Canterbury (and Kent) or Chichester (and East Sussex) with a Disability

[limoncelloandlinenwater]

Hi there,

I just wondered whether anyone would please be willing to shed some light on the above areas with some Protected Characteristics in mind. I live with a Disability and I made the mistake (oh, such a mistake!) of moving to a (non-disclosed) rural part of the UK a few years back. Without going into too much deets - it has been harassment central. Have been here long enough to know that it's also a concerning place for many others with diverse characteristics (i.e. black people, migrants, people of different orientations, plus lots of other disabled ppl and their families here with absolute horror stories, DV stats through the roof and further horror stories of those who are meant to help putting fingers in ears). Indeed, if I wrote a list of all the incidents either witnessed, experienced or relayed to me since my feet touched the soil in this area it would cover at least two sides of A4.

So, to cut to the chase, am thinking of relocating to the sunny South Coast. Maybe Chichester or Canterbury or more broadly Sussex or Kent. Would anyone with insight please be willing to shed some light. Perhaps even those who have disabilities and/ or other Protected Characteristics themselves? I see super helpful threads on here for black people and others with diversity concerns. I am intrigued by things such as: mobility - how easy are these cities to get around? Also cost of living. Also how many new and 'buy scheme' homes are being developed in these areas? Finally, any observations on employment for those with disabilities in those areas, please. A quick search reveals that West Sussex and the New Forest apparently have the smallest disability employment gaps - who knew?!

Canterbury is rammed with students and I think should be a bit more cosmopolitan and diverse to your previous experience.

It’s also very old, so I don’t imagine is easy to navigate if you have mobility issues. Many narrow cobbled streets, etc.

Thanks so much for replying! In terms of Canterbury, what I am struggling to remember is how big it is? I have been - recall thinking it’s lovely. However, it’s some time ago?!! I don’t use a wheelchair - it’s more about size of the city end to end. Is it compact? Can I “do” it in an afternoon without getting overwhelmed? Also - about diversity and general feel - does Kent feel London driven? I holidayed in Whitstable once and heard the phrase “DFL”. They don’t use that here in the weird world of rural bigots ;-) but the same concept exists now obvs in most desirable spots (and causes other issues).

Do you find Kent friendly? I have lived in Home Counties before now and found the obsession with what brand of car you have / handbag etc. really OTT. Also the Midsomer Murders meanness is just not for me either. Sometimes (when I watch Darling Buds?!) I enjoy the fantasy that Kent folks can be cheeky and relaxed and take themselves a tad less seriously (as per why Essex folks can be more fun to be around). Am I hanging my expectations on David Jason-based nostalgia?! ;-)