THE Scottish Government has created a £1.6m fund to support those with learning disabilities to reach their full potential.
Third-sector organisations will be able to access The Learning Disability Support Fund, enabling them to promote equality and inclusion and improve access to health services and social activities for people with learning disabilities.
The fund aims to run for 30 months from October 2025, with a total of £325,000 available for the first year and £650,000 per year for the following two years.
Organisations can apply for grants of between £250 and £75,000.
Minister for wellbeing, social care and Sport, Maree Todd, said: “The last 30 years have seen 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.”
Celia Tennant, CEO at Inspiring Scotland said: “We are pleased to be managing the application process for the new phase of the Scottish Government’s Learning Disability Support Fund.
“We know from the past few years managing the Inspiring Inclusion fund the positive impact that empowering third sector organisations can have to deliver support for people in Scotland with learning disabilities to lead happy, healthy lives and create a more inclusive society.”
The Learning Disability Support Fund replaces the Inspiring Inclusion Learning Disability Fund, which previously supported six different charities and helped 6,000 people.
