The Care & Occupational Therapy Show Returns
Exeter, UK – 23 June 2026 – The Care & Occupational Therapy Show, the South West’s largest and most established event dedicated to the care sector, is set to return for its 8th year on 23 June 2026 at Westpoint Arena, Exeter. Bringing together care professionals, occupational therapists, suppliers, and industry leaders from across the region and beyond, the event continues to serve as a vital platform for learning, networking, and innovation within the care community. Over the past seven years, The Care & Occupational Therapy Show has grown significantly, earning its reputation as the leading care-focused exhibition in the South West. The 2026 event promises to be its most comprehensive yet, featuring a diverse range of exhibitors showcasing the latest products, services, and solutions designed to improve care delivery and outcomes. Attendees can expect a full programme of expert-led seminars and workshops, offering valuable insights into current challenges, emerging trends, and best practices across the care and occupational therapy sectors. Topics will include workforce development, person-centred care, assistive technology, and regulatory updates. The event provides a unique opportunity for professionals to connect, share knowledge, and explore new approaches that enhance both care provision and patient wellbeing. Event Highlights Include: Extensive exhibition featuring leading care suppliers and service providers Educational seminar programme led by industry experts Networking opportunities with professionals from across the care sector Latest innovations in occupational therapy and assistive technologies With free attendance for care professionals, The Care & Occupational Therapy Show remains committed to supporting the sector by providing accessible, high-quality learning and development opportunities. Registration details and further information will be announced soon. Media Contact: Pearl Pearce-Smith Marketing Director pearl@rpmevents.co.uk About The Care & Occupational Therapy Show The Care & Occupational Therapy Show is the South West’s largest event dedicated to the care sector, bringing together professionals, organisations, and innovators to support excellence in care and occupational therapy practice. https://www.careexhibition.co.uk
Sense launches three-year transformation plan
The plan, ‘Transforming Sense, together (2026 – 2029), sets out how the organisation will strengthen its services, grow its influence and invest in its people and systems to support more disabled people to be in control, included and independent. Sense supports disabled people with complex needs across England, Northern Ireland and Wales. Having celebrated its 70th anniversary last year, and with more than 5,000 employees and volunteers, the charity brings decades of experience delivering specialist, personalised support at every stage of life, and is a provider of care, education and community services across local areas and a leading force in disability campaigning. Sense’s previous strategy saw the charity grow its specialist support services across the UK, including opening a new hub in Belfast and expanding its hubs across England and Wales. The new plan reflects the charity’s ambition to strengthen its services, while driving wider societal change to benefit people beyond its care. Key focus areas include: ‘Transforming Sense, together (2026 – 2029)’ sets out how Sense will deliver the first three years of its strategy, and is the first business plan the charity has delivered under the leadership of chief executive James Watson-O’Neill, who took up his post in February 2025. The strategy was shaped by the voices of 3,000 people connected to Sense, through a series of workshops, listening groups, one-to-one consultations, surveys and research with people with lived experience. This includes the charity’s Experts by Experience and Sense User Reference Group – two groups that enable people living in Sense services to shape the charity’s work. Sense’s plan sets out a renewed focus on financially sustainability so that every pound goes where it matters most: towards breaking down barriers alongside disabled people with complex needs and their families. As part of this, the difficult decision was made to close four operational programmes, including holidays, in January 2026. These services made a real difference to people’s lives over many years but with the cost of delivering high-quality support continuing to rise and fewer funding opportunities available, it was no longer financially possible for the charity to run them. Sense will continue to manage its operational income and expenditure closely. Other key components in the plan include the design and approval of a new fundraising strategy in year one, refocusing the charity’s retail function to grow reliable income, and building its commercial and procurement capability to secure better fees and sustainable growth. James Watson-O’Neill, chief executive of Sense, said: “For over 70 years, Sense has broken down barriers alongside disabled people with complex needs and their families. We are incredibly proud of the life-changing support we provide but disabled people with complex needs told us clearly that too many barriers still shape their daily lives, and that they are exhausted having to fight for the basic support, understanding and opportunities they deserve. “Our plan is rooted in those voices and experiences. It is about taking everything Sense already does so well and building on it: using our frontline expertise to challenge systems, drive change and ensure disabled people with complex needs are centred in every decision we make. We want to do more than deliver outstanding services. We want to help