Inclusion Scotland wants to hear from disabled people about your experiences of third spaces.
Third spaces are places beyond home, work or education where people can connect with others and take part in community life. They include places such as libraries, community centres, parks, museums, leisure facilities and places of worship, as well as community groups, clubs and activities.
These spaces can play an important role in our lives. They can help improve health and wellbeing, reduce loneliness and social isolation, build social connections, and support independent living. They can also provide opportunities to learn new skills, access support, volunteer, and take part in local communities.
However, many disabled people face barriers that make it difficult to access or fully participate in these spaces. These barriers can include accessibility issues, transport challenges, cost, lack of support, inaccessible information, negative attitudes, or limited local opportunities, particularly in rural and island communities.
We want to learn more about what helps disabled people and unpaid carers take part in community life, what barriers exist, and what changes are needed to make third spaces more accessible, inclusive, affordable and sustainable in the future.
Through this survey, we are particularly interested in hearing about your experiences of accessing and using third spaces, what helps you feel welcome and included, whether you feel you have choice and control over the activities and spaces available to you, and what investment or support is needed to ensure these spaces continue to be available and accessible.
Your responses will help inform Inclusion Scotland’s policy and influencing work with the Scottish and UK Governments, helping us advocate for change based on the experiences of disabled people and unpaid carers.
All responses to this survey are anonymous.
Take the survey
Complete the survey here: Third Spaces
Accessible versions
The survey is also available in alternative formats:
If you have any questions, comments, or require information in another format, please contact us at info@inclusionscotland.org
Closing date
The survey closes on 21 August 2026.
Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences. Your views will help us build the evidence needed to influence change and support more accessible and inclusive communities across Scotland.