DISABLED people and their loved ones are being urged to help break down the barriers they face in their daily lives by speaking in a new forum.

The Government is inviting people to participate in the new group, which will discuss difficulties disabled people face in a range of areas, including independent living, transport, housing and where improvements are required.

By drawing on lived experience, policy makers will be better placed to tackle the issues disabled people can encounter in society.

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Applications are open to all in the South East and the group will consist of local disabled people and disabled people’s organisations, led by a chair who will report their views back to ministers.

It will form part of the Regional Stakeholder Network and will have a face-to-face meeting at least once a year but will be free to meet more often and share views regularly with the Government online.

To find out more and to apply to take part, go to www.gov.uk.

Applications close on 29 March 2019.