£1.6 million for learning disability support

Scotland has announced a £1.6 million fund for people with learning disabilities to allow them to reach their full potential.

The Learning Disability Support Fund will be available to third sector organisations to help them promote equality and inclusion, as well as improving access health services and social activities to people with learning disabilities.

The fund will be available from October 2025 and will run for 30 months, with a total of £325,000 available for the first year and £650,000 per year for the next two years Organisations can apply for grants of £75,000 and £250,000.

Minister for wellbeing, social care and sport, Maree Todd, said: “The last 30 years have been enormous changes in how people with learning disabilities are supported in society, however we recognise there is more work to be done.

“We know the third sector plays a crucial role in improving the lives of people with learning disabilities and this fund will support organisations to enable those they work with to lead fulfilling, independent, and active lives as equal citizens.

“The grants will be used to provide people with education and information on matters such as accessing health services and developing safe relationships.

“In developing the fund, we have taken into account the views expressed by people with learning disabilities in recent consultation and research and we will work closely with the third sector to ensure it makes a difference.”