Not a Drill: Government Launches North East Consultation: But Only After We Created Our Own
June 18, 2025
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has just announced
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has just announced
The government’s Pathways to Work plan ignores disabled people. It makes big changes to benefits (like PIP and Universal Credit) but won’t let people have a proper say.
❌ Key problems:
There were no meetings in the North East (only Leeds/Glasgow).
Online sessions filled up fast.
Easy Read versions came 3 weeks late.
💬 Disabled people say:
“I needed work adjustments but was ignored.”
“Train stations still aren’t accessible.”
“They said my cerebral palsy ‘wasn’t disabled enough’.”
We demand:
Stop the changes.
Listen to disabled voices first.
Fix the unfair system.
Act now! Sign our campaign or email hello@differencenortheast.org.uk.
“Nothing about us without us!”
Disabled people were asked to give advice to the government. But they didn’t listen to us.
We were part of something called the Regional Stakeholder Network. It was meant to include our voices. Instead, we were ignored. No answers. No respect.
That’s why we left.
Now, we’re starting something new. A space for disabled people, run by disabled people. We will set the agenda. We will invite others in, on our terms.
We are not tokens. We are builders.
Read why we walked away, and how you can support what comes next.
People met in Gateshead in May 2025 to talk about what life is like for disabled people.
Even getting to the meeting was hard because of transport, parking and access problems.
People shared stories about taxis refusing help, confusing signs, and public transport that is difficult to use.
They said services often expect everyone to use phones or read complex information, which does not work for many people.
Workplaces are not flexible, and support like Access to Work comes too late.
They want simple changes, better understanding, and more disabled people involved in decisions, so everyone can live well.
People met in Darlington in May 2025 to talk about their lives as disabled people. They shared honest experiences about transport, money, health, and support for their children. Many said getting around is hard. Taxis refuse equipment. Buses do not use ramps. Streets are difficult to use. Forms and benefits systems are stressful and confusing. People must fight for help they are entitled to.
Parents said they often battle alone to get support for their children.
Everyone wanted the same things. Fair treatment. Simple adjustments. Enough money to live.
They want a local community, led by disabled people, supporting each other and speaking up together.
Voices from Amble brought disabled people, carers and local activists together in May 2025. They shared real stories about life in their town. People spoke about bad pavements, narrow doors and lack of accessible toilets. They talked about being ignored by doctors and about unfair rules for benefits and equipment. The group wanted simple changes: dropped kerbs, wider doorways, fair healthcare and respect for all. They said small community groups make a big difference. They want a town where everyone belongs and is treated fairly. Join local groups, tell your story, and help make Amble more inclusive and welcome everyone.
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