People wanting to find out about the latest disability equipment and technology aids to help promote independence are invited to a Disability Equipment Fair next month.

As part of Occupational Therapy Week, Wiltshire Council is hosting the fair on Wednesday 5 November, from 12.30pm to 4pm in the Atrium at County Hall, Trowbridge with 34 stalls featuring equipment companies, charities, and information services.

This free event offers a unique opportunity to:

• Explore a wide range of assistive equipment and technology
• Get hands-on demonstrations and expert advice
• Learn how equipment can support independence and wellbeing

Unpaid carers, individuals exploring ways to use technology to support their independence, and professionals interested in the latest assistive equipment are all invited to drop into the fair. A variety of providers will be showcasing innovative tools and solutions, demonstrating how the right equipment can make a meaningful difference in everyday life.

Cllr Gordon King said: “We’re excited to bring together professionals, suppliers, and the public to highlight the incredible innovations in disability equipment. We know from our own discussions with residents that maintaining independence and living at home for as long as possible are very important aspects to people.

“Supporting independence and wellbeing is at the heart of what we do, and this event is a great way to showcase how equipment and technology can be used in a meaningful way to support people in their daily lives. Occupational Therapists are a crucial part of the social care workforce in Wiltshire. We’re proud of the skilled and compassionate work our Occupational Therapists do to support people overcome everyday challenges resulting from health changes and disabilities.”

You can register for free in advance to join the event or simply turn up on the day.

This year’s Occupational Therapy Week highlights the difference occupational therapists can make through early intervention and preventative care. Occupational Therapists in Wiltshire Council work with people of all ages in their homes and communities to help them do the everyday things that are important to them after illness or disability can make them more challenging.

“It encourages integrated approaches that support biodiversity, people and productivity.

“Crucially, it meets the needs of a growing Wiltshire population by enabling sustainable housing while protecting the integrity of our wildlife sites.

“I look forward to continuing to work with our community groups and keys stakeholders to develop a delivery action plan.”

The Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) will help public bodies meet their legal duty to protect biodiversity. It will also guide the development of Local and Neighbourhood Plans and help assess Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) in planning applications.

While the LNRS supports nature recovery, it doesn’t automatically prevent development in the areas it identifies. Instead, it provides useful evidence that can be considered during planning decisions, depending on the specific case.

The strategy is also expected to attract investment to the region and will help deliver wider environmental goals, including those set out in Wiltshire Council’s Green Blue Infrastructure Strategy and Climate Strategy.