Difference North East - Changing Perceptions of Disability
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Category: North East Mayoral Combined Authority

Stylised, colour-filtered image showing Kim McGuinness’ and Mary Kelly Foy faces on the right, one above the other, both looking forward. The background features a large elephant statue and an industrial or urban scene, overlaid with a textured pattern in purple, yellow, and pink tones, giving the image a bold, poster-like appearance.

Building Momentum for Fair Travel: MP & Mayor Support and Voices from Our Community

January 14, 2026

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.

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Real Stories Shape Employment: A heavily distorted images showing disabled people in various work settings. The image has significant digital glitching effects with purple and cyan colour shifts, horizontal scan lines, and pixelated artifacts that obscure details. The corruption creates a halftone dot pattern overlay throughout, giving it a degraded VHS or digital transmission error aesthetic.

Real Stories, Real Change. Help Shape Better Employment Support in the North East

January 13, 2026

We want to hear from disabled people in the North East who are not in paid work. Share your experiences and help shape better employment support. You will be paid for your time.

We’re also looking for three employers who want to show what inclusive work looks like.

Take part in interviews, discussion groups, creative photography, or filmed stories.

Sign up today using our online form or email us. Every voice matters, and together we can make work fairer and more accessible for everyone.

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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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Digitally edited image featuring a grid of black transportation icons, including buses, airplanes, motorcycles, cars, trains, and boats. The background is overlaid with bold, intersecting blocks of pink, yellow, and teal, creating a vibrant and abstract effect.

Building a More Accessible Transport System in the North East

January 22, 2025

Transport accessibility is essential for enabling participation in everyday life, yet disabled people across the North East face barriers at every turn. Our response to the North East Mayoral Combined Authority’s Transport Plan highlights these challenges and offers actionable recommendations to create a system that works better for everyone. By embracing the principles of mobility justice, we can ensure no one is left behind.

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