Mission
To tackle social isolation and access barriers for people with long-term health conditions or impairments in Cheshire East, through peer-led social activities, advocacy, and community building.
About 1NCLU5IVE SANDBACH
A peer-run access and social group tackling isolation and barriers across Cheshire East.
Who We Are
1NCLU5IVE SANDBACH is a registered charity (No. 1171679) run by and for people with long-term health conditions and impairments. Founded in 2017, we emerged from a simple truth: people with lived experience understand access barriers and social isolation in ways that services designed for us – but not with us – rarely do.
Every decision we make, from choosing meeting venues to designing our programmes, is shaped by the lived experience of disabled and chronically ill people. We're not a service provided to the community – we are the community.
Based in Sandbach and serving the wider Cheshire East area, we create welcoming spaces where you don't have to explain your access needs, justify your energy levels, or worry about being "too much." We get it, because we live it.
Why We Started
Many of our founding members had experienced years of social isolation after becoming disabled or chronically ill. Traditional community groups often lacked basic accessibility, and disability-specific services felt clinical or patronising. We wanted something different: peer-led spaces built on dignity, autonomy, and genuine inclusion.
What began as informal coffee mornings has grown into a thriving community offering regular social activities, access advocacy, and peer support – all grounded in the principle that disabled and chronically ill people are experts in our own lives.
Our Mission, Vision & Values
Vision
A Cheshire East where disabled and chronically ill people can participate fully in community life, free from isolation and access barriers – supported by a thriving peer-led network that centres lived experience, dignity, and inclusion.
Our Values
Inclusion
We actively remove barriers and centre accessibility in everything we do, recognising that inclusion is a practice, not a statement.
Dignity
We treat all community members with respect, recognising their autonomy, expertise, and right to make decisions about their own lives.
Accessibility
We design with access in mind from the start – not as an afterthought. From venues to communication, we ask "who might be excluded?" and act accordingly.
Community
We build genuine connections rooted in shared experience, mutual support, and the understanding that we're stronger together.
Lived Experience
We centre the knowledge, insights, and leadership of disabled and chronically ill people in every aspect of our work.
Peer Support
We recognise the unique value of connecting with others who truly understand, offering solidarity without judgment.
Governance & Leadership
1NCLU5IVE SANDBACH is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (Charity No. 1171679). This structure provides robust governance while remaining accessible and community-focused.
Our Trustees
Our board of trustees provides strategic oversight and ensures we meet our charitable objectives and legal duties. All trustees have lived experience of disability or chronic illness, ensuring our governance remains grounded in the reality of those we serve.
Jane Thompson (Chair)
Role: Provides strategic leadership and chairs board meetings.
Background: 15+ years' experience in community development and disability advocacy. Wheelchair user and chronic pain warrior.
David Patel (Treasurer)
Role: Oversees financial management, budgeting, and compliance.
Background: Chartered accountant with experience in nonprofit finance. Lives with an acquired brain injury and chronic fatigue.
Note: Trustee profiles are illustrative placeholders. Actual trustee details will be added upon approval.
How We Make Decisions
We believe in participatory governance. While our trustees hold legal responsibility, we actively seek input from our community members on programme design, venue selection, and strategic priorities. Regular community consultations and feedback sessions ensure that those who use our services help shape them.
Transparency & Accountability
- We publish annual reports and accounts as required by the Charity Commission
- Financial records are available for inspection upon request
- We maintain clear policies on safeguarding, complaints, privacy, and accessibility
- Community members can raise concerns through our complaints procedure
Safeguarding & Policies
We are committed to creating safe, respectful spaces for everyone in our community. Our approach to safeguarding balances protection with dignity and autonomy.
Our Safeguarding Approach
- Clear policies: We have robust safeguarding procedures covering vulnerable adults, reporting concerns, and managing disclosures
- Trained volunteers: All volunteers receive safeguarding training appropriate to their role
- Accessible reporting: Multiple ways to raise concerns, including confidential channels
- Partnership working: We work with local authorities and safeguarding boards when appropriate
- Dignity & autonomy: We recognise that disabled adults have the right to make decisions about their own lives, even when we might disagree
Read our full Safeguarding Policy
Key Policies
We maintain comprehensive policies to guide our work and protect everyone involved:
- Privacy Policy – How we handle your personal data (UK GDPR compliant)
- Accessibility Statement – Our commitment to WCAG 2.2 AA standards and ongoing improvements
- Safeguarding Policy – Keeping community members safe while respecting autonomy
- Complaints Procedure – How to raise concerns and what to expect
PDF versions of all policies are available upon request. Please contact us if you'd prefer printed or alternative format versions.
Want to Learn More?
Discover the activities and support we offer, or get in touch to ask questions.