BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Difference North East - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://differencenortheast.org.uk X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Difference North East REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:UTC BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:UTC DTSTART:20230101T000000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251218T123000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251218T133000 DTSTAMP:20260421T135226 CREATED:20251024T105454Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260210T145540Z UID:5729-1766061000-1766064600@differencenortheast.org.uk SUMMARY:Our Voice\, Our Agenda: December 18\, 2025 DESCRIPTION:About the Event: Our Voice\, Our Agenda\, December 2025\nJoin us for Our Voice\, Our Agenda (OVOA)\, Thursday\, December 18\, 2025\, 12:30 PM\, for an independent forum created by and for d/Deaf\, Disabled\, and Neurodivergent people in the North East. \nFrustrated by the government’s tokenism?\nWe are building a space where we truly represent ourselves. This forum is led by our community\, set by our agenda\, and focused on the issues that matter most to us in the North East. \nThis meeting is your chance to help shape a platform where our local skills\, knowledge\, and lived experience are genuinely valued. \nWho Should Attend Our Voice\, Our Agenda\, December 2025\n\n\nMember Organisations: Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisations (DDPOs) across the North East \n\n\nCommunity Members: Disabled-led groups and independent disabled people active in their local communities \n\n\nAllies & Allied Organisations: Supporters of disabled people (please send a disabled representative where possible) \n\n\n🗺️ The North East includes: Gateshead\, Newcastle\, North Tyneside\, Northumberland\, South Tyneside\, Sunderland\, County Durham\, Hartlepool\, Stockton-on-Tees\, Middlesbrough\, Redcar and Cleveland\, and Darlington. \nWhat to Expect from Our Voice\, Our Agenda\, December 2025\n\nRead a summary of the last meeting here!\n\nWork together using the social model of disability and a rights-based approach \n\n\nDiscuss what matters most to disabled people in the North East \n\n\nConnect with others committed to co-production and collective action \n\n\nHelp ensure our voices are heard by services\, organisations\, and government — on our own terms \n\n\nAccessibility\nThis meeting will be held on Zoom\, with Closed Captioning and BSL interpretation available (please request interpreters at least 4 weeks in advance\, if possible). \nRegistration\nRegistration is essential. \n\nZoom registration form\n\nIf the form doesn’t load\, please\n\nopen the Zoom registration in a new tab. URL:https://differencenortheast.org.uk/event/our-voice-our-agenda-december-2025/ LOCATION:Online via Zoom CATEGORIES:Online,Accessibility,Disabled representation,our voice our agenda ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://differencenortheast.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251201T123000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251201T130000 DTSTAMP:20260421T135226 CREATED:20251028T160427Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251028T160427Z UID:5784-1764592200-1764594000@differencenortheast.org.uk SUMMARY:Free Lunch & Learn: How accessible is your online presence for disabled people? DESCRIPTION:How accessible is your online presence for disabled people? | Lunch & Learn with Difference North East\n \n\n\n \n\n\nHow accessible is your online presence for disabled people?\nA 20-minute practical session to make your digital spaces more inclusive \n\n\nAbout this session\n\nMost people want to be accessible online\, but many don’t know where to start.\nIn this short Lunch & Learn webinar\, Claire will guide you through the essentials of making your website\, social media and digital materials more inclusive for disabled people.\n \n\nYou’ll learn what accessibility really means in practice\, how to spot common barriers\, and which quick changes can make the biggest difference to your audience. There’ll be 5 minutes for questions and 5 minutes for feedback at the end.\n \n\nDate: Monday 1 December 2025\n Time: 12:30pm-1pm\n Run time: 20 mins + Q&A & feedback\n Format: Free Zoom webinar\n Accessibility: Live captions and BSL interpretation provided\n Spaces: Max 95 attendees \n \n\n FREE EVENT\n Join us for a quick\, practical session\, perfect for your lunch break!\n \nRegister now\n\nFill out the form below to reserve your spot.\nYou’ll receive your Zoom link by email after registration.\n \n\n\nZoom registration form\n\n \n \n\n If the form doesn’t load\, please\n \n open the Zoom registration in a new tab.\n \n \n\n\n \n\nLove what we do?\nJoining Difference North East is free and helps us keep offering sessions like this one.