build a world that works better for disabled people with complex needs in every part of life. “Our services already show what is possible through personalised, creative support that helps people live gloriously ordinary lives. Now we want to go further still, helping reshape what fantastic care and support can and should look like when disabled people’s ambitions, choices and futures are truly at the heart of everything we do. “By 2029, more disabled people will be working, leading and volunteering at Sense and playing a bigger role in shaping our future. Together with disabled people with complex needs, we are building a stronger and more influential organisation that helps create a world without limits. I’m so excited about what we’re doing at Sense – come and join us.” You can find out more about Sense’s new plan here: https://www.sense.org.uk/about-us/our-plan-2026-2029/
GLASGOW 2026 PARA-ATHLETES TRAINING CAMP FIRST
A training camp for para-athletes is coming to Scotland for the first time, ahead of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Announced on International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, the camp highlights the power of sport to promote inclusion, opportunity and positive change across the Commonwealth. Para-athletes from across the Commonwealth will unite at University of West of Scotland’s Ayr campus and surrounding South Ayrshire Council’s sports facilities this summer for the global GAPS (Gather, Adjust, Prepare, Sustain) programme, which supports athletes through regional camps and targeted funding initiatives. Running from 16-24 July – and concluding on the opening day of the Games – the camp at UWS and South Ayrshire Council’s premises will bring together around 35 para-athletes for elite training and competition preparation. The camp represents the culmination of a global programme supporting para-athletes and coaches across the Commonwealth in the lead-up to Glasgow 2026. UWS will host the pre-Games camp at its Ayr campus, with athletes and coaches staying in on-campus accommodation. Training sessions will take place at South Ayrshire Council’s Riverside Sports Arena, offering access to state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor sporting facilities. Commonwealth Sport, UWS and South Ayrshire Council will deliver a high-performance, inclusive environment designed to maximise athlete preparation ahead of the Games. The impact of the GAPS programme was demonstrated at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, where eight GAPS athletes won medals, highlighting the programme’s impact on the international stage. This included Nigeria’s Goodness Nwachukwu who secured gold in women’s Discus F42, setting a new world record in the process. Commonwealth Sport Chief Executive Katie Sadleir said: “This GAPS camp is a powerful moment in the journey to Glasgow 2026. Delivered in partnership with the University of the West of Scotland and South Ayrshire Council, it brings together talented para-athletes from across the Commonwealth at a crucial stage in their preparation, giving them the environment, support and belief to perform on the biggest stage. GAPS is about creating opportunity, breaking down barriers, strengthening pathways and ensuring that athletes, no matter where they come from, can fulfil their potential. We’re excited to see what this group can achieve in Glasgow.” Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UWS, said: “We’re immensely proud to be the first Scottish university working with Commonwealth Sport to deliver the GAPS programme at our Ayr campus. It’s a fantastic opportunity – not only to demonstrate our purpose as a placemaking, inclusive University – but also to showcase our pioneering interdisciplinary work through research, sport, and major cultural events. “We share clear values with Commonwealth Sport’s GAPS programme, both embodying inclusivity, widening participation and a commitment to addressing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Involvement in the GAPS camp is a great opportunity for the para-athletes, but also for our colleagues and students involved in the organisation and delivery of the camp. We are also looking forward to working with our partners at South Ayrshire Council to deliver an exciting and impactful programme of activity and training for the para-athletes on the lead up to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.” Jane Bradley, South Ayrshire Council’s Director of Communities and Transformation, said: “We’re delighted to welcome athletes to the Riverside Sports Arena during the GAPS camp and be a part of the journey athletes undertake in preparation for the Games. It’s fantastic to be able to use our state-of-the-art facility to help offer opportunities for development, working alongside the University of the West of Scotland, as part of a strong ongoing partnership.” Professor Gayle McPherson, Associate Dean for Research and Innovation and former Director of the Centre for Culture, Sport and Events at UWS, was instrumental in bringing the GAPS programme to University of the West of Scotland and South Ayrshire. Discussing the opportunity, she said: “We are proud to be part of the Campus to Commonwealth Programme for Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and show UWS’s support with the delivery of the GAPS programme. Alongside our research in parasport, this demonstrates our expertise to deliver both high-profile research and the space for GAPS athletes to get the best training experience before the Games.” Since 2018, more than 700 athletes and coaches have participated in GAPS camps. Through its network of training camps and partnerships, the programme is strengthening Para sport systems across the Commonwealth, supporting athletes and coaches from developing and emerging nations, expanding performance pathways and increasing diversity at major international events. The programme is supported by the Commonwealth Sport Foundation, whose funding helps remove barriers to participation and strengthen Para sport pathways across the Commonwealth. https://www.glasgow2026.com
