Why We're Doing This

Disabled people across our region have powerful stories, skills, and insights. But our employment system is, more often than not, actively hostile: full of disabling barriers that stop many disabled people from participating. We’re working to change that.

Difference North East is leading a two-year, disabled-led project to help the North East Combined Authority (NECA) understand what good employment support really looks like.

We want to hear from disabled people who are not currently in paid work. Your experiences matter, and you will be paid for your time.

We’re also looking for three employers who want to help rebuild the world of work, shifting it from one of barriers and hostility to one where these barriers have been deconstructed, showcasing what inclusive employment really looks like.

About the Project

This project is part of NECA’s work to better support disabled people who are not currently in paid work. Between now and March 2026, we will:

  • Gather lived experience from disabled people across the region
  • Create positive photography and filmed stories
  • Develop research & insights to help improve public services
  • Work with employers to challenge workplace barriers
  • Share learning widely so disabled people have better opportunities in future

Who We're Looking For

Disabled People

We want to hear from people who:

  • Have experience of employment support, good or bad
  • Haven’t engaged with support at all
  • Feel unsure, isolated or left out of the system

You can take part in different ways:

  • Interviews and discussion groups
  • Creative photography and filmed stories
  • Helping shape insights and recommendations
  • Testing ideas with service providers and employers

You choose what you want to do. We pay you for your expertise.

Employers

We’re also looking for three great employers across the NECA footprint who:

  • Already employ disabled people
  • Have a positive story to share
  • Want to help shift public perceptions
  • Are open to photography, filming and discussion with our team

If you know one, or are one, please get in touch!

How to Register Your Interest

We’re collecting expressions of interest now. You don’t need to commit, just tell us a bit about yourself. The form below takes 3–5 minutes.

If you can’t access the above form:

👉 Open the form in a new window

👉 Or email us directly:
hello@differencenortheast.org.uk

Tell us:

  • Your name
  • Your postcode
  • Whether you’re a disabled person, employer, or partner
  • Anything you want us to know

What Happens Next

We’ll read every submission. If there’s a good match, we’ll contact you to discuss opportunities, including paid involvement.

Whether you take part or not, thank you for helping us build a more inclusive North East.