Our Scotland team offers support, advice and information to families with disabled children, no matter what their condition or disability. We support families by running workshops, events and drop-in services, and by providing local information and resources.
What we do
Scotland enquiry line
We can provide information and support on a range of queries, from early years through to transitions into adult life.
You can speak to our Information Officer on 07458 046 071.
Workshops
We offer free workshops on a range of topics including sleep, guardianship, money matters and preparing for adult life. Our workshops are delivered both face-to-face and online and can be booked through our Eventbrite page.
Events
We run events throughout the year across Scotland, from drop-in support sessions to larger information days, where we work in partnership with local and national organisations. See our Facebook page for our latest events.
Support groups
Parent support groups provide parents of disabled children with essential practical and emotional support.
We can help you find and join friendly and supportive groups, or even set your own up. If you’re already run a support group, you can sign up to our support group e-bulletin for news and updates for your families.
To find out more about any of the above, please email us using the details below.
By Your Side Scotland
Our By Your Side service provides support to families of disabled and additional needs children – with or without a diagnosis – who are attending an appointment or staying in hospital.
We have monthly stands at the Queen Elizabeth University hospital in Glasgow and Wishaw General in Lanarkshire, where our friendly Parent Adviser provides a face-to-face drop-in service.
Information & Advice
Benefits & tax credits in Scotland
A comprehensive guide to every benefit with information on eligibility and how to claim.
Welfare benefits in Scotland
Education & learning in Scotland
Information and advice on additional support needs, school transport, bullying and disability discrimination.
Education & learning Scotland
Healthcare in Scotland
The structure of healthcare in Scotland, how to access services, and key resources for families with disabled children.
Healthcare in Scotland
Talking About Tomorrow
Our dedicated section about preparing for transition into adult life. Lots of information, resources and advice and links to useful organisations.
Talking about TomorrowThe information & advice pages on our website cover a wide range of topics; from early years to social care, health conditions to legal matters. You can find advice related to Scotland within each section.
Policy & Partnerships
We work in partnership with many professionals and organisations to provide the best possible support to families with disabled children. Please get in touch using the details below if you would like to work with us.
We have produced a range of research reports, and we are actively involved in several policy, parliamentary and advisory groups.
We also work with organisations, social services, education and health agencies across Scotland to make sure families with disabled children get a fair deal in government policies and legislation.
Influencing policy through consultation and engagement
Contact is a member of the Disabled Children & Young People’s Advisory Group. We have worked together with Down’s Syndrome Scotland, Family Fund, PAMIS (profound and multiple learning disabilities) and The Alliance to work with families to influence Scottish Government policy consultation and engagement.
Read our Parents’ Voice report, a recent snapshot of what families currently experience around support and planning of services, and parent carer views on two new policy developments in Scotland – the National Care Service and the National Transitions to Adulthood Strategy for Scotland.
UNCRC / UNCRPD update
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) sets out the rights of children and young people. On Tuesday 16 July 2024, Scotland became the first nation in the UK to embed the UNCRC into law.
It means that decision-makers are legally required to consult with children and young people on policy changes. Local and national officials and organisations will need to think specifically about how their policies impact children and young people. Consultations will need to take young voices into account to ensure they are listened to and taken seriously.
This is a huge step forward for children’s rights in Scotland and paves the way for positive and long-lasting changes in our society. The next step is to ensure that decision-makers understand their responsibilities and are held to account if they do not follow the law.
Find out more on the Together (Scottish Alliance for Children’s Rights) website.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Disabled People (UNCRPD) sets out right rights of disabled people. Find out more at Inclusion Scotland website.
The intention is to incorporate UNCRPD into Scots law. This will mean that public bodies have legal duties to deliver disabled people’s rights, and the law will set these rights out. A new Act to do this is expected during the Scottish Parliament 2021 to 2026.
Latest news and updates
Contact Scotland Facebook
Keep up-to-date on the latest news, events and activities in Scotland, as well as general resources and information for parent carers.
Contact Scotland Facebook
Contact Scotland Newsletter
Sign up to our newsletter to get the latest news, information and updates from Contact Scotland direct to your inbox.
Subscribe to our newsletterGet in touch
You can find us at:
Contact Scotland
The Melting Pot
15 Calton Road
Edinburgh
EH8 8DL
Phone: 07458 046 071
Email: [email protected]
National policy, campaigning & partnership work
Susan Walls
Phone: 07458 046 070
Email: [email protected]
General enquiries & advice
Donna Tomlin
Phone: 07458 046 071
Email: [email protected]
Marketing & communications
Caroline Thorley
Phone: 07579 851563
Email: [email protected]k
Welfare & benefits advice for Scotland
Freephone Helpline: 0808 808 3555
By Your Side Scotland | Parent Adviser
Lynn Shields
Phone: 07421 309263
Email: [email protected]
