Darlington Association on Disability

Darlington Association on Disability Darlington Association on Disability is a voluntary and charitable organisation led by disabled people and carers to promote independence and choice.

Darlington Association on Disability
Centre for Independent Living

Registered Charity No. 1125848

We support disabled people and carers through the provision of services, support and information and by tackling issues affecting disabled people both locally and nationally. Visit our website at www.darlingtondisability.org for more detailed information and contact details. Continue for a brief out

line of Darlington Association on Disability (DAD). We are a Centre for Independent Living, offering support and services for disabled people including children, older people, people who have a learning difficulty or experience mental ill health. We support people of all ages and impairments. What does DAD Centre for Independent Living do? Advocacy: giving every person a voice of their own, making sure they are not excluded. Improves access for disabled people. Peer Support for disabled people to learn from one another. Works in Co-Production with others to make decisions and develop services that work for everyone. Offers support to people exploring and using Personal Budgets and Direct Payments. Training, advisors, practitioners, the voluntary sector, disabled people and carers on many topics, including Disability Equality. Campaigns on issues affecting disabled people’s lives. Information and advice Service, including disability rights, supports disabled people and carers to access the community, work, learning and playing independently; with choice, control and flexibility over their lives. Access Interest Group brings disabled people together to improve access for disabled people by addressing physical and attitudinal barriers. Carers’ Support Service provides free information and advice to anyone providing support to a family member, friend or neighbour because of age, illness or impairment. Children and Young People’s Service provides inclusive and accessible play and leisure opportunities and support. It runs DASH inclusive play and leisure sessions during holidays for disabled and non-disabled children between the ages of 3 to 16 years. Direct Payments Support Service provides a range of support about Direct Payments; one way to get more choice and control over social care support. Volunteer Project recruits and supports volunteers to work in DAD. Independent Living Hub offers support to disabled people to increase self-confidence; to identify and work towards personal goals. It also offers opportunities to meet new people, peer support and take part in a range of social activities. Independent Supporters working with children and young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and their families to increase choice and control.

Today we’re celebrating the incredible volunteers who make DAD what it is — from those who’ve been with us for decades t...
03/06/2026

Today we’re celebrating the incredible volunteers who make DAD what it is — from those who’ve been with us for decades to those who’ve joined us more recently and already made such a difference.

One long‑serving volunteer told us:
“I have always come away from DAD activities feeling that I have made some contribution. DAD value my time… I’ve never felt my time has been wasted.”

And one of our newer volunteers shared:
“Everyone has made me feel so welcome. I can volunteer at my own pace with amazing individuals. I feel like I can make a difference even as a new volunteer.”

That sense of belonging, purpose and shared commitment is exactly what makes our volunteer community so special. Whether someone has been with us for weeks or years, every person brings something unique — and every contribution matters.

Thank you to all our volunteers for your time, energy and heart. DAD simply wouldn’t be DAD without you.

Tuesday update from MFi and Young Leaders 💜MFi enjoyed tea of jacket potatoes cooked by the fabulous Sandra. We were als...
02/06/2026

Tuesday update from MFi and Young Leaders 💜

MFi enjoyed tea of jacket potatoes cooked by the fabulous Sandra. We were also joined by Anna and Heather to help prep for the carnival, which we are very excited to be part of.

Young Leaders continued to decorate carnival items, and some also had a visit from Emma from Youth Focus North East, who came to present some young people with their certificates from the Key Project and Young Inspectors programme.

One of the young people also found lots of caterpillars 🐛

We also celebrated a birthday, so of course there was cake 🎂

We are also very excited to say we have been nominated for an award, which we will share more about soon.

Open Session for NHS Staff – Tier 1 Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism, delivered by D....
02/06/2026

Open Session for NHS Staff – Tier 1 Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism, delivered by D.A.D.

Online session: Friday 5 June, 10:00am–11:00am

Funded places are available through the Integrated Care Board (ICB) for NHS staff.

