BASINGSTOKE and District Disability Forum (BDDF) was originally formed in 2008 within the local voluntary sector, attaining registered charity status in 2014.

It aims to be the main, membership-based organisation in the community for anyone affected by any type of disability.

This includes disabled people and their carers, as well as fellow charities and local businesses.

Its vision is a district where everyone is equal and mission is to promote inclusion and opportunities for anyone with a disability, by providing information and bringing people together.

It operates a Signpost Service held between 10am and noon on the first Tuesday of every month at the Discovery Centre in Basingstoke.

It is a free and confidential service available to anyone affected by any type of disability. As well as being able to signpost people to the most appropriate agency for their query, it also produces a series of useful leaflets, which are available during the sessions.

They can be downloaded via https://bddf.jimdo.com.

BDDF is able to deliver bespoke disability awareness training to organisations and commercial companies; schools; as well as charitable and community groups, such as the Brownies and the Women's Institute.

It hosts these special days twice a year with partners in the local community to raise awareness of disability issues to the general public.

The events also provides an opportunity for anyone affected by disability to obtain information and advice direct from the local services represented on the day.

Each year, it also hosts the Basingstoke Roll, where teams are sponsored to take part in a treasure hunt whilst in a wheelchair. 2018's roll will be held in Castle Square on Saturday, 14 July with further details on the BDDF website. Entries are still more than welcome.