Cumbria Disability Network was established by a number of Cumbria's disability organisations to provide a forum for the county's disability organisations to meet together to share information and raise and pursue matters of concern to effect policy and practice, particularly in relation to local authorities and statutory services.

A core group of disability organisations meet regularly, this includes the main associations from each of Cumbria's districts and representatives of people with sensory impairments, learning difficulties and those with mental health problems. The meetings are open to anyone to attend. The member groups feel it is very important to create mechanisms for informing and consulting with all disability-related organisations in Cumbria. The network aims to promote co-ordinated action to eradicate any disability discrimination which operates in Cumbria, and to promote and support good practice in relation to disability issues.

There are also regular local meetings in each of the main geographical areas of Cumbria with the aim of giving local people a chance to participate by sharing their experiences and to hear about relevant developments planned by either the county or the district councils. This is particularly important as councils should have published Disability Equality Schemes during 2007 and are now accountable for what they put in their schemes.

CDN meetings are organised by Mark Tennant a well-known and respected disability activist in Cumbria.

If you want to know more about it or CDN contact Mark on 08707 664125, e-mail mark@cumbriadisabilityconsultants.co.uk