About Us
We're here
to help.
Where ability meets opportunity.
About RISE.
RISE is a not-for-profit organisation committed to creating opportunities
for young people with additional needs to thrive. We offer weekly group sessions
focused on developing life skills, communication abilities, and building social connections. Our inclusive, community-based approach ensures participants are
supported in a safe and respectful environment.
RISE stands for Relationships Independence Skills Empowerment — four
pillars that are at the heart of everything we do.
We are a community-based service supporting children and young adults of all
abilities to grow in confidence, develop life skills, and build meaningful connections. Through inclusive, engaging sessions that involve families and use tools like Makaton, we help each individual communicate, express themselves, and thrive. Our goal is to create real opportunities in the community that lead to volunteering, employment, and independent living — supporting every young person to RISE to their full potential.
Our services are tailored to individual needs, and we actively involve families and carers to ensure holistic support. In addition to supporting children and young adults,
we host community events that bring all members of the community together. We also offer opportunities for the people we support to feel empowered as they take the lead in events attended by the wider public such as our RISE Together Through Sign & Sing programme, fun days, and more fostering confidence, inclusion, and shared understanding.
Meet the Founders.
Demi and Sarah bring over 20 years of combined experience
working with children and young adults across a variety of settings, including
nurseries, schools, colleges, and day centres. Together, they are passionate about
empowering individuals with additional needs to thrive in their communities.
About Demi – Founder & Director of RISE
“RISE was born from my deep belief that people with learning disabilities deserve so much more than what society often gives them. They should have every opportunity to grow, to lead, to build real relationships, and to live full, independent lives. I’m passionate about creating a space where they are seen, heard, and truly valued as part of the community.”
Demi is an experienced community outreach practitioner with a strong background in education, social services, and person-centred support. She founded RISE to empower young and older adults, particularly those with learning disabilities, to live independent, fulfilling lives through inclusive community engagement and skill-building opportunities.
A graduate of the University of Strathclyde with a degree in Education and Social Services, Demi also holds a COSCA Counselling Skills qualification and has completed extensive training, including autism awareness, safeguarding, and Makaton communication.
Demi is passionate about creating opportunities that promote inclusion, independence, and personal development. She has successfully developed and led programs that connect individuals with volunteering roles, lifelong learning opportunities, and access to local services. With a strong foundation in event and program coordination, she has organised a wide range of inclusive activities that foster social connection and community participation. Demi also plays a key role in recruiting, training, and supporting volunteers, helping to enhance service delivery across her initiatives.
She works closely with local organisations and stakeholders to build strong partnerships that strengthen community services, and she uses digital and social media platforms to engage with the public and promote meaningful opportunities for involvement.
Demi is dedicated to helping individuals grow in confidence, develop essential life skills, and build meaningful relationships. She has supported many young adults in achieving personal goals such as volunteering, training, and employment, and continues to advocate for inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive.
About Sarah – Founder & Director of RISE
“Communication is the key to building Relationships. Every child deserves the chance to be heard, understood, and empowered. That’s what drives my work at RISE.”
Sarah brings a wealth of experience to RISE, having worked extensively in Additional Support Needs (ASN) schools and across outreach services supporting individuals with a wide range of additional needs. Her background combines hands-on support, family collaboration, and specialist communication approaches that make a lasting difference in children’s lives.
Sarah holds multiple qualifications, including a BA in Learning Disabilities and Managing Services from Abertay University, a BA in Childhood Practice and Managing Services, an HND in Additional Support Needs, and an HNC in Early Years Services. She is also a qualified Makaton Tutor, with additional training in autism, counselling, and speech and language strategies such as AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication). Working closely with children on a 1-1 basis, Sarah supports communication development and smooth transitions—particularly from nursery to primary school—using a range of AAC tools including Boardmaker symbols, Eye Gaze technology, and Makaton signing. She works in partnership with parents and families to create bespoke support plans, tailored to each child’s unique needs and strengths.
Currently training in sensory integration and sensory diet planning, Sarah continues to deepen her practice in helping children regulate and thrive through play and structured daily routines. Her passion lies in creating inclusive, responsive environments where all children are empowered to express themselves, feel understood, and reach their full potential.
We offer fun, inclusive sessions for all ages and
abilities. Each one is designed to support you and your family, helping to build skills,
boost confidence, and create a safe space to grow and connect – all while being a
valued member of your community, with opportunities to grow, lead, and shine.
Unlocking Potential
Only 4% of adults with learning disabilities in Scotland are in paid work - but over 70% say they want to be. RISE helps bridge that gap by building skills, confidence, and connection.
Family Support
Families often say they feel isolated, unsupported, and left to cope alone after formal education ends. RISE-style support helps the whole family thrive, not just the individual.
Bright Futures
Too many young people with additional needs leave school without a plan. RISE gives them a path forward — with life skills, community support, and a place to belong.
Our Sessions
From life skills workshops and Makaton sessions to social events and family support, RISE offers a range of inclusive, empowering programs that help individuals with additional needs grow in confidence, independence, and community connection.
