior experience is needed to attend.

We are keen to maximise awareness and make sure all available spaces are filled. We believe that equipping people with these skills plays a meaningful role in reducing digital exclusion, and can have a genuinely positive impact on independence and wellbeing.

We would be incredibly grateful if you would consider mentioning this opportunity to anyone who may benefit, and if there is any possibility of sharing this more widely through your network and relevant communication channels, we would greatly appreciate this.


What this workshop covers

- Accessibility features already built into digital devices, helping to make technology more comfortable and easier to use day to day
- Email skills, including practical tasks such as adding attachments, as well as accessibility tools within email platforms that can make communication more manageable
- Video calling using Microsoft Teams, building the confidence to join calls with professionals, family and friends
-Free small tech-themed gift for attendees

When and where

Date: Wednesday 5th August 2026
Time: 10:00am - 1:00pm
Venue: St Neots Library

Computers are provided for use on the day, so there is no need to bring a device. Light refreshments will also be available. Pay and display parking is available at the venue.

Who we are hoping to reach

This workshop is open to those aged 18+ in the community, and we are particularly keen to connect with:

- Anyone feeling isolated or less connected online who would welcome learning new skills in a beginner friendly group setting
- Direct Payment recipients managing their own care arrangements (priority spaces offered)
- CME Staff, Carers, Personal Assistants, and family representatives supporting others
- Older adults who would like to feel more confident using digital devices
- People living with disabilities or health conditions who may benefit from accessibility tools

How to refer or register

Cambridgeshire County Council professionals / CME / social worker referrals are welcomed with the individual's consent - alternatively anyone can register on their own behalf or on behalf of someone else with their consent:

Register online: https://tinyurl.com/Purple-Surfers-Cambs

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 01245 392 339 - if no advisors are available when you call, we will endeavour to return your call within two hours / Complete this short contact request form to be called back

Spaces are limited, early registration is recommended. If the workshop becomes fully booked, individuals will be added to a waiting list and notified as soon as a space becomes available.

25/07/2026

I may have been unusually quiet on here, but behind the scenes its been super busy. I have been chairing Healthwatch meetings, helping people solve access issues locally and yesterday......was invited to the opening of the new Changing Places at Peterborough City Hospital.

In my role as a Patient and Public Voice Partnership volunteer with NWAFT, I pushed to chat to the Estates Manager about why a Changing Places is necessary. Then along with Little Miracles and volunteer Matt we got our voices heard!

Helping the design company with what is and isn't ok in terms of accessibility for a CP, it's good to see thos whole project through.
We hope to get a Changing Places facility in every NWAFT hospital within the next few years.