Following the re-opening the ILF, we are delighted that we have received 1,400 applications to the fund from disabled people with the most complex needs to access additional support they need and deserve to live independent lives.
To gather feedback, we recently contacted those recipients of the re-opened fund that had been in receipt of funding for a 12 month period. We asked about their experiences of using the funding and the difference it was making to their lives, and also about their experience of interacting with ILF Scotland during the process.
The majority of recipients reported that their independent living outcomes were achieved and that the funding had a significant impact on their wellbeing. Recipients spoke positively about their dealings with ILF Scotland indicating there was nothing we could have done better or differently as part of the process.
Overall, the feedback captured demonstrated a high level of satisfaction:
One Recipient we spoke to said:
“It’s been brilliant. I am living my best life. It has really helped me out a lot. It has allowed me to do the things I want to do. It has helped make me even more independent.”
Another Recipient’s father remarked:
“My son is thriving on being active and outdoors. After years of regression and anxiety, he is now responding really well to the extra ILF support.
“He is now enjoying activities like cycling, walking, swimming, driving, and exploring new interests, such as his passion for music, which helps him relax.”
Peter Scott OBE, ILF Scotland Chief Executive Officer, said:
“As ILF Scotland marks two years since re‑opening the Fund to new applications, we are pleased to report clear and compelling evidence of its positive impact.
This feedback, provided by recipients and families, demonstrates the transformative nature of ILF. It has been described as ‘truly life changing’, and families have emphasised the substantial difference it has made to independence, wellbeing, and overall quality of life.
“This evidence reinforces the central purpose of ILF Scotland: to enable some of our most disabled citizens to live with dignity, autonomy, and meaningful connection to their communities. As we move forward in what are challenging times, I extend my sincere thanks to our recipients, their families, our key partners including Scottish Government and Local Authorities, our Board of Directors, the Co-production Working Group and our dedicated staff team.”
