Real

Who we are

About Real

Who are we? 
We’re a not-for-profit organisation that supports everyone living, working or studying in Tower Hamlets who is or has been disabled or who has a long-term health condition. 

We’re run by disabled people, for disabled people. Our board, our membership and the majority of our staff and volunteers are disabled. We believe this gives us a unique ability to make change happen and deliver services that meet the needs and aspirations of disabled people. 

Why are we here? 
We are driven by the social model of disability. Everything we do is based on the belief that there is nothing inherently wrong with disabled people and that it is the barriers created by society that create inequality.

Who are we here for? 
We are here for everyone who lives, works or studies in Tower Hamlets and has lived experience of disability or a long-term health condition.  

We exist for all of these people, irrespective of their impairment, age, gender, gender identity, ethnicity, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. 

We recognise that not everyone we think of as ‘disabled’ will identify that way. There are lots of reasons for this, including because they are Deaf and identify as a different cultural group, are HIV-positive and living positively, have an intermittent/fluctuating condition (such as epilepsy), have an ongoing health condition (such as diabetes), or they may want to resist the negative perceptions of disability because of society's attitude towards disabled people. 

However, whether the people we think of as disabled identify as ‘disabled’ or not, we call this group of people ‘our constituents’. 

We also work with disabled people’s families, friends, carers, social workers and other professionals because this benefits our constituents. But, if there was any conflict of interest between these people and a constituent, the needs and interests of the constituent would always come first. 

What is our aim? 
To support everyone living, working or studying in Tower Hamlets with lived experience of disability or long-term health conditions to have their human rights protected and upheld on an equal basis with others in a way that reflects the social model of disability and the United Nations Convention for Disabled People. 

What are our objectives? 
We want to support our constituents: 
•  have the same life chances as everyone else 
•  access their rights, including human rights 
•  overcome discrimination 
•  live independently*. 

* ‘Independently’ means living with any support they need, where they choose, how they want, with the money to do it. 

Why you should work for Real

We are a dynamic, growing third sector organisation and a user-led organisation of disabled people. We are firmly driven by our principles and ethos.

We are a progressive organisation, constantly looking to work more effectively. But this does not mean we abandon our principles.

We have a good reputation with our funders and our clients.

We actively embrace diversity in all forms. Our clients relate to us more because we reflect their reality.

We consider disability in our employees an asset.

There is a great atmosphere and good staff morale.

In a number of areas we are at the forefront of being part of an evolving and developing third sector in Tower Hamlets.