DG Voice

04/09/2026

✨There's still time to sign up to our next round of befriender training courses.✨

We will be running our Wigtownshire training at the end of October. Training will take place every Tuesday from 6.30pm-8.30pm over 5 weeks, in our brand new Newton Stewart office.

Dumfries training will take place in the new year.

Contact us now for more information.

27/08/2026

Survey closes at the end of the month.
Don't miss out on your chance to have your say.

Have your say on tackling poverty and inequality in Dumfries and Galloway

We're updating our plan to tackle poverty and inequality, and we want to hear from people with lived experience.

Life can be harder for some people than others. This might be because of money worries, a disability, poor health, caring responsibilities, or other challenges.

Your views will help us understand what matters most and improve support for people and communities across Dumfries and Galloway.

Complete our short survey and help us create a fairer future for everyone.

🔗 Survey link: https://orlo.uk/7Jz0t

27/08/2026

The Griffin is Spreading Its Wings!

We're delighted to share that work continues on the Roon The Toon Gatehouse project, bringing together local history, creativity, learning and community pride.

The Gatehouse Griffin has become a fantastic symbol of the project, representing the unique heritage and spirit of Gatehouse of Fleet. From workshops and design sessions and community engagement activities, we're seeing more and more people getting involved.
This project is all about celebrating what makes Gatehouse special, while creating a unique board game that future generations can enjoy and learn from.

Keep watching this space as we share more updates, stories and exciting developments!



Image Description:
People taking part in art activities sitting in a chair at a table.

24/08/2026

We are excited to be at the self-directed support leaders summit in Edinburgh today. It's so important that rural disabled voices are represented.

14/08/2026

Representation matters. If you've ever thought about making a difference in your community, this FREE webinar is a great place to start. Find out what it's really like to be a councillor and learn about the support available to disabled candidates.

Disabled people are underrepresented in local government, but your experiences, knowledge and perspective can help shape the decisions that affect communities across Scotland.

Join Inclusion Scotland, COSLA and the Improvement Service online for this free one-hour webinar to find out what it's really like to be a councillor and how you can take the first steps towards standing for election in 2027.

During the session, we'll cover:
• What councillors do and what the role involves
• Why disabled representation in local government matters
• The practical support available to disabled candidates before and during an election campaign including the Access to Elected Office Fund
• A conversation with Cllr Janine Rennie and Cllr Katie Pragnell Lees about their experiences of standing for election and serving in office
• An opportunity to ask questions

Whether you're already considering standing or are simply curious about what being a councillor involves, this webinar is a chance to learn more in a welcoming and supportive environment.

When - Tuesday 18 August, 6pm-7pm and Wednesday 19 August, 12pm-1pm Where - Online

Registration link for Tuesday 18 August, 6pm-7pm https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/R1CC57_WRNqNkbt20YR9AA

Registration link for Wednesday 19 August, 12pm-1pm https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/1GFQLqRsSsChWL9VBNHoUQ

We are committed to making this event as accessible as possible. If you have any access requirements, please email [email protected] and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

We look forward to welcoming you.



Image description - A promotional graphic from Inclusion Scotland with a soft pink background and purple branding. The Inclusion Scotland logo appears at the top, followed by the title "Being a Disabled Councillor." In the centre, a yellow note-style box highlights the message: "Join online for this free one-hour webinar to find out what it's really like to be a councillor and how you can take the first steps towards standing for election in 2027." At the bottom, the event details are displayed in large purple text: Tuesday 18 August, 6pm–7pm, Wednesday 19 August, 12pm–1pm, Online

14/08/2026

The Changing Places Toilet Scotland Fund is open once again for applications from organisations and community projects.

This funding can make a real difference by helping create accessible and welcoming spaces for disabled people, their families, and carers.

If you're considering applying, we'd love to help. We can offer information, advice, and support throughout the application process, as well as guidance on how to make your proposal as strong as possible.

Get in touch to find out more. We're happy to consult with you and help give your application the best possible chance of success. Together, we can create more accessible communities across Scotland.

[email protected]

Image Description: Graphic promoting the Changing Places Toilets Scotland Fund, which provides funding to help organisations create fully accessible toilet facilities for disabled people, their families, and carers. Applications are now open.

https://inspiringscotland.org.uk/fund/changing-places-toilets-scotland-fund/?fbclid=IwY2xjawTpNs5wZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMW1lMVdLTm1PeERYeXZQZnVzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEekZchBeWqu54cF9K7KEjBRQIec0otQ4-ZJ-a7X-VwO2IXvFEAaTkKHZhBoCI_aem_h7vdlZPiWQsvVQc9V7fJ-Q

The Changing Places Toilets Scotland Fund will increase the number of new fully accessible Changing Places Toilets across Scotland, with a Scottish Government i

12/08/2026

Hi
We're coming towards the end of our access sessions, funded by Dumfries and Galloway Council but you can still catch us Quarrymen's Arts Centre tomorrow and for our online sessions next week. Details on the poster image.
Get in touch for online to get the link or just turn up tomorrow.
See you there 😁

07/08/2026

Survey open till the end of the month.

Have your say on tackling poverty and inequality in Dumfries and Galloway

We're updating our plan to tackle poverty and inequality, and we want to hear from people with lived experience.

Life can be harder for some people than others. This might be because of money worries, a disability, poor health, caring responsibilities, or other challenges.

Your views will help us understand what matters most and improve support for people and communities across Dumfries and Galloway.

Complete our short survey and help us create a fairer future for everyone.

🔗 Survey link: https://orlo.uk/7Jz0t

31/07/2026

Caring for someone is one of the most important and demanding things a person can do.

That's why we want to give you the knowledge and confidence to do it even better.

Our FREE summer sessions cover topics like:

✅ Stress and carer wellbeing
✅ Understanding dementia
✅ Safe moving and handling
✅ Skin care and pressure sore prevention
✅ First aid essentials
..or whatever is most relevant to your situation. Bring your questions, these sessions are shaped by you.

Free to attend. Free lunch provided. No booking needed.

📍 13 August – Stranraer Millennium Centre
📍 17 August – Browne House, Dumfries
📍 1 September – Corner House Hotel, Annan
📍 9 September – A The Airts, Sanquhar

🕙 10:00 – 15:00 | 🍴Lunch served at 12:00

Spaces are limited and lunch needs to be pre-ordered, please get in touch to save your place, even if you can only make part of the day.

📞 01387 249111
📩 [email protected]
🔗 https://www.caretrain.co.uk/unpaid-carers/unpaid-carer-support-sessions/guidance-and-support-sessions/

29/07/2026

James is loving his Roon the Toon sessions with Fleet Valley Care Home!

Lots of enthusiasm, a keen interest in local history, plenty of creative talent on display, and a fantastic turnout.

It's great to see everyone getting involved and enjoying themselves.

Image description: Residents and staff at Fleet Valley Care Home in Gatehouse of Fleet taking part in a Roon the Toon session. Participants are gathered around a table sharing local history stories and creative work, with everyone engaged and enjoying the activity.