Real

Who we are

About Real

Real is a user-led organisation run by Disabled people. 100% of our board and a significant majority of our staff and volunteers are Disabled.

We are deeply rooted in the history of the Disability rights movement, whose slogan “Nothing about us, without us” led to Disabled people taking control of their future, because they knew what they needed in order to achieve equality. Being user-led is fundamental to who we are and what we do, which is why Disabled people lead, shape, and review all of our work.

Who We Support

Real primarily works with Disabled people who live, work, study or volunteer in Tower Hamlets, but our constitution allows us to work beyond borough boundaries and to contribute to regional and national issues too. We support Disabled people of all impairment types, all age groups, all ethnicities and all other protected characteristics.

We support anyone who has an impairment, illness, injury or long-term health condition and who may face barriers to being included in society, whether they identify as Disabled or not. This includes, but is not limited to, an Equality Act 2010 definition of disability.

Our culture and values

Our Vision

A world without barriers where Disabled and D/deaf people are respected and empowered, and experience equity.

Our Mission

We empower all D/deaf and Disabled people to lead their best lives.

We promote equity and inclusion for all Disabled people.

We work together to ensure services meet all Disabled people’s needs and recognise our diverse lived experiences.

We combat intersectional discrimination, prejudice and ignorance against individuals, and challenge systemic barriers.

Our Values

·       Inclusive - We value diversity and strive to create inclusive spaces where all individuals feel welcomed, respected and values, fostering a culture of belonging for everyone.

·       Human Rights - We uphold and promote the fundamental dignity, equality, and rights of all individuals, ensuring that everyone is treated with fairness, respect and justice.

·       Social Model of Disability - We recognise that the barriers in society, not individual impairments, hinder full participation and we strive to create environments that empower everyone.

·       User Led - We are committed to being guided by the voices, experiences and leadership of Disabled people, ensuring their perspectives shape and drive everything we do.

·       Accessible - We prioritise accessibility, ensuring that our services, communications and spaces are useable and welcoming to everyone and encourage others to do the same.

We are passionate about hybrid working. The majority of our staff work in our Tower Hamlets based office at least once a week, usually on a Wednesday.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

At Real, fairness, inclusion, and equity are at the heart of everything we do. We are proudly user-led, with Disabled people guiding our vision, shaping our services, and leading our team. But our commitment goes beyond disability rights—we actively stand against all forms of discrimination, including racism, homophobia, transphobia, and other systemic inequalities.

We believe that true inclusion means creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and heard. That’s why we champion the Social Model of Disability, embed anti-racist and intersectional thinking in our work, and prioritise ongoing learning and reflection. Our staff and leadership reflect the diverse communities we support, and we’re always striving to do better.

If you’re passionate about equity, want to be part of a team that lives its values, and are looking to make a real difference alongside people with lived experience, then Real is the place for you.