This weekend sees the official launch of a new disability rights charity in the region.
Difference North East will launch on Saturday 19 September and aims to give a collective voice to disabled people and campaign for equality across all aspects of life.
The charity fights for an end to discrimination on the grounds of disability. They collect everyday experiences of disabled people and use these to shape campaigns and drive change.
Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW)’s Chief Executive John Lawlor will be involved in a Q&A panel as part of the charity’s launch. The theme for discussion will be ‘Achieving Culture Change – How Do We Make Everyday Disableism Unacceptable?’ The panel will discuss in depth how to make the North East a fairer place for disabled people.
Other panel members include the charity’s Patron Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, David Barker MBE, Emma Lewell-Buck MP and disabled writer and activist Lisette Auton.
The launch event, ‘Celebrating Difference’, is taking place via Zoom on Saturday 19 September from 10.30am to 12.30pm.
The programme includes contributions from Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, a live performance from local disabled artist ‘gobscure’ and poetry performances.
Richard Boggie, Difference’s Development Manager, said: “We really want disabled people, their families and carers to come along and hear what we’re doing. It’s also a great chance for them to tell us about the issues they want us to work on – the barriers that make life that much harder, so we can focus on these issues through our work”.
John Lawlor added: “I’m thrilled to be playing some part in the launch of such an important initiative.
“We always have to ensure the needs of disabled people are front and centre and there is work to be done to make a difference to their everyday lives, giving them a better, fairer deal.”
The event will be BSL signed and live captioned.
To book a free place, simply fill in the registration form in order to receive more details and the event link.
For more information, go to the Difference North East website.