Improving Lives Volunteers Chat with Kevin Crawford: The Man Behind the Charity - Sponsored Editorial

From a laptop at his kitchen table to running one of West Dunbartonshire’s disability charities, Kevin Crawford has dedicated himself to ensuring no one faces the same struggles he did.

As founder of Improving Lives, Kevin built a charity providing vital support to thousands of people with disabilities and long-term health conditions.

Members of our Volunteer Steering Group chatted with Kevin about his journey, the growth of the charity, and why listening to those in need is at the heart of everything he does.

VOLUNTEERS: Tell us about the moment that changed your life.

One morning, I woke up and couldn’t move. I was in unbearable pain. My ongoing health conditions and bone deterioration had led to a trapped nerve, and suddenly, everything changed.

I had spinal surgery, but recovery was slow. I had to come to terms with the fact my mobility would never be the same.

It wasn’t just me who had to adjust—my wife, Dhyani, suddenly became my carer while having a full-time job.

We had no idea where to turn for help. Finding support and services was a challenge. We quickly realised if we were struggling, others must be too.

VOLUNTEERS: Was that when you decided to start the charity?

Yes. For us it was about plugging the gaps in services in the area and making sure no one was left without help, not knowing where to turn.

So, I researched services in Clydebank and surrounding areas and realised there was a lack of knowledge about what was available, so we started posting information on social media.

We sought opinions from the public and service users to identify their requirements. As the list grew the demand for services became greater and support and advice was offered, so the charity expanded.

VOLUNTEERS: How has the charity grown since those early days?

At the beginning, it was just the two of us, working from a laptop in our kitchen. We had no funding, just a determination to make a difference.

Despite relying solely on donations, small grants, and volunteers, the charity grew fast.

In 2022, we took a big step and moved into larger premises on Dumbarton Road in Clydebank - previously home to the Independent Resource Centre.

We wanted to make sure access to welfare rights continued there.

Our new home allowed us to expand from just providing information to offering in-depth personal support plans, welfare and disability rights advice, our own support groups, plus space for other community groups to meet.

VOLUNTEERS: What drives you to keep going?

For me, it’s about making sure no one is left without help. When you become disabled, the world doesn’t come with an instruction manual.

Many people don’t know where to start - that can be terrifying. I know that feeling firsthand.

People come to us at their lowest, feeling unheard or abandoned by the system. Our job is to listen and then do everything we can to help.

Whether it’s finding the right benefits, linking to support groups, or simply reassuring them they’re not alone—we do whatever it takes.

VOLUNTEERS: What are you most proud of?

I’m incredibly proud of our team of volunteers and the community we’ve built. They perform so many roles from advising to event organising, to running peer support groups.

The biggest reward is seeing someone walk away feeling more hopeful than when they arrived.

VOLUNTEERS: What’s next?

We’re always looking for ways to respond to the needs of our community.

We’ll continue expanding our support services and developing new projects to break down barriers for people living with disabilities.

Disability isn’t just a personal challenge - it affects families, workplaces, and communities. We believe that together we can make a difference.

VOLUNTEERS: Finally, how can people support the charity?

There are lots of ways to help! Volunteering, making a donation, or just spreading the word, makes a huge difference.

If you need support, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You’re not alone, we’re here to help.