Difference North East

1. Difference North East

2. Tell us about your organisation:

Difference North East was set up in 2016-2017, as a response to the lack of a regional voice for disabled people. The context of the North East is so unique, and it felt like the lived experiences of disabled people in the North East was being lost by national organisations. Difference is fighting for a more equal North East, with less discrimination, more access, inclusion, and better perceptions of disabled people. We influence policy and public sector organisations to improve their services through campaigning, lobbying, researching and training.

We have an active membership where disabled people and their allies can add their voices to our campaigns and work. Our members can get involved in what we do through discussion groups, adding their experiences to our campaigns, volunteering and getting involved with other activities like book clubs, free training, talks and similar activities.

We are a values led organisation and one of our central values is

We do this in a variety of ways including working practices (flexible and remote work, disability related leave scheme, and reasonable adjustments) and subscribing to the Social Model of Disability. We also advocate for disabled people to MPs, Councils and the Combined Authorities and we work in partnership with allied organisations from a range of sectors and backgrounds to create a world that is more equitable and fair for disabled people. Organisations we have worked with include St. Oswald’s Hospice, Alphabetti Theatre, North East Combined Authority, and Cleveland Police.

3. Tell us why being a Haref Ally is important for you and your organisation

As a disabled people’s organisation we are very aware of what It means to not be thought about when decisions are made, and how it feels to not be able to access the things you need, the places you want to be and information required to get you there. Being a Haref Ally aligns with our aims to ensure that disabled people’s voices from all parts of our North East community are heard.

4. Tell us about anything that you or your organisation has done to improve how you work with ethnically marginalised communities

Difference North East has always hoped to represent the voices of disabled people from marginalised communities but we are aware that too often disability justice can leave the voices of ethnically marginalised communities behind. As part of our work as HAREF allies we hope to deepen our connections and our understanding so that the disability justice we are fighting for is truly inclusive.

5. Contact Details:

Phone: Bex 07944 385409 Email: bex@differencenortheast.org.uk Website: www.differencenortheast.org.uk