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X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://differencenortheast.org.uk
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Difference North East
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250513T130000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250513T150000
DTSTAMP:20260409T131617
CREATED:20250430T124054Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250430T124231Z
UID:4818-1747141200-1747148400@differencenortheast.org.uk
SUMMARY:Everyday struggles in Hartlepool? Let’s talk solutions- Life in Hartlepool
DESCRIPTION:What are your everyday struggles in Hartlepool? Living in Hartlepool with a health condition or mobility difficulty can make everyday tasks needlessly frustrating. Have you struggled with buses that don’t wait long enough\, GP surgeries that aren’t understanding\, or shops without seating? You’re not alone. \n \nDifference North East is hosting a small\, informal discussion on Tuesday 13th May (1-3pm) at Central Hub (which has a Changing Places toilet) to map out these local challenges. Co-hosted with CLIP\, a Hartlepool-based organization that supports community voices\, we’re bringing together just 10 people to share their everyday struggles in Hartlepool: \n\n\nTransport struggles: Buses\, parking\, or footpath access? \n\n\nHealthcare experiences: GP appointments\, hospital visits\, Telecare services? \n\n\nPublic attitudes: Times you’ve felt judged or misunderstood? \n\n\nThis is a chance to problem-solve over tea and biscuits. Your anonymized feedback will be shared with local services to highlight where changes are needed most. Read what we’ll talk about here! \n“We hear so many stories about Hartlepool residents skipping appointments because transport is unreliable\, or avoiding shops with no seating. This session will help us pinpoint practical fixes.” \nDate: Tuesday 13th May\, 1-3pm\nVenue: Central Hub (Changing Places toilet)\nCo-host: CLIP\nSpaces: 10 max\nBook: Email claire@differentenortheast.org.uk \n“A relaxed space to share what works—and what doesn’t—in our community.”
URL:https://differencenortheast.org.uk/event/everyday-struggles-in-hartlepool/
LOCATION:Community Hub Central\, 124 York Rd\, Hartlepool TS26 9DE\, Community Hub Central\, 124 York Rd\, Hartlepool\, TS26 9DE\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Accessibility
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://differencenortheast.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/oneofthosedays21.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250514T110000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250514T130000
DTSTAMP:20260409T131617
CREATED:20250430T130807Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250501T102346Z
UID:4829-1747220400-1747227600@differencenortheast.org.uk
SUMMARY:Stockton Health & Everyday Challenges Discussion
DESCRIPTION:Ever feel like everyday tasks—shopping\, working\, or getting healthcare—are harder for you than others? Then you should come to our Stockton health challenges discussion! You might put it down to “just how life is\,” but those frustrations often point to real problems that need fixing. \nDifference North East is hosting a small\, informal discussion on Wednesday 14th May (11am-1pm) at the Wellbeing Hub in Stockton to explore these challenges. In partnership with NeuroKey\, we’re bringing together just 10 people to share: \n\n\nPhysical spaces: Shops with no seating\, overwhelming lighting/noise \n\n\nWork or education: Inflexible policies\, misunderstood needs \n\n\nHealthcare gaps: Long waits\, dismissive attitudes \n\n\nThis isn’t about labels. It’s a chance for a discussion of health and other challenges in Stockton: \n\n\nCompare notes with others who “get it” \n\n\nIdentify patterns (e.g.\, “Why do so many struggle with X?”) \n\n\nSuggest practical improvements for Stockton \n\n\n“Many people quietly adapt to systems that don’t work for them. We want to hear what would actually help.” \nYour anonymized feedback will be shared with Stockton businesses and services to highlight common issues. \nDetails:\n📅 Date: Wednesday 14th May\, 11am-1pm\n📍 Venue: Wellbeing Hub\, Wellington Square (quiet space available)\n🔒 Spaces: 10 max to ensure everyone is heard\n📧 Book: Email claire@differencenortheast.org.uk with your name \nNo need to explain or justify your experiences—just come as you are.
