Author: Neil Armstrong

We are working with Professor Janice McLaughlin, from Sociology at Newcastle
University on a project called ‘Exploring the inequalities and diversities in disabled
young people’s lives’. We informed the development of the project which is led jointly
by Newcastle, Glasgow and Northumbria Universities and is funded by the Economic
and Social Research Council.

Disability North has a strong relationship with Newcastle University, and we are always
happy to be involved with such projects. Vici Richardson, Disability North’s Chief Executive
feels particularly passionate about the cause:

‘I have a 20-year-old son. He lives with a condition called Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, over the last few years as he has grown into adulthood there have been many support systems to navigate and many cliff edges that we have tried not to fall off! The process of moving from the safety of the home and education can be daunting. Navigating, further education, adult social care, independent living can feel scary. It’s difficult to manage and there’s a lot of things we could do to make it easier for the young people and their parent/carer.”

Vici now chairs the advisory group meetings and says ‘The project is coming along brilliantly.
Some animations are being co produced with the panel of advisors and participants are now
being recruited.

There are some great people involved in this research. For example, Amanda Bailey is the
Director of the North East Poverty Commission, and sits on the advisory group. She has a
wealth of knowledge about young people and local government, and her input is invaluable.
This research project has the potential of influencing future policies in the northeast and
Scotland. We are really excited to see it progress.

For further information you can visit the website

https://disabilityandyouthtransitions.co.uk/

By Vici Richardson, our CEO

Last month we held our first trustees strategy day. It was the first one I have done in my position as CEO and 5 out of 7 of our trustees are new to the board. We had some great facilitation from Nick Sinclair and he expertly guided the day and captured discussions.

Lunch was provided by our resident chef Dawn. She is currently one of our receptionists but having owned many eateries over the years she jumped at the chance to host lunch and what an amazing lunch it was!

The energy, enthusiasm and commitment in the room was fantastic. The thread running through the day was passion and commitment and a drive for change. I definitely saw that from our trustees and the staff who attended and who contributed via our staff survey. Every single member of staff and trustee is committed to serving disabled people across our region.

Promoting our key value of inclusion whether that is financial inclusion as part of our skilled welfare benefits team or employability as part of our training offer and promoting inclusive practices. Our community care and direct payments team are committed to ensuring those who draw on social care have choice and control and are able to live their lives as they choose with support that works for them.

As we come to the end of our current 5 year strategy I am looking forward to developing our new 5 year strategic vision with the board, expertly led by Lucy Reynolds. 

We want to ensure we continue to hear from staff, stakeholders and disabled people across the region. I am optimistic for the next 5 years and committed to working with our incredible staff team to implement the plan. I am looking forward to strengthening current partnerships locally, regionally and nationally.

I’m under no illusions life is tough right now for so many but together I believe we can make a difference and until we see that difference we will be here to support disabled people and their families ensuring you are at the heart of everything we do.

Introducing Paul, who works on the Direct Payments Team….

What is your role at Disability North and how long have you worked here?

I am a Direct Payment Advisor – I have worked at Disability North for a year.

Can you describe at average day at work for you?

A average day can range from speaking to clients for support with adverts/recruitment/employment advise/speaking to other agencies.

No day is the same!

What’s your favourite thing about your job?

I enjoy working with lots of different people daily, no two days are the same. I enjoy spending time with people and getting to know them.

What are you most proud to have achieved in your job?

Building relationships with some fantastic people.

This Q&A session is with one of our amazing receptionists, Dawn. She is the smiling face of Disability North in the mornings!

What is your role at Disability North and how long have you worked here?

I work on reception and I have been here 6 years.

Can you describe at average day at work for you?

I open and set-up the reception area and deal with emails and phone calls. I deal with customers using the shop and other people who are coming to use the training facilities. I also take messages and calls for our tenants, including Age UK, A Time 2 Talk, and Kare Plus. I deal with booking the demo area etc .

What’s your favourite thing about your job?

Meeting people and being as helpful as I can possibly be.

What are you most proud to have achieved in your job?

6 years ago, I had never used a computer, just for ordering shopping! I now have a better knowledge of people with disabilities. I did not realise that there are so many vulnerable people needing assistance, and I truly enjoy my job; it gives me a purpose to get up in the morning and every day is different.

What’s one thing you wish people knew about the people you work with?

How dedicated and kind everyone is, nothing is too much .