Inclusion North is a Community Interest Company established in 2008 that exists to make inclusion a reality for all people with a learning disability, autistic people, and their families. We are a values-led organisation, believing in equality, rights, justice and inclusion for all. We work with people with lived experience, their families, partner organisations and our communities.

We challenge things we think are wrong and help find solutions. We speak up for what we believe in. We work together to change society so that everybody can have a good life and be a valued member of their communities.

Our work raises awareness of the barriers to inclusion and works to remove them. We pride ourselves on thinking differently and doing things creatively.

We are led by a Board of Directors who are supported by an Advisory Council. Our governing documents enshrine inclusion in our practice, by stipulating that half our Board of Directors and half our Advisory Council must be people with lived experience of learning disability or autism. Our governance practice is fully inclusive and accessible.

Our work spans the North East, North Cumbria, Yorkshire, Humber and Derbyshire.

We also work nationally and internationally to connect with bigger pieces of work and use our expertise and knowledge to influence change. The way we work enables us to be creative and dynamic and no one day is like another. Our work is diverse and changes over time, reflecting the challenges that people with a learning disability, autistic people and their families are facing. We take the lead on big, innovative projects and the team are all empowered in their jobs to use their initiative and think creatively to make change happen.

Our work and income can be split across four broad categories:

• A membership scheme for Local Authorities and Integrated Care Boards
• Bespoke work for diverse clients who approach us for help
• Our Hub of lived experience Experts who attend Care, (Education) and Treatment Reviews as part of an NHS programme, as well as doing other co-production work
• Work funded by charitable grants

Our strategic priorities for 2022-25 have

focused on:

• Citizenship, Rights, Inclusion and Equality
• Understanding the Integrated Care System and ensuring people have a voice in it
• People’s mental health and well-being
• Recognising intersectionality for people with a learning disability, autistic people and their families and ensuring this is reflected in our work