Our latest news

The latest news from Difference.

The Social Model of Disability and Parenting

21 February 2024

By Debbie Austin, from North-East and Cumbria Learning Disability Network, talks about how the social model of disability helps her be a better parent. Learning about the social model of disability changed my life. I was 25 and travelling in Australia occasionally working as a physio, and generally having a great year or so away…. Read more »

Disability Devolution: North East Combined Authority Mayoral Elections

1 December 2023

Ahead of the North East Combined Authority elections for a new regional mayor in May 2024, we have some important points to raise. See below for our Disability Devolution manifesto, which outlines what Disabled people in the North East need for a fair and equal region to live, work and play. Disability Devolution NEMCA Manifesto… Read more »

Children in Needism

21 November 2023

Our Training and Campaigns Coordinator Bea, writes about why Children in Need is problematic today. Disabled children have the right to be included in their local community and to do the kinds of things that non-disabled children do. They have the right to support to help them do this. Following the ‘Rights not Charity’ chant… Read more »

Jeremy Hunt! Strengthen Our Threadbare Safety Net!

8 November 2023

Jeremy Hunt! Strengthen Our ‘Threadbare Safety Net’! Along with Over 50 North East organisations, Difference North East has signed a letter to Chancellor Jeremy Hunt asking him to strengthen our threadbare safety net at this month’s Autumn Statement “…forcing low income families – who have borne the brunt of the cost of living crisis –… Read more »

Locked Down Again – When a café up the road opened, I hoped for a social lifeline, somewhere to meet work colleagues and friends. The reality of visiting the Café, though, left me with a sense of alienation and rejection.

17 October 2023

When a café up the road opened, I hoped for a social lifeline, somewhere to meet work colleagues and friends. The reality of visiting the Café, though, left me with a sense of alienation and rejection. Earlier this year a new café opened near where I live with a hipster-type vibe, with a 10pm licence,… Read more »

Disabled People’s Manifesto

26 September 2023

DPO Forum England, the collective voice of Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisations in England, has published the Disabled Peoples Manifesto. The manifesto highlights a list of asks of the next UK government. You can find a link to the full manifesto at the end of this article. The DPO Forum is made up of Deaf… Read more »

What skills do Disabled People have?

20 September 2023

Disabled Researcher, Abby Moses, is looking for participants for her study at Durham University. You can download an Easy Read version here: Disabled People’s skills study- Easy Read Hi, my name is Abby, and I am a Disabled researcher doing a study on what skills Disabled People have. When I first started using a walking… Read more »