Please register by 4 June:
https://academy.boost.org.uk/events/69cbb21264e095b682ba71a6

For bespoke sessions for social care and voluntary sector colleagues, contact:
[email protected]

Today we’re celebrating our amazing Children and Young Peoples Service (ChYPS) -  DASH volunteers — people who bring ene...
02/06/2026

Today we’re celebrating our amazing Children and Young Peoples Service (ChYPS) - DASH volunteers — people who bring energy, fun and huge amounts of heart to every session.

One DASH volunteer told us:

“You never know what’s going to happen on the day… but seeing the smile on the young people’s faces makes it all worth it.”

Our volunteers help create safe, joyful spaces where young people can grow in confidence, try new things and feel supported.

Thank you for everything you bring to DASH and to DAD.

Last night, the young people attending youth group helped us draw the raffle, and they did a fantastic job! They also he...
02/06/2026

Last night, the young people attending youth group helped us draw the raffle, and they did a fantastic job! They also held their own raffle, which was a great success.

We were treated to a fabulous performance from one of our young people, who wanted to share her talent with us. It was wonderful to see her confidence and enthusiasm shine through.

Congratulations to all of our raffle winners! Winners will be contacted over the next few days.

A huge, massive thank you to everyone who donated prizes and supported the raffle. We had some absolutely amazing prizes, and your generosity helped make the event such a success! 🎉

As you may have heard Citizens Advice Darlington had a fire in their office last week.  Everyone is thankfully safe. The...
01/06/2026

As you may have heard Citizens Advice Darlington had a fire in their office last week. Everyone is thankfully safe.

Their Community Support Team that run the Crisis Support and Community Care schemes is temporarily relocating to First Stop Darlingtonfrom tomorrow 2nd June 2026.

The team can still be contacted on the same telephone numbers and emails or in person at First Stop.

The drop in service for advice is still operating from their offices on Church Row, Monday-Friday 10am-12pm.

First stop is located at 32 Houndgate, Darlington, DL1 5RH.
Opening times: Monday-Friday 10-1pm & 2-4pm

For crisis support, phone: 0800 058 4055 or email: [email protected]

For community care scheme, phone: 01325 734990 or email: [email protected]

What an incredible Dance‑a‑thon! 💜Thank you to every young person, parent, carer and volunteer who brought so much energ...
01/06/2026

What an incredible Dance‑a‑thon! 💜

Thank you to every young person, parent, carer and volunteer who brought so much energy, joy and sparkle to the day — you were all amazing.

As promised, we’re sharing a big collection of photos so you can relive the fun and spot yourself, your friends and your favourite moments.

There were so many brilliant smiles we couldn’t possibly choose just a few… so enjoy the full gallery!

Thank you again to everyone who took part and supported the event — you made it unforgettable.

-a-thon @40

It’s National Volunteers’ Week — and this year feels extra special.DAD is celebrating 40 years of supporting disabled pe...
01/06/2026

It’s National Volunteers’ Week — and this year feels extra special.
DAD is celebrating 40 years of supporting disabled people and carers in Darlington, and we simply wouldn’t be here without the volunteers who have stood beside us every step of the way.

From long‑standing volunteers to those just starting their journey, every person who gives their time helps us grow, evolve and make a real difference in our community.

All week we’ll be sharing updates from the incredible volunteers who shape DAD.

Thank you for everything you do.

Places are available for a local session in Darlington on Thursday 4 June, 9.30am–4.30pm, for The Oliver McGowan Mandato...
01/06/2026

Places are available for a local session in Darlington on Thursday 4 June, 9.30am–4.30pm, for The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism Tier 2.

These funded places are available through the Integrated Care Board (ICB) for NHS staff.

Venue: Kings Church, Prospect Place, Whessoe Road, Darlington, DL3 0QT.
Free parking and refreshments provided.

Book now via Boost Learning Academy:
https://academy.boost.org.uk/events/69aeaae9aedebc0a3bef203e

For bespoke sessions, or for social care and voluntary sector colleagues, contact:
[email protected]

Address

Whessoe Technology Centre
Darlington
DL14WB

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+441325489999

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