Scope to merge with Dial UK

Scope, the national disability charity, is merging with Dial UK, the umbrella organisation for disability advice groups. The two charities will join forces on August 1.

The move will create an expanded national advice and information network for disabled people. The Dial UK network of around 120 local groups will remain independent but will be co-ordinated by Scope’s information and advice service, Scope Response.

Scope launched a campaign to raise awareness of the discrimination faced by disabled people in June this year. The advertising was created by integrated agency The Gate and is currently running in 200 UK cinemas.

The controversial advert (pictured) features CCTV-style footage showing a man in a wheelchair being assaulted and his attacker running away, leaving him in the street. The end frame reads: “Discrimination against disabled people. Stop it.”

Scope, which was founded in 1952, is a disability charity although its main focus is on cerebral palsy and the families and carers affected by the decision.