Access Group Networks
There are two existing networks devoted solely to the work of access groups; the North Wales Access Group Network and the South Wales Access Group Network.

We are working to establish stronger links with access groups in Mid and West Wales.

• Access Group networks provide a forum for local access groups in the region to speak to each other about common issues of concern
• The networks meet every quarter; groups take turns to host and organise the meetings
• They provide a way of discussing and informing DW policy and feeding back to us from the local level
• Where ever possible DW staff attend Network meetings.
• A guest speaker is often asked to give a talk, and lunch and refreshments are usually provided

The meetings follow an agenda, but are informal. Regular topics for discussion include:

• transport
• housing
• planning
• historic buildings
• the Disability Discrimination Act
• best practice updates
• consultations
• group development

A representative from each network area sits on the Access Panel of DW. The representatives:

• Feed issues from the region into the Panel for discussion
• Feedback discussions and decisions made by the Panel to the Network meetings
• Are nominated by their local group and go through a selection procedure
  
  Your current access group network representatives are:
  
  North Wales                  Vin West, Arfon Group
  Mid Wales                     John Phillips, Brecknock Access Group
  South Wales                 Tony Crowhurst, Pontypool Disability Advice Project