Humans of Scotland roundup 2025

Humans of Scotland continues to champion the voices of disabled people, people living with long term conditions, and carers.

This year we released the fourth volume of the Humans of Scotland story series, shining a light on the Links Worker Programme (LWP). This programme is not only transformative but essential – providing a lifeline of compassion and support that has had a profound impact on individuals, families and communities across Glasgow.

At a time when many face the pressures of poverty, isolation, and ill health, the Links Worker Programme plays a crucial role in ensuring people can access the right support at the right time. This publication brings together a collection of stories reflecting the diverse experiences of those who have turned to their Community Link Worker (CLW) for help, alongside the perspectives of GPs and Links Workers themselves. They offer a rich tapestry of perspectives, highlighting the realities, challenges and triumphs encountered along the way. These narratives demonstrate the programme’s unique ability to bridge health and community, addressing challenges that go beyond medicine and reaching into the heart of what makes us well.

The stories we have gathered are powerful reminders of why this service matters. They speak to resilience, belonging, mental health, empowerment, and community strength. They are honest, moving, and deeply human — showing how essential the Links Worker Programme is in tackling inequality, supporting recovery, and building healthier communities.

We hope this collection serves not only as a testament to the lives touched by the programme but also as a starting point for reflection and dialogue. They are stories of love, loss, hope, and healing – universal experiences that remind us of the power of connection and the importance of community. These stories show us one clear truth; the Links Worker Programme is essential and lives depend on it.

This year we also supported the ALLIANCE More than Words campaign, ensuring communication for all. We shared Niamdh’s story, highlighting her fight for interpreters, sign language and Teachers of the Deaf in school. She now has a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter in class and told us what a massive difference it makes to her; she no longer feels left out in class or in discussions and now feels included in school.

We also shared the incredible stories from ALLIANCE Stories of Caring – Concert for Caring special. These stories highlight the incredible work of unpaid carers and health and social care staff, providing a glimpse into their lives and the different experiences of care and caring in Scotland.

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