The Working Together Project is funded by the University of Glasgow’s Glasgow Knowledge Exchange Fund and brings together third‑sector organisations, community members, and academic partners to strengthen support for disabled people seeking asylum in Glasgow and beyond. Project partners include Govan Community Project, Glasgow Disability Alliance, JustRight Scotland, the Scottish Deep End Project, and academic leads Dr Nicola Burns and Prof Andrea Williamson.
The project identified a clear need for improved training and accessible resources for organisations supporting disabled people within the asylum process. In response, the team curated a set of practical materials and produced a series of three podcasts aimed at enhancing the knowledge and confidence of primary care professionals and third‑sector staff.
Collaboration and Lived Experience
Meaningful involvement of people with lived experience is central to both migrant rights and disability rights. The project was developed in collaboration with community members, whose insights shaped the content and direction of the resources. Their contributions, supported by partner organisations, ensured that the materials reflect the realities and priorities of disabled people navigating the asylum system.
Podcast Series Overview
The three‑part podcast series provides:
- Insights into lived experience – discussing the day‑to‑day realities of life as a disabled asylum seeker
- Legal context – outlining key rights and entitlements under current law
- Guidance for professionals – offering practical considerations for health and other frontline practitioners
Please note: the podcasts contain discussions of harm and distressing experiences.
Further Information
More details are available on the University of Glasgow website: Working Together: building capacity to support disabled people seeking asylum in Glasgow and beyond
You can listen to the podcast series here: Access the podcasts
Useful resources:
- https://www.povertyalliance.org/research-from-rights-to-realisation-disabled-people-and-carers-navigating-the-asylum-system/
- https://www.gla.ac.uk/media/Media_1162601_smxx.pdf
- https://www.doctorsoftheworld.org.uk/safesurgeries/
- https://elearning.rcgp.org.uk/course/view.php?id=1188
