Making Life Easier
Have you ever felt like simple tasks, catching a bus, visiting a shop, or attending a healthcare appointment, are harder for you than they should be? You’re not alone. How would you go about making life easier for all of us?
This May and June, Difference North East is hosting a series of small, friendly discussions across the North East to hear from people who face these challenges every day. Whether you live with a health condition, struggle with mobility, or just find that many places and services aren’t designed with you in mind, we want to listen.
Why Your Voice Matters
Everyday barriers, like buses that don’t stop long enough, shops with no seating, or services that don’t understand your needs, can make life frustrating. But when these problems go unheard, nothing changes.
That’s why we’re bringing together small groups of just 10 people per session to:
- Share experiences in a relaxed, no-pressure setting
- Identify common challenges in your local area
- Suggest practical improvements that could make a real difference
This isn’t about activism or labels, it’s about real conversations that lead to real changes. Your feedback will be shared (anonymously) with local organisations and decision-makers to help shape better services.
Upcoming Events
Hartlepool
📅 Tue 13 May, 1-3pm
📍 Central Hub (Changing Places toilet available)
🤝 Co-hosted with CLIP (https://www.clipuk.org/)
🔒 10 spaces only
📧 Book: Email claire@differencenortheast.org.uk
Stockton-on-Tees
📅 Wed 14 May, 11am-1pm
📍 Wellbeing Hub
🤝 Co-hosted with NeuroKey (https://neurokey.co.uk/)
🔒 10 spaces only
📧 Book: Email claire@differencenortheast.org.uk
Gateshead
📅 Wed 21 May, 2-3pm
📍 Central Library
🔒 10 spaces only
📧 Book: Email bex@differencenortheast.org.uk
Darlington
📅 Fri 23 May, 10:30am-12:30pm
📍 Dolphin Centre (Changing Places toilet available)
🤝 Co-hosted with Darlington Association on Disability (https://www.darlingtondisability.org/)
🔒 10 spaces only
📧 Book: Email claire@differencenortheast.org.uk
Amble
📅 Thurs 22 May, 12-1pm
📍 Dry Water Arts
🔒 10 spaces only
📧 Book: Email bex@differencenortheast.org.uk
Online Session
📅 Tue 20 June, 6-7:30pm
💻 Zoom (captions available)
🔒 10 spaces only
📧 Book: Email bex@differencenortheast.org.uk
Redcar
📅TBA (June)
🔒 10 spaces only
📧 Book: Email claire@differencenortheast.org.uk
Who Should Come?
These events are for anyone who:
- Finds daily life more difficult than it needs to be
- Has ever thought, “Why isn’t this easier?”
- Wants to share their experiences, without jargon or pressure
No diagnosis or label required. If this resonates with you, you belong here.
How to Get Involved
Spaces are limited to 10 people per session to ensure everyone has time to contribute. To book:
- Email the contact for your preferred event
- Let us know if you have any access needs
- Come along for a relaxed, solutions-focused chat
