The Dene Centre is the home of Disability North. It opened in 1985 and as an accessible building has served us well, but it now needs significant updates to continue providing a safe and welcoming space for all.

The first and most crucial stage of our renovation is replacing the roof. The existing roof has weathered many storms but is now showing its age. Funding has always been prioritised for Advice and Support but we can no longer ignore the leaks and the buckets increase each winter! Without a new roof, we cannot proceed with our broader vision of transforming our centre into a vibrant community hub.

Why This Matters

Our centre is more than just a building; it has been a lifeline for thousands of disabled people and their families. It is a place where people come to seek advice, receive support, and connect with others who understand their challenges.

Over the next five years we have ambitious plans including:

Inclusive Activities: A variety of events and programs tailored to the needs and interests of disabled people of all ages.

Support Services: Enhanced spaces for advice and support services, helping more people navigate the complexities of disability-related issues.

Community Engagement: A welcoming environment where people of all ages can come together, including a community cafe and sensory inclusive community garden.

How You Can Help

To complete the roof replacement, we need to raise an additional £50,000. Your donation, regardless of size, will make a significant impact. Here’s how you can get involved:

Make a Donation: Contribute any amount on this page or contact us for other ways to donate.

Sponsor a Slate: Our new roof requires 11,000 tiles. With a £25.00 donation, you can sponsor a slate and be listed on our “Hall of Fame” within The Dene Centre.

Corporate Sponsorship: Businesses can sponsor packs or rows of slates. For more details, please contact Vici at vicirichardson@disabilitynorth.org.uk.

Spread the Word: Share our appeal with friends, family, and on social media to help us reach a wider audience.

Fundraise for Us: Host a fundraising event in your community or workplace, or take part in an existing sporting event to help support the cause.

Your support will not only help us fix the roof, but through building on the rich history of those gone before we can work towards a fair and inclusive society that celebrates diversity. Where disabled adults, children, older people, and those who have a long-term health condition have equal choices, control, and opportunities

Our Mission remains to

Promote inclusion, independence, choice, and control for all disabled people.

Enable all disabled people to lead the fulfilling life that they choose.

Engage with policy makers and networks to get loud, make change, share lived experiences at local and national level and be a hub for everything connected with disability.

Remove societal barriers hindering access to opportunities in employment, education, volunteering, and healthcare.

Thank you for considering our appeal. We are grateful for any assistance you can provide and look forward to keeping you updated on our progress.

With heartfelt thanks,

The Disability North Team who are looking forward to a future without leaks and buckets