A charity that supports disabled children and young people and
their families can provide 300 more places throughout the year
after opening new premises in Glasgow for the first time.
The dedicated play centre, supported with £500,000 from the
Scottish Government, joins existing premises in Dundee, Fife and
Edinburgh where The Yard supports disabled children and young
people, and their families.
The new facility provides children with a sensory room, play hall
and outdoor space, while also providing a meeting room for
parents and carers to receive family support.
The Scottish Government funding is part of a £2 million
commitment over three years from 2024-25 to support The Yard to
grow its services, including tailored support, and expand its
spaces for disabled children and young people to play and
socialise.
Children and Young People's Minister Natalie Don-Innes officially
opened the new facility and joined a family session as part of
The Yard's school holiday programme.
Ms Don-Innes said:
“Working with charities is vital to improving outcomes for
disabled children and their families. Our three-year funding will
help The Yard to continue to grow and support more families
across Scotland.
“This wonderful new facility, backed by £500,000 Scottish
Government funding, has allowed the Yard to expand to new
premises in Glasgow for the first time. The smiles on the faces
of the children and families who rely on The Yard for support
show what a difference this service makes to their lives.”
Celine Sinclair, CEO of The Yard said;
“We are incredibly proud to launch our new Glasgow service,
building on the success of our centres in Edinburgh, Dundee and
Fife. The Yard team provide exemplary, safe, inclusive spaces
where children can play, grow and connect, while families feel
supported, empowered and included. We are just thrilled to be in
the West of Scotland and would like to thank Scottish Government
and our funders for helping us realise this ambition.
“Working alongside our partners in Glasgow, this new service
builds on our legacy and expands our reach to meet the needs of
families and schools. As we continue developing The Yard into a
nationally recognised Centre of Excellence, the opening of our
Glasgow centre marks a major step forward in our mission to
inspire and to help build meaningful inclusion across the
country.”
Background
Up to £2 million funding for The Yard over three financial years
from 2024-25 was confirmed in October 2023, subject to due
diligence and approval of the budget by the Scottish Parliament.
Providing this additional capital and resource funding has
enabled The Yard to take forward development of a site in Glasgow
and refurbishment in Dundee and to expand their existing services
in Edinburgh and Fife.