\nBe part of a growing community making the North East more accessible for everyone. URL:https://differencenortheast.org.uk/event/how-accessible-is-your-online-presence-for-disabled-people-dhm2025/ LOCATION:Online via Zoom CATEGORIES:Online,Accessibility,Disability History,Digital Accessibility ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://differencenortheast.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/2-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251022T180000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251022T200000 DTSTAMP:20260421T135226 CREATED:20251010T181745Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251010T181745Z UID:5638-1761156000-1761163200@differencenortheast.org.uk SUMMARY:Difference North East 2025 AGM Celebrating a Year of Resistance & Renewal DESCRIPTION:Annual General Meeting 2025\n\n  \n\n\nFrom exclusion to action\, October 2024–October 2025 has been a year of momentum. We built new teams on Tyneside and Teesside\, created Our Voice Our Agenda\, challenged welfare reform\, fought for accessible housing and transport\, launched research into disability and domestic abuse\, and filled the empty chairs left by politicians who wouldn’t listen. Every step\, disabled people led. \nNow\, as we mark 30 years since the Disability Discrimination Act\, we’re ready for the next chapter. \nJoin us for our Annual General Meeting – Tuesday 22 October\, 6–8 pm (online). We’ll celebrate a year of resistance and renewal\, and share plans for the biggest Disability History Month yet: theatre\, art\, photography\, workshops\, and action across the North East. \n\n\n\nRegister for the AGM\nComplete the form below to register for our Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 22 October. URL:https://differencenortheast.org.uk/event/difference-north-east-2025-agm-celebrating-a-year-of-resistance-renewal/ LOCATION:Online via Zoom CATEGORIES:Online ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://differencenortheast.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/2.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250918T180000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250918T190000 DTSTAMP:20260421T135226 CREATED:20250725T135442Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250725T135442Z UID:5259-1758218400-1758222000@differencenortheast.org.uk SUMMARY:Setting the Agenda: How Can You Get Really Involved in Climate Action? DESCRIPTION:A community event for disabled people and allies across the North East\, The Disabled climate action forum!\n🗓 18 September 2025 | 🕕 6:00 PM (UK time) | 💻 Online via Zoom \n\nClimate change affects us all! But the structure of these conversations often excludes disabled people. That has to change – Disabled climate action forum.\nJoin Difference North East for a special relaunch of the Disabled Climate Action Forum (DCAF)\, where we’ll explore what real\, community-led climate action looks like\, by and for disabled people. \nWe’ll ask: \n\nWhat can we actually do in our everyday lives and organisations?\nHow can we reduce harm while increasing inclusion?\nHow can disabled people take the lead in environmental change?\n\nNOT a lecture\, it’s a space to talk\, share ideas\, and dream up bold\, practical futures together. \n\n💥 Want to join the conversation?\nThis event is for members and allies of Difference North East.It’s free to join\, and once you do\, we’ll send you the Zoom registration. \n\nBecome a Member (if you’re disabled)!\nOR Join as an Ally (if you’re not disabled or represent an Organisation)!\n\nOnce you sign up\, you’ll receive an email with your private Zoom invitation. \n\n🤝 Who’s this for?\nThis space is for: \n\n\nDisabled people from across the North East \n\n\nAllies\, carers\, and people working for inclusion and justice \n\n\nAnyone who believes the climate future must be accessible and led by the community \n\n\n\n📬 Questions? Access needs?\nThis space will be inclusive as possible.📩 Email us anytime at hello@differencenortheast.org.uk with your access needs or questions. \n\nLet’s set the agenda — together. URL:https://differencenortheast.org.uk/event/how-can-you-get-really-involved-in-climate-action/ CATEGORIES:Online,Climate ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://differencenortheast.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DCAFRELAuNCH2.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250715T180000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250715T193000 DTSTAMP:20260421T135226 CREATED:20250501T154427Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250709T123339Z UID:4849-1752602400-1752607800@differencenortheast.org.uk SUMMARY:Online Chat: Everyday Challenges: Simple Solutions? Online Accessibility Discussion. DESCRIPTION:Struggling with things others seem to manage easily? Join our online accessibility discussion.