Research shows that women are half as likely as men to be engaged in entrepreneurial activity.

The Government has announced a new scheme which will provide 5,000 mentors for new and existing female entrepreneurs. For more information see the online press release.

The Office for Disability Issues (ODI) has called for contributions from disabled people to shape the new Government Disability Strategy.

Suggestions are sought for the best ways to remove the barriers that prevent disabled people from fulfilling their potential.

Maria Miller, who is the Minister for Disabled People, said recently

“The Government is committed to enabling disabled people to fulfill their potential and have the opportunity to play a full role in their community. Some of the barriers in society which stop that happening have been removed over the past 40 years but there is far more to do, even at a time when the country’s finances are under great pressure.”

Comments can be submitted until 9 March 2012.

The Isle of Wight No Barriers to Disability group are petitioning the Isle of Wight Council over the lack of provision of Changing Places toilets on the Island.

Some people are unable to take part in certain activities because standard toilets do not meet their needs.

You can support the campagn by adding your name to the online petition.

On Saturday 26th November, The Equals Friendship Group were invited over to the Waitrose store in East Cowes to collect their cheque from Waitrose Community Matters. Equals was awarded £242 from this scheme to help towards the running costs of The Friendship Groups. Equals would like to take this opportunity to thank Waitrose, their staff and customers for our nomination into the Community Matters scheme.

See photos