The Inclusive Norwich Partnership

The Inclusive Norwich Partnership aims to make Norwich the most inclusive city. It is a project with Age UK Norwich, Equal Lives, Inclusive Norwich, Norwich Kind City Map and Norwich City Council. Ben Reed from Equal Lives is the Chair of the Partnership.

We help improve accessibility to meet the Equality Act 2010 requirements through sharing best practices and sourcing expert guidance on our Resources Hub.

The partnership is also a place for residents to have a voice about accessibility, and give feedback to make Norwich more inclusive.

Give Feedback

The Inclusive Norwich partners inside the Norwich Council offices

The Inclusive Norwich Partners: from left to right: Dave Shraga - Inclusive Norwich Charity, Denise Troughton - Age Friendly Norwich, Ben Reed - Equal Lives, Martin Hart - Director of Norwich Kind City Maps, Hetal Murphy - Equal Lives, Joe Siggins - Norwich City Council

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The Inclusive Norwich Partnership Action Plan

The Inclusive Norwich Partnership (INP) plans to amplify individuals' voices into local service design and policies.

The INP Network

The INP network consists of stakeholders, residents and VCSE (Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise) professionals with lived experience or expertise in access.

Find Out More

Resources Hub

The INP links communities, groups and the City Council to effectively communicate issues on equality, diversity and inclusion.

We host a resources hub and highlight our campaigns and engagement activities.

Resources Hub

Have Your Say

The INP welcomes your input on your experiences to ensure that Norwich is a city that represents you, your family and friends, neighbours and community.

The Challenge

Norwich City Council has a vision for the city to be 'Fair', 'Liveable' and 'Connected'. However, Norfolk has a higher-than-average disabled population, with 33% of working-age residents (130,000 people) having disabilities or work-limiting conditions, compared to England's 29%.

We need to adjust our city to ensure all residents can benefit, promoting good health, education and employment opportunities. This will benefit our local economy and improve social wellbeing.

Panoramic view of The Forum in central Norwich. The Forum is on the left of the picture, St Peter Mancroft church on the right, with Norwich City Council offices in the distance. Taken on a bright day with blue sky and sunshine.

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Focus areas for the Partnership

Our Mission

To amplify the voices of Norwich people

We aim to give everyone a voice in our community. The initial focus for the Inclusive Norwich Partnership is on disabled residents, and the challenges and accessibility issues faced in the City and surrounds.

The partnership is not limited by age, but links closely with the ideals of the World Health Organization and Age Friendly Norwich.

Our Campaigns

Woodland path with person in motorised wheelchair walking dogs

Woodland walk with two people and two dogs. One person in a motorised wheelchair

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Group of people meeting around a table for discussion

Group of people meeting around a table for a discussion

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Join Us

Steering Group Membership

We would be delighted to welcome more organisations to our steering group, which provides strategic direction and governance for the partnership.

To ensure that disabled people remain at the heart of our decision-making processes, steering group membership is reserved for user led organisations such as Disabled People's Organisations (DPOs).

Disability Rights UK recognises an organisation as a DPO where:

Disabled people represent at least 75% of the board
Disabled people comprise at least 50% of staff
The organisation actively demonstrates its commitment to the Social Model of Disability through its work

We understand that organisations are at different stages of their journey towards becoming DPOs, and we absolutely celebrate and value this diversity of experience and perspective.

Join Us

Contribute & Participate

Alternative Ways to Engage

If your organisation would like to get involved and does not currently meet the DPO criteria, we would be pleased to welcome you as a valued member of our broader INP network. Network members play a crucial role in our partnership by:

Contributing to our collaborative projects and initiatives
Sharing expertise and best practice
Participating in our regular network meetings and events
Supporting our advocacy and influence work
Helping to amplify the voices of disabled people across Norwich

Many of our network members are actively working towards DPO status, and we are more than happy to provide support and guidance on this journey. We see this as an investment in building a stronger, more inclusive sector that truly represents the communities we serve.

Two female graphic designers discussing a paper sat at a desk, one is in wheelchair wearing a pink top

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Moving Forward Together

Regardless of which route is most appropriate for your organisation at this time, we are keen to discuss how we can work together most effectively.

We would welcome the opportunity to arrange a meeting to explore your organisation's priorities and how these align with our partnership's work.

We are particularly interested in learning more about:

Your organisation's current inclusion initiatives
Areas where you feel the partnership could provide mutual support
Your thoughts on the key challenges facing people with that lived experience in Norwich
Opportunities for collaboration and joint working

The response to the INP has reinforced our belief that Norwich is ready to become a truly inclusive city where everyone can thrive, regardless of age or ability. Your organisation's interest and commitment to this vision is invaluable, and we are excited about the possibility of working together to create lasting, positive change.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about the INP partnership or would like to discuss anything further.