STRETFORD and Urmston MP Kate Green attended a special pop-up exhibition of a celebrated disability arts project, ‘Postcards From The Edges’, in Parliament (this week - (note to subs - that is feb 13 week)).

The exhibition was organised to mark the passage of the crucial Care Bill through Parliament and also featured the launch of a book pulling together the most powerful postcards sent to United Response, a charity which supports disabled people.

United Response asked disabled people ‘what do you want to tell the world?’.

The charity asked them to respond on a blank postcard, using words or images. More than 800 people took part, sending artwork, poetry, stories, collages or powerful messages that add up to a snapshot of disability and life in the 21st century.

Many postcards reflect issues which are the subject of the Care Bill – such as support, isolation and finances.

United Response hopes the project will challenge stereotypes and prejudice by exploring the everyday lives of disabled people, their hopes and fears, the challenges they face, and their achievements.

Ms Green spoke at the event in her capacity as Shadow Minister for Disabled People.

She said, “It’s high time we celebrated everybody’s role in our society. The contribution of every disabled person is important in our world and it’s fantastic to see these postcards which show disabled people speaking out for themselves.

“I loved the exhibition. I hope we can get it back to Parliament for a longer period so that many more people can see it.”

Nathan Lee Davies, of Wrexham, who has Friedreich’s ataxia, a progressive illness, and uses a wheelchair, said: "Postcards from the Edges has been invaluable in providing the disabled community with an outlet for their opinions.

“Personally, I've created 19 cards so far and found the project to be most rewarding. I've tried to create thought-provoking cards to challenge the way in which disability is viewed by society at large."