Charities

Darlington Association on Disability is an organisation led by disabled people, which exists to promote independence and choice. DAD supports disabled people and carers through the provision of services, support and information and by tackling issues affecting disabled people both locally and nationally. DAD manages a range of services and projects to support its aims including: Access interest Group: The Access Interest Group brings disabled people together to improve access for disabled people by addressing barriers created by both the physical and attitudinal environment Advocacy: Provides support to people who use or need to use social care services and who experience barriers in putting their views across. Advocacy: Some people find it more difficult and face more barriers to have their voice heard when decisions are being made that affect their life. DAD Advocacy Project aims to remove these barriers, working in partnership with the person to ensure they are involved in the decisions happening in their lives and safeguarding the person’s rights throughout the process. DAD can provide independent, experienced, and skilled advocates to support people to ensure their voice is heard and their rights upheld. Also includes Hate Crime Advocacy Service:; we support victims of hate crime and people with mental health needs who have been a victim of any crime Children and Young People’s Service: A range of services for children, young people and their families including play and leisure services and a Young Leaders project Direct Payment Support Service: Support for disabled people to control their care needs by managing a payment from the local authority. Disability Equality Training: Promotion of the Social Model of Disability and the Equality Act Information and Advice: provides comprehensive and up to date disability information and advice to disabled people, carers, and members of the public. We also proved advice on Energy Saving and the Cost of Living Independent Living Hub: A disability initiative offering education, training, self-development skills, social and leisure opportunities Mentoring for Independence supports young people, aged 13 - 25 years old, to learn Independent Living Skills, through the transition of being a child, to becoming a young adult. Peoples Parliament: A self-advocacy group supported by DAD Volunteer Project: Recruitment and supporting volunteers across DAD.

The de Havilland Aircraft Museum’s mission is to preserve and communicate the de Havilland Heritage to ensure that current and future generations of all ages will understand de Havilland’s contribution to innovative British Aviation technology. The de Havilland Aircraft Museum, the home of a unique collection of de Havilland Aircraft and artefacts. It’s the only Museum in the world where you can get close up to three of the iconic DH Mosquitos including the unique prototype, on display where it was designed and built. The de Havilland Aircraft Museum’s volunteers are dedicated to restore de Havilland aircraft and artefacts. The New Hangar as provided additional facilities that has enabled more of our aircraft to be under cover and ensure that the restoration process can continue in all weathers as well as providing our visitors with the opportunity to enjoy practical and informative learning opportunities.

Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) is a group of genetic skin conditions that cause the skin to blister and tear at the slightest touch. Those born with EB have skin so fragile they are called 'butterfly children' – their skin is quite simply as fragile as the wing of a butterfly.There is currently no known cure for EB. At DEBRA, our work is focused on funding research to change this, while also supporting people living with EB to enhance their quality of life through improved healthcare, access to information and respite care.