The Kaleidoscope Festival at Chester's Storyhouse returns on Monday, offering a week-long celebration of neurodiversity, inclusion, and the talents of people living with disabilities. The festival kicks off with the Chester Disability Pride Parade, described as a curtain raiser. "So put on your brightest colours and make some noise," said Nicola Haigh, communities manager at Storyhouse.
Festival Highlights and Co-Curation
This year's line-up includes a mix of performances spanning dance and fashion, alongside workshops and awards. Haigh noted that the festival was co-curated with a small team from LIVE Cheshire. "A big thanks to Joe, Rick and Ben who have been supported by Senior Support Worker Andrea Thomas Morris," she added. Award-winning comedian Benny Shakes will perform his Edinburgh Fringe show 'Blue Badge Bunch' on Thursday at 6pm.
Full Schedule of Events
Monday: Chester Disability Pride Parade (11am-1pm) and Kaleidoscope Fashion Show (1.15pm-2.15pm).
Tuesday: Art Workshop – Blue Room Takeover (11.30am/1.30pm).
Wednesday: Kaleidoscope Annual Disability Awards (11.30am), Podcast Studio (11am), Celebrating Your Voice Workshop (1pm), and Dance Able Workshop (5pm).
Thursday: Wanna Dance? Creative Jams (11am/1pm) and Blue Badge Bunch Gameshow (6pm).
Friday: Marketplace & Meet up (10.30am-1pm) and Kaleidoscope's Got Talent (1pm).
NHS 6 Steps Campaign for Communication Needs
Medical staff are being reminded about patient rights regarding communication needs through the NHS 6 Steps campaign. The initiative supports people who rely on braille, British Sign Language (BSL), easy read materials, or language interpretation services. The six steps include checking for communication needs, recording them in health records, ensuring visibility, sharing with other services, meeting those needs, and regularly reviewing information.
All NHS organisations in Cheshire and Merseyside have interpreter and translation arrangements for GP visits, hospital stays, or community health team appointments. Dr. Fiona Lemmens, clinical director for NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, said: "Everyone has the right to communication support if they need it. This includes things like interpreters or easy read information. We want patients, families and carers to know it's okay to ask for this support – and if it's not in place, we want to know so we can make things better."
Patients can complain directly to the care provider or by calling 0800 132 996. More information is available at www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/.