\nYou’re not alone. Many people face daily barriers—whether it’s healthcare systems that don’t understand\, public transport that’s tricky to navigate\, or simply feeling exhausted by explaining your needs. Join Difference North East for a relaxed online accessibility discussion at a rescheduled time of Tuesday 15th July 6pm – 7:30pm (provisionally booked). This is a chance to: \n\nShare your experiences in a safe\, anonymous space\nCompare notes with others who “get it”\nHighlight practical solutions that would make life smoother\n\nWe’ll focus on real-life topics like: \n\n🚍 Transport: Buses\, trains\, or taxis that don’t work for you\n🏥 Healthcare: Appointments\, waiting times\, or dismissive attitudes\n🛒 Everyday spaces: Shops\, websites\, or services that create barriers\n\n“You don’t need a diagnosis to know when something isn’t working. This is about listening to what people actually need.” \nHow it works:\n\nHosted on Zoom (with captions available)\nJust 10 participants to keep it conversational\nNo cameras needed\, join however you’re comfortable\nYour input will be anonymised and shared with relevant organisations\n\nWho’s it for?\n\nAnyone who finds daily life harder than it should be\nPeople who’ve ever thought\, “Why isn’t this designed for me?”\nThose who prefer sharing from home.\n\nBook your spot:\n\nDate: Tuesday 20th May\, 6pm-7:30pm\nOnline: Zoom link sent after booking\nSpaces: 10 only\nEmail bex@differencenortheast.org.uk with your name and any access needs to register.\n\nNo labels required. Just your perspective. \nRegister here URL:https://differencenortheast.org.uk/event/everyday-challenges-online-accessibility-discussion/ LOCATION:Online via Zoom CATEGORIES:Online,Accessibility END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250630T140000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250630T153000 DTSTAMP:20260421T135226 CREATED:20250624T161254Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250625T121006Z UID:5095-1751292000-1751297400@differencenortheast.org.uk SUMMARY:Final Opportunity: An open invitation to North East MPs DESCRIPTION:Final Opportunity: An open invitation to North East MPs\n“We’ve waited since May 9th. Now\, MPs have until June 30th to face the people they’re failing.” – Difference North East\nMPs WELFARE CUTS MEETING. MPs WHO HAVEN’T YET OPPOSED WELFARE CUTS: WILL THEY ATTEND?\nThe following MPs have not committed to voting against welfare reforms. Their Disabled constituents stand to lose\, we’ve invited them to our welfare cuts meeting: \n\nHoughton and Sunderland South (Bridget Phillipson): £350.29 (£21.6M total)\nWashington and Gateshead South (Sharon Hodgson): £325.42 (£18.6M total)\nNewton Aycliffe and Spennymoor (Alan Strickland): £310.55 (£18.2M total)\nRedcar (Anna Turley): £307.67 (£17.1M total)\nSunderland Central (Lewis Atkinson): £297.40 (£18.7M total)\nNorth Durham (Luke Akehurst): £297.31 (£17.2M total)\nStockton North (Chris McDonald): £291.99 (£18.4M total)\nMiddlesbrough South and East Cleveland (Luke Myer): £278.55 (£15.3M total) UPDATE has since signed the amendment\nBlaydon and Consett (Liz Twist): £250.00 (£14.0M total)\nGateshead Central and Whickham (Mark Ferguson): £246.92 (£15.5M total)\nDarlington (Lola McEvoy): £230.77 (£14.0M total)\nCramlington and Killingworth (Emma Foody): £220.96 (£13.2M total)\nNorth Northumberland (David Smith): £199.96 (£10.4M total)\nStockton West (Matt Vickers): £150.82 (£8.4M total)\nNewcastle upon Tyne Central and West (Chi Onwurah): £231.46 (£20.9M total)\nTynemouth (Alan Campbell): £197.42 (£11.3M total)\nHexham (Joe Morris): £158.49 (£845k total)\nNewcastle upon Tyne North (Catherine Mckinnell): £137.28 (£9.9M)\n\nEVENT DETAILS\nDate: June 30\, 2025\nTime: 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM (BST)\nFormat: MPs Welfare Cuts Meeting: Private Zoom meeting (An open invitation to meet has been sent to all MPs in the North East) Email claire@differencenortheast.org.uk to get the link! \nThis isn’t negotiation. It’s accountability. URL:https://differencenortheast.org.uk/event/north-east-mps-welfare-cuts-meeting/ LOCATION:Online via Zoom CATEGORIES:Online,Cost of Living,Policy,PIP,Benefits ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://differencenortheast.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/123-1-e1750773171597.