Glasgow Disability Alliance

31/12/2025

We are extremely proud of our CEO Tressa who has declined an MBE in the New Year's honours list, showing great integrity, courage and leadership to speak up and speak out about the treatment of disabled people across the UK.

Read her reasons in the BBC news article:
BBC News - Disability charity chief condemns UK government as she rejects MBE

Tressa Burke, chief executive officer of the Glasgow Disability Alliance, says the situation facing disabled people in the UK is "simply intolerable".

19/12/2025

The GDA Office is closed for the holidays from 20th December - 4th January. During this time, our phone lines and emails will not be monitored.

Glasgow Helps (0141 276 1185) is open over the holiday season for advice and signposting to events, activities, and support.

If you are feeling low, anxious, or depressed over the holidays, telephone/text services like Samaritans (116 123) Breathing Space (0800 83 85 87) or NHS 24 (111) are available to support you. Shout (85258) is a free, confidential text support service available 24/7.

Looking forward to seeing everyone when we're back on 5th January! Enjoy your holidays everyone!

19/12/2025

Make an end-of-year donation of what you would have spent on Christmas cards and stamps via and send up to x100 Christmas e-cards (with some designs by GDA members) in support of Glasgow Disability Alliance! 🎄❤️

https://www.dontsendmeacard.com/ecards/charities/glasgow-disability-alliance

19/12/2025

Thanks to everyone who came along to our fun -and messy- Christmas cookie making session! Enjoy your sweet treats!

Contact Learning@gdaonline.co.uk to find out what's on offer in the New Year!

18/12/2025

GDA members have been getting creative with festive arts and crafts! What is your favourite holiday craft or project? Even if you don’t have a cupboard of craft materials, this is a great time to get inspired by the materials you have around the house to make an ornament, a card, some artwork, or a handmade gift for someone.

15/12/2025

What is it like getting around your local area by walking, wheeling, or cycling?

Please fill in our Active Travel survey so we can include your thoughts in our Accessible Travel Framework project with Transport Scotland.

Have your say: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/atfactivetravelsurvey/

An Easy Read version can be downloaded from our website: https://disabilityequality.scot/news/community-transport-and-active-travel-surveys/

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11/12/2025

Have you heard of GDA’s new Empower project? This project is geared towards people aged 65 and over who would benefit from advice on how to save money, cut costs, learn digital skills, and take part in fun learning activities!

GDA can provide:
-help to review your subscriptions.
-support to use comparison tools to check your energy, broadband or phone costs.
help to check eligibility for available social tariffs.
-Energy Advice.
-Welfare Rights Advice.
-1-to-1 coaching to build your confidence online, e.g. online banking, shopping, social media and more!

Get in touch to learn more about Empower! Call 0141 556 7103 ( Freephone: 0800 432 0422) or email JB@gdaonline.co.uk

11/12/2025

Here is a round up of winter activities that are inclusive for families of disabled and additional needs children across Scotland.

Events include relaxed Santa visits, sensory play, accessible film showings, craft sessions, silent discos, ASN friendly theatre, ice skating, Christmas parties and more. ✨

The list has been organised by region to make it easier to find events local to you. We do not have direct experience of these events, so to find out more about whether an event is suitable for your family, we suggest contacting the organiser directly or checking out the accessibility information at Euan's Guide.

We know there are many, many other events taking place so if you know of more, please add them to the comments below!

Activities by region (alphabetical)

📍 Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire

• Santa’s Workshop 2025 at Bon Accord Centre, relaxed session Sunday 30 November. https://www.citizenticket.com/events/charlie-house-2/santa-s-workshop-2025/

• We Too SC045895 inclusive relaxed sessions across North East Scotland. Activities include Elf School, Anime Art Academy, Ice Skating, Gymnastics, Lego, Santa Grotto and storytelling. https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/we-too

• Innoflate relaxed ASN inflatable sessions, first Monday of every month. Wheelchair accessible, calm environment. https://innoflate.co.uk/aberdeen/sessions/relaxed-asn-inflatable-park-aberdeen/

📍Argyll and Bute

• Oban Winter Festival, a range of winter events: https://obanwinterfestival.com/
• Helensburgh Festival of Light including Winter Wonderland: https://destinationhelensburgh.org/whats-on

📍 Ayrshire

• Sense Scotland Connect and Play Christmas Party. Christmas activities suitable for children aged 0 - 12 with communication and sensory support needs, their siblings, and families. Saturday 13 December at TouchBase Ayrshire: https://ow.ly/lM2p50XooFA

📍 Clackmannanshire

• Play Alloa ASN after school group, year round: https://www.playalloa.co.uk/childrens-activities