National Autistic Society’s response
National Autistic Society’s response to the Independent review into mental health conditions, ADHD and autism: interim report. Mel Merritt, Interim Assistant Director of Policy, Research and Strategy at the National Autistic Society, said: “This report makes one thing unmistakably clear: autistic people’s needs are not being met in education, employment or healthcare. “We have been concerned from the outset that this review could fuel the increasingly polarised debate about autism. Unfortunately, we are now seeing exactly that. Too much attention is being placed on questioning people’s motivations for seeking a diagnosis, instead of recognising the very real distress that autistic people and their families experience – distress that is too often overlooked. “We want to shift the conversation towards solutions that genuinely address unmet needs. It is essential that autistic people are meaningfully consulted as part of this Review. The Government must then set out a clear plan – particularly through the Autism Strategy – to ensure people get the right help at the right time, rather than too little, too late.”
A music education revolution
Derby business founders are leading a music education revolution around the world with their multi award-winning patented instrument developed from an adapted wheelchair joystick. Established musicians Si Tew and Owain Wilson aim to give every student the joy of music with their groundbreaking CMPSR musical instrument and controller. Si, who runs Digit Music with Owain, originally created the revolutionary CMPSR and Swipe music app to support people with disabilities. Tapping into the muscle memory and familiarity of something they use daily, the aim was to create a musical device that could be played by people facing physical barriers to traditional instruments. Pairing with any music software as well as the company’s own musical app, the instrument has already won prestigious awards as well as wowing accessibility heads at Apple and Google. Now the Digit Music founders – whose pedigree includes working with Netflix, Universal Music, The Chemical Brothers, Gary Barlow and Radiohead to name a few – are using their instrument made for disability inclusion to pioneer a new ‘digital first’ approach to music teaching. They want every student to have a fulfilling music education as well as empowering teachers with no previous knowledge of the subject. Si said: “Something like 90 per cent of people learning an instrument give up after 16 weeks. “Through all the years of work we have done in special needs education, we realised we’d created a musical instrument that was easy for all children to use and accessible for teachers. “We felt that the next big challenge was to look at what is happening in primary mainstream education and what the problems were there which include a lack of musically trained teachers and a very traditional curriculum. “Actually, it seemed that the problems were the same. The kids were trying to use instruments they did not necessarily want to engage with, and teachers did not always have the confidence or expertise to be able to deliver a musical education.” The revolutionary CMPSR has already picked up a prestigious Tech4Good award from AbilityNet Microsoft along with a Global Inclusion Award presented by IFIP (International Forums of Inclusive Practitioners) and Google Education. Senior leaders at Apple, Google and Microsoft have been blown away by the ground-breaking devices, playing them alongside young people with disabilities at the Google Accessibility Discovery Centre in London. Now CMPSR, Swipe and the company’s Arrownotes notation system are being used by hundreds of schools and music services up and down the UK as well as overseas, helping thousands of children and teachers enjoy a brand new way of learning the subject. Digit Music aims to transform music education through the CMPSR’s clever design created using inclusive principles, ensuring as many people as possible can play the instrument. Si said: “We want to transform music learning by taking away the barriers that have been in place for so long. Instruments that are really tough to learn, an off-putting and complicated notation system, an outdated repertoire that is of limited interest to young people and a lack of teachers in schools who have any musical experience. “It all adds up to music being put on the back burner and quite a costly exercise for schools who buy in specialist services. We want to change all that and give every student the best experience with our tools that teach music using a digital first approach. The world is digital now and music education needs to catch up.” Owain added: “Traditional instruments 100 per cent have a place, but you shouldn’t have to fight through years of ‘bad sounds’ just to reach a point where you can enjoy creating and playing together. “Digital tools allow you to get into the ‘sweet spot’ much quicker. We aren’t here to replace the violin. We’re here to make music creation equitable and instant for everyone.” Si said: “What Instagram has done for photography and TikTok for video – we have done for music. You sound great from your first attempt and can explore the details later if you wish. If you want to understand the complexity, by all means dig in and discover what is happening under the hood. But let’s get the creativity and the joy to come first.”