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250401T103000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250401T130000 DTSTAMP:20260421T135226 CREATED:20240110T162030Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250401T095944Z UID:4405-1743503400-1743512400@differencenortheast.org.uk SUMMARY:Power & Influence: Disabled Women in the North East DESCRIPTION:When the new North East Mayoral Combined Authority (NEMCA) comes into being in 2024\, it will be responsible for the aspirations and life chances of over one million women and girls. The 7 North East local authorities (County Durham\, Sunderland\, South Tyneside\, Gateshead\, North Tyneside\, Northumberland\, and Newcastle) will join to have responsibility for key areas of policy including: economic development; adult education and skills; transport; housing and regeneration. \nWe know that Disabled women are severely underrepresented in decision-making. We also know that Disabled women’s needs are often misunderstood in women’s organisations but are also underrepresented in disabled-led organisations too! \nThe One Million Women and Girls Campaign wants a future North East to maximise the potential of Women and Girls in the region. Difference NE want a Disability Devolution for the North East where Disabled people are included in decision-making and disability justice is prioritised. We are working together to make sure that Disabled women have voice and influence over what matters to them. \nWe advocate taking an intersectional approach to maximising the potential of all Disabled women and girls which means listening to the lived experience of any marginalised group\, including; lesbians\, bisexual and trans women; migrant women; older and younger women; pregnant women; racially marginalised women; and working class women. This campaign is trans-inclusive. URL:https://differencenortheast.org.uk/event/power-and-influence-disabled-women-in-the-north-east/ LOCATION:The Word\, South Shields\, Market Pl\, South Shields\, NE33 1JF CATEGORIES:Online,Hybrid,Women,NEMCA END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250225T180000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250225T190000 DTSTAMP:20260421T135226 CREATED:20250114T170820Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250328T085717Z UID:3840-1740506400-1740510000@differencenortheast.org.uk SUMMARY:What Do You Need from a Home? DESCRIPTION:What Do You Need from a Home?\nDate: 25th February 2025 | Time: 6PM – 7PM | Where: Online via Zoom | Accessibility: BSL interpretation and live captions provided | Housing and Accessibility \nJoin us for the next event in our Members Make the Difference series: What Do You Need from a Home? Housing and Accessibility. This is your chance to shape the conversation around housing and accessibility by sharing your experiences\, concerns\, and ideas. \nWhether it’s adapting your current home\, navigating the private rental sector\, securing social housing\, or imagining what truly accessible housing looks like—we want to hear from you. Together\, we’ll explore: \n\nWhat makes a home truly accessible and inclusive?\nChallenges and solutions in the private rental sector\, including precarious tenancies and rising rents.\nThe state of social housing and how it can meet diverse needs.\n\nThis facilitated\, collaborative discussion is a space for members to connect\, learn\, and share. Your insights will inform our campaigns and advocacy work on housing—making a real difference for disabled people across the region. \nHousing and Accessibility – Why Attend?\n\nShare your experiences and shape the conversation.\nConnect with other members who share your concerns and ideas.\nHelp influence future events and campaigns focused on housing and accessibility.\n\nNot a member yet? Join Difference North East to participate in this event and other opportunities to make your voice heard. When you join via this link\, www.differencenortheast.org.uk/join-us\, you’ll receive the registration link to sign up for the event. \nSign up now to reserve your place\, and don’t forget to check out other events in the Members Make the Difference series. \n\nStay Connected: Follow us on Facebook\, Instagram\, Twitter\, and Bluesky for updates and reminders. \nLet’s work together to create housing that works for everyone. We can’t wait to see you there! \n  \n  \n  URL:https://differencenortheast.org.uk/event/what-do-you-need-from-home/ LOCATION:Online via Zoom CATEGORIES:Online,Housing,Accessibility ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://differencenortheast.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/aaaa.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250128T180000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250128T190000 DTSTAMP:20260421T135226 CREATED:20250114T140333Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250328T090310Z UID:3797-1738087200-1738090800@differencenortheast.org.uk SUMMARY:Building a Better System? Members Talk PIP\, WCA\, and Employment DESCRIPTION:Members Make the Difference Series: Building Change Together\nJoin us for an open discussion where your experiences and insights take centre stage. This month\, we’re focusing on Personal Independence Payment (PIP)\, Work Capability Assessments (WCA)\, and employment challenges. \nWhat to Expect:\n\nHear from fellow members about their lived experiences.