📍 Dumfries and Galloway

• Parents Inclusion Network member events, including:
Babes in the Woods, Castle Douglas, 6 December
Aladdin, Dumfries, 7 December
Alice in Pantoland, Stranraer, 8 December

📍 Dundee

• Leisure and Culture Dundee events: https://www.leisureandculturedundee.com/events
• Dundee & Angus ADHD Support Group Christmas bingo night, Thursday, December 11th, 6:30pm. To reserve tickets, email info@adhddasupport.org or visit:
• The Yard Christmas parties across Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Fife (members only) https://theyardscotland.org.uk/christmas-parties/
• Winter Westfest, Perth Road, Thursday 27 November 4-8pm: https://dundeewestfest.org/winter-westfest/

📍 East Lothian

• STAND East Lothian Sensory Stay and Play, 14 December, Port Seton: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/asn-sensory-stay-and-play-1359949
• John Muir Alpacas trekking and events, year round: https://www.johnmuiralpacas.co.uk/

📍 Edinburgh

• Scottish Parliament Crafternoons: free drop in every Saturday in December (except 27th). For info email: visit@parliament.scot.
• Sensory Friendly Supper with Santa, Ikea Edinburgh
Wednesdays 10th and 17th December, 5pm and 6pm slots
To register visit https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/stores/events/ikea-edinburgh/sensory-friendly-supper-with-santa--4c5ad990-6aeb-4f86-99f7-2b074312e194/
• Winter Family Trail at St Cecilia’s Hall, 15 November to 20 December, 10-4pm daily: https://www.stcecilias.ed.ac.uk/event/winter-family-trail/
• Glimerton Library: free Christmas movies on 29 November, 6, 13 and 20 December. gilmerton.library@edinburgh.gov.uk.
• Bumps and Bairns sessions at Dr Bells Family Centre including sensory play and Christmas keepsake making. For those with babies (up to 9 months). https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dr-bells-family-centre-bumps-and-bairns-october-december-25-tickets-1718977611309.
• Friday Friends for d/deaf and visually impaired children, rotating city venues - https://www.nms.ac.uk/events/friday-friends
• Seagull Trust Cruises- Falkirk. Christmas Canal Cruises, Ratho, 1 to 16 December
• The Yard Christmas parties across Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Fife (members only) https://theyardscotland.org.uk/christmas-parties/

📍 Falkirk
• Home-start Wee Totties play parties. Denny Sensory Party , 3rd December and Falkirk Sensory Party 4th December: https://hsfalkirk.org.uk/
• Impact Arts parent and child therapeutic art sessions in Renfrewshire, Falkirk and North Lanarkshire: https://www.impactarts.co.uk/project/art-wise/

📍 Fife

• Hyperclub Christmas Party, 17 December: https://www.hyper-club.org.uk/services
• Nourish Support Centre family Christmas craft day, 4 December:
• Lochore Meadows Country Park adaptive equipment, year round: https://active.fife.scot/activities/activity-pages/adventure-activities/adaptive-equipment
• The Yard. Christmas parties across Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Fife (members only) https://theyardscotland.org.uk/christmas-parties/

📍 Glasgow

• Brick Lane Music Academy ASN music sessions: https://bricklanepaisley.co.uk/brick-lane-music-academy/
• The Boardwalk festive film screenings on 21 December: https://events.humanitix.com/host/the-boardwalk-glasgow
• Indepen-dance inclusive dance, year round:
• Reidvale Adventure Play, year round: https://www.rapa.org.uk/
• Sense Scotland Connect and Play Christmas Party on 14 December: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/christmas-party-touchbase-glasgow-tickets-1905316846979?aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBEwbWMwbkE5aHg5THNtTFdkMHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6H7a_UIq58Tm7kRDshsGiOzcSe4UEhNjf7Mx5W8ZG-FT7DVJkHiBUfKN31_Q_aem_xhTfPBQVZWgZJzqfRxqEHA
• Glasgow Winter Wonderland, Glasgow Green, 5 December.
• Cinder Fella ASN friendly panto session: https://www.glasgowswinterwonderland.com/event/the-festive-big-top-live-at-glasgows-winter-wonderland-on-the-green-asn/
• ASN ice skating session, 5 December, Glasgow Green: https://www.glasgowswinterwonderland.com/event/ice-skating-at-glasgows-winter-wonderland-on-the-green-asn-sessions/
• The Yard. Christmas parties across Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Fife (members only) https://theyardscotland.org.uk/christmas-parties/

📍 Highland

• Disability and multi sports clubs, Culloden: https://booking.highlifehighland.com/
• Snap Inverness Christmas Spectacular, 17 December: https://bookwhen.com/snapinverness

