With all the excitement around the Euros 24 final last weekend, you may have missed that Great Britain now has a Wimbledon singles champion.

Alfie Hewett, after losing in the final in 2022 and 2023, won his first Wimbledon men’s wheelchair singles title, completing an amazing career Grand Slam with a victory over Spain's Martin de la Puente.

That same day, Hewett also won the men’s doubles with fellow Brit Gordon Reid for the sixth time, calling it "the best day of [his] life".

Hewett's achievements are remarkable and highlight the importance of supporting athletes with disabilities.

The Herts Disability Sports Foundation, a charity based in Baldock, aims to provide and support opportunities in sports and physical activities for everyone in the county.

They offer high-quality experiences delivered by skilled staff and volunteers. For more information visit www.hdsf.co.uk.

At North Herts & Stevenage CVS we are very aware that July is Disability Pride Month, a vital initiative that recognises and honours the diverse experiences of disabled people.

It highlights their contributions, resilience, and achievements while challenging societal perceptions and stereotypes. This month is a celebration and a statement against ableism, advocating for greater inclusion and accessibility in all areas of life.

This month also calls for action from policymakers, businesses, and the public to address systemic inequalities and create more accessible environments.

It encourages reflection on how society can better support and integrate disabled people, ensuring they have equal opportunities to thrive.

Ultimately, this campaign celebrates diversity and reminds us of the ongoing fight for disability rights and inclusion.

Without doubt Disability Pride Month fosters a sense of community and belonging among disabled people, raises awareness about the barriers they face and promotes a more inclusive society.

By showcasing the talents and stories of those living with a disability, it shifts the narrative from sympathy to empowerment and pride.

For more information about this initiative, look online.

Also online at present is a consultation co-ordinated by the National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTi), an independent non-for-profit organisation.

NDTi is working with Hertfordshire County Council and the Physical Disability Coproduction Board to support them to engage with people who have a physical disability which could include long term illnesses or conditions that affect your day-to-day life.

They want to learn what a good life means to you and what helps or gets in the way? The things you tell them will help shape the local plan for the next five years.

To take part visit https://surveys.hertfordshire.gov.uk/s/PDSurvey2024/ for more information, email equallivesteam@ndti.org.uk.

If you have an idea for a community group, voluntary project or social enterprise and would like advice or support, email us on info@nhcvs.org.uk to reach a member of the team, or call 01462 689400.