Maree Todd’s visit was followed by some Big News for get2gether!

On 22nd May, MSP Maree Todd visited get2gether!

Maree spent some of her precious time with our members and heard first-hand how get2gether supports people to build confidence, friendships, and community.  

get2gether members told us about their experiences of meeting Maree Todd:

“Maree was warm and welcoming, it was so special meeting someone from the Government who took the time, and we were able to show her how positive we are at get2gether. To have MSPs understand our views can only help change the way for some adults with learning disabilities, as it has changed my life – get2gether becomes a way of life!“ – Andrew, former get2gether Ambassador and a member of the Steering Group

”Maree even played UNO with us and was laughing and joking. It was a very enjoyable experience, and I wish she could have stayed longer and come to more of our events!” 

Ambassador Natalie told us – “Coming to get2gether from Glasgow, it has made a massive difference to my life – having a job and a community where I feel safe and I belong. I told Maree about being a part of the ‘Our Rights, Our Community’ book and how it’s one of the things I’m most proud of! Having mine and other members’ stories written and published in our book is such a major event and a huuuuge achievement for me, probably one of the biggest of my life! 

As adults with disabilities, we do face challenges and can be dismissed as not having much worth, but get2gether and our book prove we are capable, we are important, and our life stories and experiences matter! It was important for Maree to see and experience it for herself to understand just how massive get2gether is in people’s lives.The work that we do just doesn’t compare to anything else I’ve ever known!”

Before she left, Maree told us, “Thank you so much, you have all made me feel so welcome. I thoroughly enjoyed this visit – get2gether is such a brilliant organisation doing such important work!”

… and now onto the BIG NEWS!

Following Maree’s visit, the Scottish Government has announced the Learning Disability Support Fund will support 33 brilliant organisations across Scotland, and we’re so proud to be one of them! In Autumn 2025, get2gether will receive the Scottish Government grant, £20,354 for 2025/26, £42,829 for 2026/27 and £45,061 for 2027/28 –  a total of £108,244 over the next 2.5 years!

Ambassador Natalie was so happy to hear this news: “Getting this funding is so important because the other option would have been having to close or limit what we do, leaving our members with nothing. 

get2gether changes people’s lives – not just mine, I see it in our members when they first join, then coming to events, making friends and building relationships, wanting to be peer mentors or host their event. Finding your community, having your voice heard and being able to live life the way you want to as an adult with disabilities is so important. 

get2gether is a community where we, as members, are the ones in charge of those decisions, we are encouraged to learn, to create, to take the lead (with support) of our opportunities and for a lot of members, it’s for the first time in their lives.”

get2gether’s Director Mojca Becaj said: “For a small charity like get2gether, the Scottish Government funding through the Learning Disability Support Fund will enable us to continue creating safe, inclusive spaces where people with learning disabilities can build friendships, relationships, and confidence as well as provide paid roles where they can step into their first paid employment — these are things that many adults take for granted but are life-changing for our members. We’re deeply grateful for the recognition and investment in our work and the opportunity to keep making a real difference to the lives of get2gether members.”

This funding will help us continue to challenge social barriers, open up opportunities, and support our members to live thriving lives.

At get2gether, we believe everyone deserves love and friendship. We are not just about running events – we believe that adults with disabilities need to build their social networks, meaningful relationships, and be part of a supportive community. Our work is about creating real, lasting change that helps people lead the life they want.