\nShare your thoughts on what works\, what doesn’t\, and what needs to change about work.\nContribute to conversations that will help shape the future policy priorities of Difference North East.\n\nThis facilitated session will last one hour\, with breakout groups if attendance allows. It’s a space for open\, honest\, and empowering conversations that reflect our shared commitment to community\, solidarity\, and change. \nWho Can Attend?\nThis event is exclusively for members. Not a member yet? Join us today and become part of a supportive network working for a fairer\, more accessible future. \nAccessibility:\nWe are committed to ensuring everyone can participate fully. BSL interpretation and live captions will be provided. \nWhat’s Next?\nYour contributions will help shape the ongoing conversations and policies within our “Members Make the Difference” series. We’ll follow up with a survey and share key takeaways in an upcoming blog post. \n  URL:https://differencenortheast.org.uk/event/building-a-better-system-pip-wca-and-employment/ LOCATION:Online via Zoom CATEGORIES:Online,Cost of Living ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://differencenortheast.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20230927_113045.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20241204T180000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20241204T190000 DTSTAMP:20260421T135226 CREATED:20241024T152046Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250328T090732Z UID:2645-1733335200-1733338800@differencenortheast.org.uk SUMMARY:Online Talk: Mary Greaves\, Local Disability Hero DESCRIPTION:As part of Disability History Month Christopher Hartworth will be delivering a presentation and talk about Mary Greaves\, a Disability Activist from Whitley Bay who was involved in lobbying for the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970. \nMembers only event. Sign up here and we will contact you with the link. \nThis event will be held on zoom. You might find these resources helpful. \nIf you require any adjustments to attend Difference North East events\, please let us know by emailing hello@differencenortheast.org.uk or by phone/text/whatsapp to 07304061207. URL:https://differencenortheast.org.uk/event/online-talk-mary-greaves-local-disability-hero/ CATEGORIES:Online,Women END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20241126T180000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20241126T190000 DTSTAMP:20260421T135226 CREATED:20241024T151542Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250328T090842Z UID:2637-1732644000-1732647600@differencenortheast.org.uk SUMMARY:Online Event: Members Make the Difference DESCRIPTION:As part of Disability History Month the Difference staff team invite you to join us for a discussion about the film ‘The Barbara met Alan. This film is about Barbara Lisicki and Alan Holdsworth\, the founders of DAN (Disabled People’s Direct Action Network) and actions that led to more rights for Disabled People in the UK. BSL will be provided at this online event. \nMembers only event. Sign up here and we will contact you with the link. \nThis event will be held on zoom. You might find these resources helpful. \nNote on bottom of every event. \nIf you require any adjustments to attend Difference North East events\, please let us know by emailing hello@differencenortheast.org.uk or by phone/text/whatsapp to 07304061207. \n  URL:https://differencenortheast.org.uk/event/online-event-members-make-the-difference/ CATEGORIES:Online ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://differencenortheast.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/membersmakethedifference-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20241022T180000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20241022T193000 DTSTAMP:20260421T135226 CREATED:20241024T150250Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250328T091019Z UID:2628-1729620000-1729625400@differencenortheast.org.uk SUMMARY:Online Event: Neurodivergence Training DESCRIPTION:Curious about Neurodivergence? Join us for a special online training session. Learn the basics\, gain insights and give us your feedback so we can improve this training for others. \nMembers only event. Sign up here and we will contact you with the link. \nThis event will be held on zoom. You might find these resources helpful. URL:https://differencenortheast.org.uk/event/introduction-to-neurodivergence-training/ CATEGORIES:Online,Neurodiversity ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://differencenortheast.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Neurodivergence-training.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR