Difference North East - Changing Perceptions of Disability
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Category: Active Campaigns

Disability Community Stockton-on-tees, Graphic promoting Stockton health challenges discussion. Blue slice of cake on a purple background. NeuroKey and Difference NE logo visible in the top right.

Disability Community Stockton-on-tees Teesside

June 29, 2025

People in Stockton-on-Tees met in May 2025 to share their experiences of disability and everyday life.
They talked about transport problems, with very few accessible taxis and buses that do not always provide clear information.
Shops and public places were often hard to use, with not enough Blue Badge parking or mobility equipment available.
Many people described stressful benefits assessments and systems that make them fight for support.
They also spoke about losing jobs, rebuilding confidence, and finding strength through community.
The group wants practical changes and to be involved in decisions, so access is designed with disabled people, not without them.

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Pathways To Work Ignores Disabled Voices: Abstract image of disabled people in the workplace, overlaid text repeating "pathways?" over and over.

“Pathways To Work” Ignores Disabled Voices: Here’s What’s Really At Stake

June 18, 2025

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!”

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why we left the government's disability network and need a disability-led advocacy network. A collage of photos showing disabled people in Difference North east meetings, discussions, and protests. One protester holds a sign reading “THESE CUTS WILL KILL.”

Disabled voices shut out: why we left the government’s disability network

June 12, 2025

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.

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Disability Community Gateshead Tyneside. Background image used by Difference NE featuring a stylized, purplish painting of a steaming glass teacup with a teabag, set on a saucer. The background is soft and abstract with bubble and splash-like textures. The top left includes the Difference NE logo and a yellow tagline reading, “Do you want to fight for disability rights? Join!” There is a large blank grey box in the lower left area intended for overlaid text or digital content.

Disability Community Gateshead Tyneside

June 7, 2025

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.

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Disability Rights Community, Darlington. Stylised image with a purple background and purple overlay. A teapot pours liquid into a teacup that is already stacked inside another teacup, causing it to overflow. To the left is a sugar pot with a spoon, and to the right is a decorated cake topped with macarons and fruit. At the top left, there are two logos: the "Difference NE" logo with the text “Do you want to fight for disability rights? Join!” and a second logo reading “D.A.D” with teal letters bursting through a red brick wall.

Disability Community, Darlington, Tees Valley

June 1, 2025

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.

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Disabled Advocacy Northumberland. Disability community amble northumberland. A Stylised graphic representing Amble Harbour

Voices from Amble: A Conversation on Disability and Community

May 30, 2025

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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