WECIL Independent Living Payments Community Gathering – 12th March 2026

The event will be held in the David Baker Room within The Vassall Centre, Gill Ave, Bristol BS16 2QQ.

Join us for our next WECIL ILP Community Gathering, a welcoming space for Disabled people, allies, and professionals to come together, share experiences and explore different ways of managing Direct Payments.

This free event offers a mix of short talks, stalls, food, and interactive table discussions — with plenty of time to connect, ask questions, and learn from one another.

Who is this event for?

• Disabled people and Direct Payment recipients using or thinking about using employed/ self-employed Personal Assistants or agency support.
• People interested in independent living and support options
• Community members, Personal Assistants, allies, and professionals

You’re welcome whether you’re new to this topic or already have lots of experience.

Access & accessibility

We want this event to be as accessible as possible. Please let us know if you have any access requirements in advance by contacting [email protected] and we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.

Please inform us in advance if a BSL interpreter is required at the event to meet your access requirements.

Please also ensure to book a separate ticket for your PAs or any guests that you may wish to attend the event with you.

Tea, coffee, and lunch will be provided.
Spaces are limited, so please book your free ticket in advance. Vegan and vegetarian food will be available.

We look forward to welcoming you! 💛

Info: Opening the day, setting out the agenda, health & safety information and how to take part in feedback and surveys.

Info: Introduction to WECIL from Alex Johnston who is the Head of Commercial and Social Enterprise.

Info: Short introductions from guest speakers who use a direct payment to meet their care & support needs.

Info: An opportunity to ask questions on Direct Payments and hear different perspectives.

Info: An introduction to the ILP Steering Group, who they are and what they've been working on.

Info: Meet stallholders, get refreshments and enjoy some 'mingle' time.

Info: We will explain what food is available and where to find it. Vegan and vegetarian food will be available.

Info: You'll rotate around 3 tables (15 minutes each). There will be a table on using employed PAs, self-employed PAs and using agencies for support. Each table will be lead by a direct payment user and supported by a WECIL staff member.

Info: A poetry performance from Misfits Theatre Company. Misfits is a social theatre company for adults with learning disabilities

Info: Thank you and final reflections, with support available to complete the feedback survey.

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Host or Publisher WECIL