📍 Lanarkshire and North Lanarkshire

• Disco Buddies for adults with disabilities, Coatbridge and East Kilbride:https://discobuddies.co.uk/
• Lanarkshire Deaf Hub Christmas Party, 12 December: Email Families@lanarkshiredeaf.org
• Play Peace year round ASN support: https://playpeace.org.uk/
• M and D Theme Park ASN and BSL events including ice skating: https://scotlandsthemepark.com/asn-news/
• Believe in Santa ASN sessions: https://scotlandsthemepark.com/product/believe-in-santa-asn-2/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
• Impact Arts parent and child therapeutic art sessions in North Lanarkshire: https://www.impactarts.co.uk/project/art-wise/

📍 Na h Eileanan Siar (Western Isles)

• Aline Community Woodland activities: https://www.adventurewheels.co.uk/accessible-routes/aline-community-woodland

📍 Orkney

• Family sensory swim sessions and accessible film screenings, year round: https://pickaquoy.co.uk/swim/family-sensory-friendly-session/
• Rumpelstiltskin relaxed performance, Orkney Theatre, 9 December: https://www.facebook.com/palaceplayersorkney

📍 Perth and Kinross

• SHIP - Support, Help and Integration in Perthshire support and activities for children with additional needs: https://www.ship-perthshire.co.uk/

📍 Renfrewshire

• Upcycling and festive crafts for adults at Glenburn Library Tuesdays 3-4.30pm.
• Christmas card making for adults at Paisley Central Library, 3 December.
Limited places for both. To book tel :0300 300 1188 or email libraries@renfrewshire.gov.uk

• The Great Christmas Adventure at Paisley Town Hall, 14 December: https://renfrewshireboxoffice.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173667767

• GLOW creative classes for young people with ASN, 10 and 17 December: https://www.whatsonrenfrewshire.co.uk/event/134668-glow---creative-classes-for-young-people-with-asn/
• Impact Arts parent and child therapeutic art sessions in Renfrewshire: https://www.impactarts.co.uk/project/art-wise/

📍 Scottish Borders

• Meeting of Minds silent disco, Ednam Village Hall, 13 December: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/pop-up-event-christmas-silent-disco-party-tickets-1488488712809?aff=erelexpmlt&_gl=1*1ni9iwy*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTk1MDg2MzEwNi4xNzY0MDgwODY5*_ga_TQVES5V6SH*czE3NjQwODA4NjkkbzEkZzAkdDE3NjQwODA4NjkkajYwJGwwJGgw

📍 West Lothian

• Bo ness and Kinneil Railway Santa Steam Trains in December: https://www.bkrailway.co.uk/
• Hippodrome relaxed film screening of Grow, 6 December: https://www.hippodromecinema.co.uk/
• Carers of West Lothian Lego session, 5 December: https://cowl.org.uk/events/10/7/2025/innoflate-session-9jbw5-7j55x

📍 Scotland wide

• Play Scotland year round play ideas: https://www.playscotland.org/
• Autism friendly and captioned cinema screenings across Scotland: https://accessiblescreeningsuk.co.uk/
• Impact Arts parent and child therapeutic art sessions across Scotland: https://www.impactarts.co.uk/project/art-wise/

A big thank you to Jordan who kindly researched and pulled together the list of activities for the winter break ❤️

11/12/2025

If you are sending e-cards to friends and family this holiday season, consider sending a Christmas card designed by a GDA member!

Choose the amount you would like to donate to support our community. Browse the available designs here: https://www.dontsendmeacard.com/ecards/charities/glasgow-disability-alliance

10/12/2025

On we're reflecting on GDA's 2025 Survey in which 91% of 756 respondents cited disabled people's equality & human rights as a key concern, due to disabled people being under attack & deprioritised, esp with cuts to benefits & vital supports & services.

You can read the full 2025 GDA Survey Report here:
https://gda.scot/resources/rights-now-disabled-peoples-experiences-of-poverty-inequality-and-call-to-action/

10/12/2025

The Scottish Human Rights Commission have marked with its State of the Nation Report, showing economic, social & cultural rights are out of reach for too many. It highlights disability benefits do not provide a decent standard of living & are at risk of retrogression.

The report features the lived experience of rights holders, including disabled people; highlights areas where Scotland is falling short of its human rights obligations; & makes recommendations to ensure accountability for upholding .

The full State of the Nation report is available here: https://scottishhumanrights.com/projects-and-programmes/state-of-the-nation/

10/12/2025

On we’re one of 180+ organisations across the UK standing together to call out recent rhetoric from govt & demand better of the Prime Minister. Disabled people need leadership that strengthens rights, not weakens them, because dignity, fairness & accountability matter.

Thanks to for organising the letter which can be seen, with the full list of signatories, here:https://bihr.org.uk/media/k5rnkcfe/hrd2025-letter-designed.pdf