Community Work Is Never Done Alone

Every event we run, every conversation we hold, and every space we open up for disabled people in the North East is shaped by a network of people and organisations who choose to stand alongside us. Over the past month – and looking ahead – we’ve seen that support grow, from creative partners sharing their work, to venues opening their doors for free, to businesses funding access so more people can take part.

This blog is our chance to say thank you – and to show how that support strengthens our community.

Sharing Knowledge, Sharing Creativity

One of the most generous contributions this year came from DARK (Disability Action Research Kollective), who gave us permission to use and share member-produced zines. These zines aren’t just resources – they’re lived experience, creativity, and disabled culture in print.

Are you a young disabled person? Want to try your hand at zine making in Hartlepool this Sunday?

Local Businesses at the Heart of Community Access

It’s easy to assume that accessibility always needs big budgets. In reality, it’s often supported by small, local businesses quietly doing the work that enables disabled people to take part fully.

A huge thank you to Drake the Bookshop, who not only championed our recent work but also managed our book donation link, making it simple for supporters to gift books directly into our community.

Support like this may not look flashy, but it’s foundational. It helps us keep events free, accessible, and welcoming, especially for people who may be newly disabled or unsure whether they can afford to get involved.

Free, Accessible Spaces Matter

Access to physical space is one of the biggest barriers disabled-led groups face. When venues step up and offer their space for free, it isn’t just “a nice gesture”, it can be the difference between an event happening or not happening at all.

We’re incredibly grateful to:

• Hartlepool Art Gallery
• Newcastle Central Library
• Billingham Library
• Northern Stage
• Drywater Arts Centre
• Alphabetti Theatre

Their support meant that disabled people could gather in public cultural spaces without cost being pushed back onto our members, and allowed us to prioritise accessibility features like BSL, captions, and hybrid participation.

Funding Access: Making Sure Everyone Can Be in the Room

When organisations choose to sponsor accessibility directly, the impact is immediate and meaningful.

A huge thank you to Alnwick Estates and One IT Services and Solutions, whose sponsorship helped us fund BSL interpretation at our events.

Why This Support Matters

Everything we do at Difference North East is shaped by the belief that disabled people deserve to create spaces that reflect our experiences, our culture, and our needs. When other organisations and businesses back that work, they become part of the community, not by speaking for us, but by making sure we have what we need to speak for ourselves.

In-kind support, free venues, donated books, and funding for access all contribute to a North East where disabled people can gather, learn, create, and campaign together.

Most importantly, they show that community power grows when people choose to stand alongside each other.

Join Us and Be Part of What Comes Next

If you believe in this work, building disabled-led spaces, opening up conversations, and making the region more accessible, we’d love you to be part of it.

Joining Difference North East is free, easy, and open to anyone who wants to get involved.