Relationships are tricky things for many of us, including myself, and sometimes I think it’s a case of we can’t live with them and we can’t live without them. This year has been challenging for us all and it has certainly shown me that I can’t live without relationships, even if they have to be virtual. If this is how I am feeling, I’m pretty sure that it is the …
Making friends (and keeping them) – Christine’s story
When I think about it, it was in going to different groups that I got to meet lots of people, and I made friends that way. I met people when I started going to my local ACE group, then I got asked to join the national ACE group, so I met more people that way. Then it was through that, that I was asked …
Relationships matter for people with learning disabilities
The Scottish Commission for People with Learning Disabilities (SCLD) has launched ‘Relationships Matter,’ our first report generated from the landmark survey of people with learning disabilities in Scotland, carried out in 2019. The report focuses on relationships and loneliness, and explores some issues that relate to these, like happiness, choice, and support. SCLD developed the survey with a range of …
‘Building back better’ for everyone
To mark Scottish Housing Day 2020 and its social housing theme, SCLD’s Evidence & Policy Officer Lorne Berkley explores the the role and potential of social housing in the lives of people with learning/intellectual disabilities in Scotland… Over the last few months, we’ve all had to spend much more time at home. The response to the Covid-19 pandemic has changed …
Our Annual Review 2019-2020
We are delighted to share with you SCLD’s Annual Review for 2019-2020. During this challenging and difficult time, we are pleased to be able to look back on some highlights from last year and share some of the progress we made in finding new and better ways to improve the lives of people with learning/intellectual disabilities in Scotland. Join us …
Disabled Parents and Employability Support
The Scottish Government has announced an extra £1 million to support disabled parents to progress toward employment and to compete for suitable jobs. Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell made the announcement as part of the Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan progress update on 20 August. The additional funding will be delivered through the newly launched Parental Employment Support Fund (PESF). The …
A wee blether with… Jordan Allan
A wee blether with… Jordan Allan, who is Service Quality Director at Thera Trust Scotland, an organisation which seeks to demonstrate that people with learning disabilties can be leaders in society. Thera is co-managed by directors who have lived experience of learning disability, like Jordan… Hi Jordan – nice to meet you, even if it is through a …
Coronavirus restrictions in Scotland
Scotland is currently in Phase 3 of the routemap out of lockdown. ‘Phase 3’ sets in motion an easing of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown restrictions that Scotland has been subject to since March; however the Coronavirus infection rate is now rising again in Scotland. The Scottish Government’s message is ‘Stay safe, protect others, save lives’. Scotland moved to Phase 3 of …
A Pandemic of Loneliness…
Our Evidence & Research Officer, Ruth Callander, writes about how the COVID-19 pandemic has thrown what is really important to people with learning/intellectual disabilities into ever sharper focus… Coronavirus swept into our lives like a tidal wave, turning them upside down, and confining us to our homes. At SCLD, we very quickly adapted our ways of working; video calls and …
The impact of Coronavirus on people with learning disabilities
Since the Coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown began in March, SCLD has been considering the impact on people with learning/intellectual disabilities and our response. To help us do this, SCLD created two surveys, one for people with learning/intellectual disabilities and one for their parents, carers and supporters. The surveys were distributed during April – May 2020 and collected 350 responses; 127 from people with learning …