Darlington Association on Disability

17/06/2026

Public transport works best when the people who use it are listened to — and that’s exactly what our Travel Champions are helping to make happen.

As part of our ongoing quality checking work, autistic people and people with a learning disability go out into the community to review local public transport, looking at what’s working well and what could be improved to make journeys more accessible. Their lived‑experience insight is shaping real change and strengthening the push for better, fairer transport.

It’s great to see this conversation being highlighted during , and we’re proud to add our voice to the call for transport systems that include everyone.

Public transport connects us to the people and places that matter.

For Campaign for Better Transport’s , we're asking disabled people: what makes your journeys better?

Share what works, what gets in the way and what must change: https://www.transportforall.org.uk/blog/2026/06/15/what-does-better-transport-mean-to-you/

Image description:
A bold graphic image with a blue textured background. Black text on yellow banners says "What does better transport mean to you?" Underneath black text says "It's ! Join the conversation and let the world know what better transport means to you.

17/06/2026

Just a reminder of tomorrow’s session - Thursday 18th June 10-12noon. Hope to see you there!

DASH Parent and Carer’s Drop In’s

Come along to our friendly drop-in sessions - a chance to chat, share experiences and get support in a relaxed environment.

Come and meet the team and talk to us about the services available for children and young people.

Upcoming sessions:

June:
Thursday 18th June - 10-12noon
Thursday 25th June - 3-5pm

July:
Thursday 16th July - 3-5pm
Friday 17th July - 10-12noon

At DAD Independent Living Hub, West Lodge, West Crescent, Darlington, DL3 7PS

No booking needed - Just Drop in

For more information:
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01325-489999

17/06/2026

Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism – Fully Funded Sessions in Darlington.

As part of Learning Disability Awareness, we are encouraging health and social care professionals to complete The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism.

This nationally recognised training provides the health and social care workforce with the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to deliver safe, compassionate and informed care for autistic people and people with a learning disability.

Fully funded places are available through the Integrated Care Board (ICB) for NHS staff. Free parking and refreshments will be provided.

Upcoming Sessions – Week Beginning 22 June 2026

Monday 22 June | 9.30am–4.30pm
Tier 2 Training
Tandem and Tandem Hub (formerly Morrisons Trust), Morton Park Business Training Centre, Yarm Road, Darlington, DL1 4PJ
Book here: https://academy.boost.org.uk/events/69ca90651ce3e412ef928569

Tuesday 23 June | 9.30am–4.30pm
Tier 2 Training
Middleton St George Community Centre, Station Road, Middleton St George, DL2 1JG
Book here: https://academy.boost.org.uk/events/69ca90cc1ce3e412ef928636

Thursday 25 June | 9.30am–4.30pm
Tier 2 Training
Tandem and Tandem Hub (formerly Morrisons Trust), Morton Park Business Training Centre, Yarm Road, Darlington, DL1 4PJ
Book here: https://academy.boost.org.uk/events/69ca913d1ce3e412ef9286c1

If you would like to arrange a bespoke session for your organisation at a time and date that suits your team, or if you are a colleague from the social care or voluntary sector, please contact:
[email protected]

Please share with colleagues who may benefit from this important training.

16/06/2026

Youth Focus: North East are advertising for peer researchers.

They are interested in hearing from young people who are interested in impacting policy, practice and making a change.

There are 4 positions available,
Applicants need to be aged 16-25
3 hours per week.
£13.45 per hour.
It will be a mixture of online and face-to-face meetings in the North East

To apply, send a covering letter to [email protected]
Closing date is: Friday 26th June
Interview date is: Monday 13th July.

For more information, email address above. Or phone: 0191 447 9966
Or visit: www.youthfocusne.org.uk

16/06/2026

We’re proud to be an official partner of Better Transport Week 2026 - a national celebration of how better transport connects people, places and opportunities.

As part of The Good Life Collaborative, we lead the Travel With Confidence project here in Darlington, working alongside our partners who deliver the programme across the wider Northeast and Cumbria. Together, we’re focused on removing barriers, improving access, and making everyday travel safer, easier and more inclusive.

In Darlington, our work includes:

Supporting people to build confidence with public transport
Carrying out quality checks on local transport routes and stations
Working closely with transport partners to improve accessibility
Sharing insight from disabled people to shape better services

Better Transport Week is a chance to highlight the impact of this collaborative work - and to recognise the organisations across the region who share our commitment to accessible, inclusive travel.

We’ll be sharing more throughout the week, including learner experiences and a live journey with our friends at the Bishop Line Community Rail Partnership.

16/06/2026

Great to see this highlighted for .

Joanne and Hazel were pleased to join this event and connect with partners who share our commitment to improving accessible, inclusive travel across the region.

The work happening along the Settle–Carlisle line shows what’s possible when organisations come together to remove barriers and support people to travel confidently and independently.

We’re looking forward to continuing this collaboration and building on the momentum across the North East and Cumbria.

15/06/2026

We’re marking Better Transport Week by celebrating the work of our regional partnership to improve travel opportunities for autistic people and people with a learning disability across the North East and Cumbria.

Last year, we launched the Travelling With Confidence project in partnership with Your Voice Counts Adapt North East Bridge Creative Skills for People and People First Independent Advocacy — funded by the Motability Foundation. Together, we’re working to tackle the barriers that make travel difficult, and to support people to build the confidence, skills and independence they need to get out and about.

Better Transport Week is a great opportunity to highlight why accessible, inclusive travel matters — connecting people to work, education, friendships and the places that are important to them.

You can read more about the project here: https://www.yvc.org.uk/single-post/new-project-to-tackle-travel-barriers-for-people-with-learning-disabilities-launches-today

We’ll be sharing more throughout the week about the work happening across the partnership.

15/06/2026

Have Your Say About Health and Social Care

The Be Human movement, hosted by In Control Partnerships, is inviting disabled people and anyone who draws on care and support to share their experiences of health and social care services.

Your views will help build a public record of people's experiences and influence future policy and practice across the NHS, local councils and government. Whether your experience has been positive, negative or mixed, we want to hear from you.

Responses can be anonymous, will be stored securely, and will never be shared with third parties.

Take part here:
https://puttingpeoplefirst.limeask.com/326247

Please share this survey with others. The evidence gathered will be used to campaign for improvements in health and social care services.

15/06/2026

June is Learning Disability Pride Month.

What makes Learning Disability Pride different from other Pride events?
Learning Disability Pride is about being proud of having a learning disability. It celebrates the experiences, strengths, achievements and identity of people with learning disabilities.

This year, Learning Disability Pride is being celebrated throughout June, giving people the freedom to take part in a way that works for them—whether for an hour, a day, a week or the whole month.

There are many ways to get involved, from sharing a social media post and meeting friends to organising a community celebration.

However people choose to take part, the message is simple: be proud of who you are and help make Learning Disability Pride a celebration for everyone.

14/06/2026

NHS England Learning Disability and Autism Programme is sharing information about the importance of recognising the signs and symptoms of diabetes.

Diabetes Symptoms – Know the Signs:
Knowing the signs of diabetes can help people get the support and treatment they need as early as possible.

Watch this short video to learn more about the signs and symptoms of diabetes:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIhy-Rb2xp4

If you notice any symptoms of diabetes, speak to your GP or call NHS 111 for advice.

Getting help early is important and can make a real difference.

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