So, you’ve been asked to share your story again…
June 25, 2026
What happens after you share your experiences with us? Charlotte explains how your stories help shape our research, campaigns and influencing work.
What happens after you share your experiences with us? Charlotte explains how your stories help shape our research, campaigns and influencing work.
The Cleveland Police Hate Crime Strategy Launch. Difference North East went to a big meeting about hate crime in Cleveland. A hate crime is when someone hurts you or is mean to you because of who you are. This could be because you are Disabled, Black, or LGBTQIA+ or something else. We told Cleveland Police what they need to do to help Disabled people. We said Disabled people need the same legal protection as everyone else. Cleveland Police made an easy read document. This is good.
If you have experienced a hate crime in Cleveland you can report it to Cleveland Police.
Disabled people in the North East told us everyday life is still too hard.
77 people shared their experiences.
Many said: Transport is unreliable or inaccessible! There are not enough accessible toilets! Services are confusing and stressful! Workplaces and buildings exclude them! They are treated without respect!
People want to be listened to and involved in decisions that affect their lives.
Access should not be optional. Everyone deserves to get around, use services, work, and be treated with dignity.
Read the full report to learn more and get involved.
We are making progress in our campaign for fair and accessible travel. After we asked for change, Mary Kelly Foy MP confirmed she supports all of our actions. She will follow this up, and we will share updates soon. The North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness, has also responded positively and is looking at our proposal.
This campaign is about disabled people’s real lives. Many people cannot travel when they need to. One member, Delta, shared how limited bus times and high taxi costs leave her feeling trapped. Fair travel would help disabled people live more independent lives.
Has Access to Work helped you or let you down? Your experience matters and can help make real change in the North East. Deadline: 23rd Feb
Disabled people across the North East made change happen in 2024-25.
We told our stories. We shared what barriers we face every day. Then we turned those stories into evidence that decision-makers had to listen to.
We wrote a 17-page report about transport problems. We campaigned when the government forgot about us. We trained police and council workers about disability.
When 18 MPs didn’t come to our meeting, we didn’t give up. We organized together. And we won a government meeting that didn’t exist before.
This is what happens when disabled people work together.
Fix the Systems, Not the Rules
This week’s Budget affects disabled people across the North East. Some changes, like ending the two-child limit, could help families and lift children out of poverty. But many measures focus on more checks and assessments, not on fixing the barriers that make life hard. Disabled people need income security, accessible systems, and a say in decisions that impact them. Tougher rules do not make life better, fairer, well-funded systems do. Change happens when disabled people and allies speak up together. If you agree, join Difference North East and help push for real change.
Claiming the Normal: Everyday Lives Through the Lens of Kev Howard. The exhibition of portraits of Disabled people opened today in Newcastle Central Library- more details here!
Join Us for Disability History Month, 2025
Events, Learning and Action in the North East. November 15th to December 20th 2025
Read about how we are trying to make it easier for disabled people to use buses.