Opera Beds to unveil two new accessible innovations at Naidex
Opera Beds, the UK’s leading specialists in beautifully designed adjustable and profiling beds, will unveil two brand-new products at this year’s Naidex, inviting attendees to test the designs and shape the final versions ahead of launch. Taking place on 25th-26th March at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham, the milestone 50th edition of Naidex will see Opera Beds introduce a new Junior Adjustable Bed, aimed at petite and junior users, and a multi-way Omni Bedside Table. Both products have been designed and manufactured in-house to solve specific, real-world challenges within the assistive technology market – from creating a more appropriate and child-friendly solution for younger users to improving everyday usability and functionality at the bedside. The launch also marks a new era for Opera Beds, as the company unveils its refreshed identity and branding across its stand and marketing materials. Visitors will see firsthand how it combines premium aesthetics with human-centred innovation, shaped in collaboration with clinical consultants who deeply understand what people want and need. The Junior Adjustable Bed has been developed in response to years of requests from families and carers seeking a more age-appropriate adjustable bed solution. Andrew Whittle, Product Development Manager at Opera Beds, says: “The Junior Adjustable Bed has been created specifically for children and young people who need additional support, while still ensuring their bed looks and feels appropriate for their age. The junior market desperately needs a bed that’s functional, comfortable, and safe for young people without compromising on aesthetics. “For many families, the bed is a central part of daily care routines and can make a real difference to everyday life. Drawing on more than 20 years of product expertise and innovation, we’ve designed a bed that feels homely, rather than clinical, combining style and advanced technology.” The fully upholstered bed features Aquaclean technology, allowing spills and stains to be cleaned with just water. It’s suitable for young people with mobility-limiting or respiratory conditions such as cystic fibrosis and cerebral palsy, as well as for shorter-term needs, including injury or post-surgery recovery. Stylish, integrated safety side rails rise with the mattress as the bed adjusts, helping to protect children from falling while maintaining full functionality when the bed is profiled. A new wireless control system also makes it easy to adjust both the mattress and the elevation kit, enabling caregivers to assist children in and out of bed and change bedding without excessive bending. Opera Beds maintains close links with clinical experts to help shape future direction, aligned to real-life care needs. One partner is Barbara Franks, BSc (Hons), occupational therapist, whose expertise has recently supported the development of the website’s upcoming bed selector tool, designed to guide individuals to the most suitable product. Opera Beds will also introduce the Omni Bedside Table, an innovative, new solution to the common challenge of heavy, awkward overbed tables. Crafted from oak and designed to integrate with profiling care and adjustable beds, the table moves with the bed while remaining stable for everyday use. Andrew says, “After more than a year of development, we’ve landed on a versatile surface that can adjust in height and tilt to accommodate activities like eating, reading or using a laptop. It can also be folded away or removed completely, providing a far more practical alternative to traditional bedside tables.” He adds, “Naidex will serve as a live test-market environment, meaning visitors can interact with both products first-hand and shape future refinement. Both innovations have been developed with real-world needs in mind, while integrating intelligent features that support mobility and everyday living.” Visitors at Naidex will also be able to explore Opera Beds’ best-selling Profiling beds, Rotating Chair beds, Adjustable beds, and mattresses. Barbara Franks will also be present to advise attendees and give her expert guidance. Other advisors will also be available for personal consultations, either booked in advance or arranged on the day. Visitors to the stand will also be able to pick up the company’s newly launched brochure, giving them an in-depth look at Opera Beds’ latest innovations and product range. Opera Beds will begin taking pre-orders for both new products at Naidex, with the final products expected to be available in the summer. Visitors can register for free tickets via the official Naidex website or book a consultation slot with Opera Beds in advance to experience the innovations firsthand. For further information on the event, visit here: https://operabeds.com/pages/visit-naidex Naidex is the UK’s leading event focused on accessibility, disability and independent living. Naidex’s 2026 edition will see it introduce Naidex Junior, a dedicated space for children and young people with disabilities.
