Bedford Disability Matters launches community event at town’s What’s On Hub

The event will offer an opportunity for visitors to find out more about Bedford Disability Matters (BDM) and meet the group’s mascot, Hawkin the platypus.

It is being hosted by Laura Peggs, who acquired her disability after suffering from a brain tumour when she was just 10 years old, and set up BDM after organising Bedford Disability Awareness Week in 2021.

Said Laura: “Saturday’s event will take the form of a discussion of what matters to the disabled community and raise awareness.

“BDM is for everyone, and anyone can join our club at any time. This will be a chance for them to share their experiences and tell what challenges they face.

“Only 3% to 6% of people are born with a disability worldwide. The vast majority acquire their disability.”

Laura explained she was inspired to start the group with the aim of raising awareness and to expose gaps in disability support.

Added Laura: “My 13 years of working alongside people with different disabilities and my own experiences of disability has given me a lot of insight into the common challenges we face.

“Common attitudes and misconceptions exist about disability. We aim to challenge this narrative and promote the social model of disability: Our bodies impair us, society disables us.

“For this reason it is vital that BDM is user led.”

Despite her disability, Laura studied for a degree at Anglia Ruskin Cambridge but balancing work with hospital appointments and the ups and downs of disability became impossible for long-term employment.

However, she has directed her energy at supporting the disabled community, including as chairperson of FLAG since 2013, a Bedford-based charity empowering adults with disabilities through weekly socials, trips, and community events.

The BDM event is on from 11am to 3pm at the What’s On Hub which was officially opened in May last year as part of the council’s strategy to prepare the town for the arrival of Universal Studios in 2031.