A NEWTON Aycliffe-based charity that helps thousands of people make positive changes to their lives has received an equality and diversity award.

Equality North-East awarded Disc (Developing Initiatives Supporting Communities) an Equality Standard Gold award in recognition of the value it places on diversity and its efforts to promote it through cultural events.

Mark Weeding, executive director of Disc, said: "Diversity isn't just a paper exercise. It has to be part of everything we do, part of our work culture.

“We understand that each individual is unique and recognise individual differences.

"As part of this commitment all staff get involved each year in organising cultural events for diversity week including awareness raising for Alcohol Awareness Week, Diverse Fashion Show and Cultural World Food celebrations.”

Liz Reay, chief executive of Equality North East, said: “I would like to congratulate Disc who has shown themselves as an organisation that does truly embed equality and the Equality Standard Gold Award is the outward evidence of that.

“They really value diversity which is evident in their workforce and service users.”

Disc offers support in a range of areas, including health, children and young people, families, housing, disability services, criminal justice and drug and alcohol misuse.

To find out more visit disc-vol.org.uk