World Autism Acceptance Month with National Autistic Society
The National Autistic Society is inviting schools, workplaces and supporters across the UK to get involved in World Autism Acceptance Month (Thursday 2 April – Thursday 30 April 2026). As the biggest event in the charity’s calendar, the aim of the campaign is to raise awareness, celebrate autism acceptance and raise vital funds, with various exciting activities for people to take part in. This year’s key focus areas are education and employment, helping to create a society that works for autistic people. Autism is a lifelong neurodivergence and disability which affects how people communicate and interact with the world. More than one in 100 people are autistic, which equates to at least 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK. There are lots of different and creative ways to get involved and raise funds during World Autism Acceptance Month, including: Visit the World Autism Acceptance Month fundraising resources page for further inspiration and to download useful information and fundraising materials. The National Autistic Society is encouraging supporters to share their stories and celebrations over the month by tagging social media posts with: #WorldAutismAcceptanceMonth. There is also a press and social media guide available online, to make it even easier to spread the word. Caroline Stevens, Chief Executive at the National Autistic Society, said: “Raising awareness of the many challenges that autistic people face has never been more important. “Autistic people are forced to overcome numerous barriers in their daily lives, battling discrimination in areas that neurotypical people may take for granted, such as having access to a full range of education and employment opportunities. With your support, we can continue to improve understanding of autism and help autistic people to follow their ambitions in the face of such barriers. “We’d love to see as many people as possible getting involved this year with the fun and accessible events we’re holding, including our brand-new Spectrum Run 10k. We very much look forward to welcoming participants and celebrating everyone’s achievements throughout April.” Every penny raised during World Autism Acceptance Month goes towards the National Autistic Society’s aim to transform lives and change attitudes to help create a society that works for all autistic people. Find out more at www.autism.org.uk
Support dog Lucy on Disabled Access Day
Navigating the capital can seem daunting for newcomers, not least if you have a disability. But for Brighton resident Grace Fox, who has Multiple Sclerosis, and her daughters, with Grace’s support dog, Lucy, in tow, it was a seamless experience. Among their highlights were food at The Original Ivy and a theatre trip to see The Devil Wears Prada at the Dominion Theatre. And to mark Disability Access Day, which highlights accessibility in public spaces, venues and services, aiming for people with disabilities to try somewhere new and for businesses to improve their accessibility, Grace and daughters Adele and Hannah have championed their London visit. They say venues were particularly welcoming of disability assistance dog Lucy, Grace’s pet Labrador who’s been trained by the national Support Dogs charity to help her with a range of everyday tasks. Lucy was on paw to push access buttons, lifting the footplates on Grace’s wheelchair, helping her off with her jacket and picking up items as both Grace’s daughters also have a disability, which makes it difficult for them to bend. The theme of this year’s Disabled Access Day is ‘You and Somewhere New’ and it was Lucy’s first trip to the capital, taken as a treat for the family after Grace spent 10 weeks in hospital following a procedure. Adele said Lucy did well on the train from their home city of Brighton. The Foxes had booked the accessibility ramp via an app ahead of their trip, and they were helped off the train at their destination station, Blackfriars. The family also found taxis to be very good, with the one they caught outside the station having a fold-out side ramp, rather than one at the back of the vehicle. “The drivers were very friendly – they loved Lucy,” said Grace. Grace, Hannah and Adele took Lucy for a free run in Lincoln’s Inn Fields park, which had flat areas which were wheelchair-accessible, as well as an accessible café where they stopped for lemongrass tea and water for Lucy. A 15-minute walk away from the park – which Lucy navigated fantastically through crowds and under scaffolding – was The Original Ivy, where the family were delighted with Lucy’s reception. Grace, 64, said: “We’d already phoned up to check that it was okay to bring Lucy and we asked the man on the door if they could double-check with the manager. He went away, came back and said ‘please come in.’ “They sat us at a table at the entrance and Lucy was in the best place, because everyone coming in and going out – businessmen and families – asked to say hello to her. She did such a good job of settling – she didn’t get up at all. They put a food station next to her, and she didn’t get up. “The staff got her some water and wanted to say hello. I think she was the first assistance dog that’s been in there.” Then it was onto the Dominion, where the group entered via their own private entrance. There were also accessible toilets and the Foxes were allocated their own members of staff who showed them to their wheelchair-accessible box and made them feel comfortable. Grace added: “London was so enjoyable, and even more so with Lucy by my side. “She just makes me feel confident. Quite often, when I’m in a wheelchair by myself, people don’t talk to you or come up to you. When I’ve got Lucy, most people come up and say ‘hi’ and a few words to me.” Hannah added: “The way Lucy navigates crowds, and looks up at mum and mum looks back at her, I can see the confidence in her when Lucy is with her, compared to when she’s not with her. “Going from Brighton theatre to a London theatre was a big step for us – we expected it to be harder – but it was just like going to our local theatre. It was very easy to book an accessible box online. “From the train staff, to the theatre staff, it’s been really easy. There is a lot more awareness of assistance dogs and it feels like attitudes are changing. “London is really accessible. It’s just about planning. There’s even a Tube map which shows you accessible stops.” Adele added: “Lucy was very good. The show was quite loud – they did warn us, and a performer came close to us. But Lucy did not care.” Support Dogs trains and provides specialist assistance dogs to help autistic children, and those living with epilepsy or a physical disability, to live safer, more independent lives. To find out more, please visit www.supportdogs.org.uk or call 0114 2617800.
Accessible Travel in Dorset
Accessible travel is about confidence, independence and thoughtful design. In Bournemouth, the award-winning Marsham Court Hotel demonstrates how practical accessibility and clear information can transform a coastal break into a relaxing and inclusive experience for travellers with a wide range of needs. For many people, a trip to the coast represents relaxation, fresh air and a welcome change of pace. The sound of waves, the open horizon and the opportunity to spend time outdoors can be restorative. However, for travellers with accessibility needs, the ease of a seaside break often depends on whether accommodation and local facilities have been designed with inclusion in mind. In Bournemouth, Marsham Court Hotel is helping to show how accessible coastal breaks can be approached with both understanding and practical design. From clear information before arrival to thoughtful facilities during a stay, careful planning can transform a holiday from potentially complicated into genuinely relaxing. Accessibility Built into the Experience Marsham Court Hotel has developed its accessible accommodation with this principle in mind. By clearly outlining room types, accessibility features and general facilities, the hotel aims to provide guests with the information they need to plan their stay with confidence. This transparency helps remove uncertainty, allowing guests to focus on enjoying their time away. Accessible accommodation includes features such as step-free access, adapted bedrooms and accessible public areas. These elements help ensure that guests can move around the building comfortably and use facilities with confidence and independence. Clear layouts and well-planned public areas also help create spaces that feel easy to navigate. While these features may appear simple, they can significantly improve the overall experience for travellers who rely on accessible facilities. To support planning before arrival, the hotel also provides detailed information online, including video and 3D tours of rooms and facilities. This allows guests to explore accessibility features in advance and select accommodation that best suits their individual needs. The Benefits of a Coastal Location Being located in Bournemouth brings additional advantages. The town is well known for its award-winning beaches, attractive gardens and scenic coastal promenade. For visitors with mobility considerations, being close to these open spaces can make a significant difference to the overall enjoyment of a stay. Guests can enjoy fresh sea air, coastal views and nearby green spaces without needing to travel far from accessible facilities. This combination of accessible accommodation and a welcoming seaside environment can help make a short break both relaxing and practical. A More Inclusive Future for Coastal Stays Creating accessible travel experiences does not always require dramatic changes. Often, it is the result of thoughtful planning, attention to detail and an understanding of what guests need to feel comfortable and independent. Travellers who prioritise accessibility often value consistency and reliability. Knowing that facilities have been considered in advance allows them to focus on enjoying their stay rather than navigating unexpected challenges. By integrating accessibility into the wider guest experience, Marsham Court Hotel reflects a growing shift within the hospitality industry — recognising that inclusive travel is an essential part of welcoming all guests. Contact Reservations on 01202 552111 for more information and pricing.Please note: Accessible bedrooms can only be booked direct with the hotel. https://www.marshamcourthotel.co.uk