Disabilities Forum aims to maximise disabled people potentials and improve their quality of life.

The Disabilities Forum services are offered to disabled people all across London but “what is happening now is that the service have being referred by others
from Lincolnshire, Manchester, Suffolk and Norfolk; Phil says “we can do a complete service apart from visiting clients unless they cover the transport costs”

Phil do you think there is still a lot to achieve in the battle for disabled
people rights?
“Yes I do, we are the real forgotten group in the UK, pensioners receive
help with fuel bills as they are on pensions we don’t despite many being on
benefits, their is direct prejudice in the work place and attempting to
find work, whilst with the economic downturn we are the first to loose our
jobs. The benefits system is corrupt almost to the point of forcing
people not to claim for what they are entitled to, saying that slow
change is occurring but it is really slow.

So what is your opinion regarding the Welfare Reform Bill trying to help
disabled people into work?

“I found out about it well before it was law. An early objection was issued about the section forcing people into work or face loosing benefits until laws were in situ to ensure safety of disabled people in the workplace and the prevention of forcing disabled people to work in unsuitable jobs, I also expressed concern over how the DWP would be issued with instructions to cut the benefits bill by
systematic ending of benefits to people without evidence of wrongful
claims and ensuring they had to re claim or fight to tribunal level to
regain their rightful entitlement.
Also expressed concern at no real increase in funds for the supposed to be
assistance for disabled people, and quoted the reduction of the £500 re
allocation grant reduced to £100 for disabled people as an example of

reduced actual funding”

What are the Disabilities Forum Goals for next year?
“First to get funding.
I work 15 hours a week at present and with funding to cover me for 3 days
a week I could involve others as well. I have had many applications to
work for Disabilities Forum but I have had to say we cant employ anyone at
present, then we can involve other disabled people in Disabilities Forum.
Secondly it is to get hold of an office which would mean that clients
could drop in for a chat or information or help rather than by phone email or arranged visit as at present.
Thirdly it is to continue assisting all sections of "disabilities" as
opposed to most other groups that help one particular disabled group e.g.
deaf get help from RNID only, blind/partial sighted only get help from
RNIB or AFBP each organisation won't help people outside their discipline
even if family members.

As a long term goal Phil Watkins will like to set up a Disability Mixed Day Centres acting as training facilities, help service, drop in centres etc. as well as
continuing with what they are doing.
“Once funding is in situ then disabled people can work for Disabilities
Forum which is imperative as we as disabled are able to empathise with
fellow disabled needs, and push toward improving our income, prospects and
quality of life”

I hope you had a closer look into the Disabilities Forum and the people behind it, people who works hard to make a difference. Anyone who would like to contact Phil Watkins can call him on 0208 861 3016 or 0208 933 5314 or email

You can check more details about the Disabilities Forum if you go to