GDA BAME 
Network 
A peer network of 
Black, Asian and 
Minority Ethnic 
Disabled People 

About GDA.
GDA is run by disabled people for 
disabled people. We have 5500 
members across Greater Glasgow. 
We provide a range of free and fully 
accessible learning, support and 
services to support disabled people 
across all areas of their lives. 
We support the City Council, the 
Government and organisations to 
include disabled people in policy, 
decision making and service design. 


“Since I came into post in early 2021, 
I have further developed the GDA 
BAME Network. We have online as well as in-person 
peer support groups – inclusive, 
empowering spaces for BAME 
disabled people.  I look forward to continuing to grow 
the network, and influencing policy 
and services design with our 
members.” Jamila Shaikh, Community Development Offcer.


About the Network.
GDA’s BAME Disabled People 
Network is a dedicated space for the 
voices, experience and expertise of 
disabled people from Black, Asian 
and minority ethnic backgrounds – 
including disabled asylum seekers 
and refugees. 
Online and in-person, the BAME 
Network has helped tackle 
isolation and loneliness during 
Covid-19; provided a network of 
peer-to-peer support for BAME 
disabled people; empowered 
members to have a voice 
in GDA and the wider 
community and has 
connected BAME disabled 
members with key 
service providers and 
stakeholders. 

What people have said about the Network:

“I delivered two tours of Kelvingrove Art Gallery 
& Museum to the GDA BAME Network. In my 
almost two years at Glasgow Museums, those 
two tours have been amongst the best days 
here. Their encouragement, positivity and 
insights have given me greater understanding 
of the barriers BAME disabled people face.” 
Miles Greenwood, Curator 
Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum.

“We greatly enjoyed working with GDA’s 
BAME network to offer a fully accessible 
sensory guided tour. Our Urdu speaking 
volunteer enjoyed the opportunity to share 
the tour in Urdu. We have benefitted greatly 
from engaging with the BAME Network and 
look forward to continuing our partnership, 
working together to improve access for all.” 
The Hidden Gardens. 

“Everyone’s experiences and knowledge, as well 
as support and care for each other, helps me 
feel at ease. Interacting with others who have 
different practices, beliefs, life experiences and 
cultures helps me cope and develop.” 
Debbie, BAME Network member.

“We very much enjoyed working with the BAME 
network to deliver our session on financial 
scams. The workshop attendees shared their 
knowledge and experience with us, which helps 
us incorporate the needs of BAME disabled 
people into delivering money guidance. 
We hope we can work with you again soon.” 
Money Advice Scotland. 

For more information: 
Email: Jamila@gdaonline.co.uk 
Call: 0141 556 7103. 
Text: 07958 299 496. 
Web: www.gda.scot 
GDA Facebook 
@GDA_ _online 

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