What is the Differently-Abled Buddy Scheme (DABS)?
The Staffordshire Training Hub Differently-Abled Buddy Scheme (DABS) supports Primary Care staff with disabilities, long-term health conditions and neurodiversity to feel confident, supported and empowered in their roles.
Through one-to-one support, guidance for Practices and PCNs provided by the DABS Lead, or through a structured buddy system, DABS connects staff with appropriate guidance and signposting to help them feel confident and well-equipped in their roles.
Watch Our DABS Information Video
DABS Buddy
The Differently-Abled Buddy Scheme (DABS) offers support to new and existing Primary Care staff who identify as having a disability, long-term health condition or neuro-difference.
It can be challenging for staff starting a new role if they have a disability. DABS supports staff to access the right adjustments, equipment or facilities to help them settle into their role and feel effective and empowered.
Individuals will be matched with a ‘DABS Buddy’ – an informal, friendly source of support, someone with a disability who knows the workplace and is available to signpost, support and advise.
To be matched with a Buddy or volunteer for the role, please contact the DABS Lead, Angela Peake for further information.
Interested in becoming a DABS Buddy?
If you would like to support colleagues across Primary Care by becoming a DABS Buddy, Angela would love to hear from you. Get in touch to find out more about the role and how to get involved.
Angela Peake
DABS Lead, Staffordshire Training Hub
Submit your details
Paired with a suitable buddy
Regular informal check-ins
A DABS Buddy can offer informal, friendly, practical guidance and support within the workplace to new or existing Primary Care staff members.
Challenges and Recognition for Staff With A Disability
Conditions affecting mobility, strength or physical functioning.
Includes visual or hearing impairments that impact daily activities.
Conditions affecting emotional wellbeing and mental health.
Conditions affecting learning, understanding or processing information.
Ongoing health conditions that may impact daily life or work.
Includes autism, ADHD and other neurological differences.
Resources
Explore a range of resources and support across the following areas:
💼 Work & Legal
- Access to Work
- WDES
- Equality Act
- Reasonable Adjustments
🩺 Health Conditions
- Arthritis
- Crohn’s & Colitis
- Migraine
- Diabetes
🧠 Neurodiversity & Learning
- Dyslexia
- Dyspraxia
- ADHD
- Autism / Asperger’s
👁️ Sensory
- Sight
- Deaf
💬 Wellbeing & Support
- Mental Health
- Menopause
- What is a disability?
- Social Model of Disability
📚 Professional Resources
- RCNi CPD Webinar
- Training & Networking Sites
Ready to explore everything in one place?
📁 Access the DABS ToolkitFeatured Resource:
Buddy Scheme Mental Health – Burnout
Burnout can have a significant impact on the health, wellbeing and confidence of staff working in Primary Care.
This resource explores what burnout is, why it happens, and why recognising the signs early is so important.
What is burnout?
Burnout is a psychological syndrome associated with:
- emotional exhaustion
- cynicism or detachment from work
- a reduced sense of effectiveness or accomplishment
Possible contributing factors include:
- work-related pressures
- systemic challenges
- workplace culture
- disability or long-term health conditions
- workload and demand
Burnout Video
Hosted by Angela Peake, Staffordshire Training Hub Differently Abled Buddy Scheme (DABS) Lead, this video features Dr Caroline Delves, who shares her personal experience of burnout while working as a GP.
Watch the burnout video below to hear Dr Caroline Delves share her experience and insights.
‘This Is Me, This Is Who I am’ NHS Health Passport
The ‘This Is Me’ NHS Health Passport is designed to support staff with a disability, long-term health condition, mental health issue or learning difficulty.
It provides a clear written record of any support needs and reasonable adjustments in the workplace. The Health Passport is an editable PDF, so individuals can save a copy for their personal records and forward a copy to their Line Manager.
It can support:
- greater wellbeing and confidence at work
- better understanding between staff and employers
- more appropriate workplace adjustments
- improved communication
We are encouraging all staff to complete a ‘This is me, This is who I am’ Health Passport because everyone has challenges that can impact them at work i.e. caring responsibilities, children, pets, families and friends.
Please click here to find more information on the Health Passport
The DABS Lead, Angela Peake is an advocate for the Health Passport and has been commissioned by the Staffordshire Training Hub to support individuals, Practices and PCNs across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent to implement this document into everyday practice.