Between January-March 2025, Cerebral Palsy Scotland ran a survey to get insight into the key challenges facing the cerebral palsy community, as well as feedback on the charity’s services.
Some of the key insights are below.
Outside of Cerebral Palsy Scotland, support for people with cerebral palsy is limited
The survey highlighted that you are struggling to access a range of condition-specific support. Outside of Cerebral Palsy Scotland:
91% are not able to access psychological support for their cerebral palsy
81% are not able to access groups for people with cerebral palsy
45% are not able to access individual therapy
Raising awareness about cerebral palsy is very important to you
The survey showed that respondents greatly valued all of Cerebral Palsy Scotland’s services, and that you want Cerebral Palsy Scotland to offer a wide range of services.
The ‘top five’ services that respondents said were ‘extremely important’ or ‘important’ to them were:
- Awareness raising about cerebral palsy (96%)
- Information about cerebral palsy (92%)
- General advice/support from our Cerebral Palsy Support Coordinator (92%)
- Training and webinars for professionals that support people with cerebral palsy (92%)
- In-person therapy (90%)
When asked the question, ’What are the things you wish other people knew about cerebral palsy?’ the most common theme that emerged was a desire for people across society to be more educated about cerebral palsy, and how it impacts those who live with the condition.
Lack of health care services and therapy support is a key concern
When asked, ‘What would be the most important issue for Cerebral Palsy Scotland to campaign and/or raise awareness on?’ the most common theme that emerged was the lack of health care services and therapy support, including the need for more funding so there can be better access to specialist services.
Thank you and next steps
Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond to the survey.
Cerebral Palsy Scotland is committed to listening to feedback from the community. We will continue to work to develop our services to ensure they meet people’s needs, and to reflect the community’s views in our policy and campaigning work.