URL:https://differencenortheast.org.uk/event/stockton-health-challenges-meetup-may2025/
LOCATION:Wellbeing Hub\, Wellbeing Hub\, 5 Wellington Sq\, Stockton-on-Tees\, TS18 1RG\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://differencenortheast.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/stockton.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250521T133000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250521T150000
DTSTAMP:20260409T131617
CREATED:20250430T162713Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250506T113335Z
UID:4833-1747834200-1747839600@differencenortheast.org.uk
SUMMARY:Gateshead daily challenges discussion! Booking required
DESCRIPTION:Gateshead daily challenges discussion! Ever notice how something as simple as popping to the library or catching a bus can feel needlessly difficult? If you’ve had to plan your day around avoiding stairs\, standing too long\, or spaces that don’t work for you\, this session is a chance to share what Gateshead could improve. \nOn Wednesday 21st May (2-3pm) at Gateshead Central Library\, we’re hosting a small discussion for 10 people to talk about: \n\n\nPublic spaces: Libraries\, shops\, or cafes that are tricky to navigate \n\n\nTransport: Buses\, parking\, or footpaths that create barriers \n\n\nEveryday frustrations: Times you’ve thought\, “Why isn’t this easier?” \n\n\nThis isn’t about campaigns or labels\, just real talk about making Gateshead work better for everyone and a discussion of your daily challenges. Your anonymized feedback will help local services understand where changes are needed most. \n“People often blame themselves when spaces don’t accommodate them\,” says the session facilitator. “We’re flipping that—how can spaces adapt instead?” \nDetails:\n📅 Date: Wednesday 21st May\, 2-3pm\n📍 Venue: Gateshead Central Library (step-free access)\n🔒 Spaces: 10 max to allow proper discussion\n📧 Book: Email bex@differentenortheast.org.uk \nNo need to explain why you’re coming—your experiences matter.
URL:https://differencenortheast.org.uk/event/gateshead-daily-challenges-discussion-booking-required/
LOCATION:Gateshead Central Library\, Prince Consort Rd\, Gateshead\, NE8 4LN\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://differencenortheast.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/gateshead2.png
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250522T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250522T130000
DTSTAMP:20260409T131617
CREATED:20250501T122854Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250501T123505Z
UID:4840-1747915200-1747918800@differencenortheast.org.uk
SUMMARY:Amble Chat: What Would Make Life Here Easier?
DESCRIPTION:For Amble folk who find some days harder than they need to be!\nMaybe you’ve noticed: the bus timetable doesn’t quite work for hospital days. There’s never a bench when you need one. Or some shops are trickier to get around than others. These small things add up. That’s why we’re hosting a friendly\, informal chat at Dry Water Arts on Thursday 22nd May (12-1pm). Just 10 of us sitting down to for an Amble community access discussion: \n\n\nShare what works (and what doesn’t) around Amble and Northumberland \n\n\nSwap tips for getting things done more easily \n\n\nSuggest simple improvements that would help \n\n\nThis isn’t about official complaints or labels\, it’s about making our town work better for everyone. Your thoughts will be passed on (anonymously) to the right people. \n“In small places like ours\, changes happen when locals speak up. Even little things\, like more benches by the shops\, can make a big difference.” \nJoin us if you’ve…\n\never thought “Why isn’t this simpler?” about local places\ngot 60 minutes to share over a cuppa\nlive in or near Amble\n\n Amble Community Access Discussion Details:\n📅 When: Thursday 22nd May 12pm to 1pm\n📍 Where: Dry Water Arts (easy access\, ground floor room)\n🔒 Spaces: Just 10—so we all get time to talk\n📧 Book: Email bex@differencenortheast.org.uk \nThere’s no need to explain why you’re coming. If this speaks to you\, then you belong here.
URL:https://differencenortheast.org.uk/event/amble-community-access-discussion/
LOCATION:Drywater Arts Centre\, The Workshop\, Wellwood Street\, Amble\, NE65 0FG
CATEGORIES:Accessibility
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://differencenortheast.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/AMBME.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250523T103000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250523T123000
DTSTAMP:20260409T131617
CREATED:20250501T104056Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250506T100804Z
UID:4836-1747996200-1748003400@differencenortheast.org.uk
SUMMARY:Share ideas to improve shops\, venues & services in Darlington
DESCRIPTION:From PIP assessments to high street shops\, life is not designed with everyone in mind\, many Darlington services aren’t either and are frustrating to use. If you’ve ever left a venue because there was nowhere to sit\, or felt exhausted by systems that don’t accommodate you\, join this chat\, which will be looking for solutions together! How would you improve shops venues & services in Darlington? \nOn Friday 23rd May (10:30am-12:30pm) at the Dolphin Centre (with Changing Places toilet)\, Difference North East and Darlington Association on Disability are hosting a 10-person discussion to: \n\n\nMap common problems: Poor seating\, confusing forms\, rushed staff \n\n\nBrainstorm fixes: “What would make this easier?” \n\n\nShare anonymized insights with decision-makers\, to improve shops venues & services in Darlington \n\n\n“You don’t need a diagnosis to know what doesn’t work. We’re here to amplify those everyday perspectives.” \nKey info:\n📅 Date: Friday 23rd May\, 10:30am-12:30pm\n📍 Venue: Dolphin Centre\, Horse Market\n🔒 Limited: 10 attendees for in-depth conversation\n📧 Book: Email claire@differencenortheast.org.uk \nYour frustration is evidence\, not a personal failing.
URL:https://differencenortheast.org.uk/event/improve-shops-venues-services-darlington/
LOCATION:Dolphin Centre\, Horse Market\, Darlington\, DL1 5RP\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Accessibility
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://differencenortheast.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/darlington2.png
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