PCU marks UK Disability History Month by restating our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion within our roles as psychotherapists and counsellors and in our support for members

We endorse UNCRPD (United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities) Article 10, which states that every human being has an inherent right to life and the right to effective enjoyment of it on an equal basis with others. We believe that the physical and social barriers to participation experienced by disabled people must be eradicated.

This means that as therapists we recognise the importance of addressing the barriers to access to counselling for disabled people – barriers arising from lack of physical access to buildings and those arising from the lack of funding and resourcing for therapy.

Earlier this month we held a successful inaugural meeting of our PCU Disability Network where we started a discussion about how as a union we can play our part in addressing the challenges faced in training institutions, on placement and as qualified therapists – and in helping to make access to therapy easier for disabled clients.

We welcome PCU members to join the network if you identify as disabled, neurodivergent, living with a long- term health condition or chronic pain, or wish to act as an ally to this community.

If you are not already a PCU member, it is quick and easy to join.

To join the Disability Network and be added to the mailing list, please email admin@pcunion.org.uk and we will let you know when the next meeting is.