Campaigns

Our campaigning work

GCIL is part of the inclusive living movement, and a Disabled people’s organisation and as such we have a responsibility to share and amplify the voice of disabled people. Here are some of the things we are actively involved in.

GCIL Lived Experience IMPACT Group

This is a small group of our members who want to have an impact on different aspects of social care and ensure that lived experience remains at the heart of decision-making.

Join Our Young People’s Working Group

Are you a young disabled person looking to share your experiences and help shape future support services? We’re launching a Living Experience Young People’s Working Group, giving young people the chance to have their voices heard and influence real change.

This is a great opportunity to connect with others, share ideas, and make a difference.

Your Voice Matters: Join the PAPB Employment Subgroup!

Are you a Personal Assistant (PA) employer?

Do you have valuable lived experience managing PAs and navigating the challenges of recruitment, contracts, and funding? If so, we need you!

The PAPB Employment Subgroup is looking for new members to bring their insights, experiences, and expertise to our discussions. This group plays a vital role in shaping policies and practices that impact PA employers, ensuring that real-life challenges and solutions are at the heart of decision-making.

Non-Residential Care Charges – We Need Your Voice!

The Scottish Government has committed in its Manifesto and the current Programme for Government to abolishing all non-residential social care charges. However, Glasgow City Council recently issued a survey asking people if they were willing to continue paying for social care, raising serious concerns about accessibility and fairness.

GCIL members highlighted several issues with the survey process:

Unrealistic response times – Only one week was given to reply.
Online-only access – Many people struggle to complete online surveys without support.
No easy-read version – Making it inaccessible for many who need alternative formats.

We want to hear from you! How have these charges impacted your life? Share your experiences and help us push for real change.

Join our mailing list

Whether you are a GCIL member or not we would love to hear your views, understand your experiences and offer you the opportunity to get involved.

Latest News

New project: Voices at Work

GCIL is excited to launch Voices at Work, a new project bringing together disabled people to share their lived experiences of employment and help shape what truly inclusive workplaces should look like. Running from November 2025 to April 2026, the project will be co-produced by a core Steering Group and a Wider Consultation Group, exploring…

GCIL Marks 30 Years at Scottish Parliament Reception

GCIL celebrated 30 years of supporting disabled people at a reception hosted by Pam Duncan-Glancy MSP at the Scottish Parliament in September. The event featured a speech from the Shirley-Anne Sommerville, MSP Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, with other MSPs attending to show their support. Our chair Dr Jim Elder- Woodward, OBE and CEO Pauline…

Mandy’s story: Finding purpose through a new kind of role

Mandy was working as an accounts assistant in the aviation industry when she started looking for a new direction. She wanted something more meaningful — a role where she could make a real difference in someone’s life. With no background in care, Mandy wasn’t sure she had the right experience. But when she saw an…

Charlotte’s Journey in the Equality Academy

Charlotte was in the final year of her PhD in Medical Humanities (English Literature) when she applied for GCIL’s Professional Careers Programme. An academic career was becoming less viable — it would likely mean moving away from her established support network and the trusted healthcare professionals she relied on. Charlotte had always been interested in…

How Alan accessed specialist support through SDS

Alan lives independently in his own tenancy. He’s supported by his mum, his wider family, and a team of two Personal Assistants (PAs) that he employs through a Direct Payment. Alan has been assessed by the local authority at the highest level of need, described as ‘Complex’, and receives a Direct Payment budget for 12…

Getting the right support: Mr and Mrs Lennox’s Story

Mr Lennox cares for his wife, who lives with dementia. At the time he contacted GCIL’s Take Control office, she had a small support package: 3.5 hours of personal care each week and two days at a local day centre. But the personal care wasn’t working well. Carers often arrived late — sometimes after Mrs Lennox…