A play and support centre for children and young people with disabilities and additional needs has opened in Glasgow.
The Yard, which already helps thousands of families in Edinburgh and Fife, offers secure outdoor and indoor play spaces, while also providing a place for parents and carers to receive support.
The help on offer at the facility is a vital lifeline for parents, as well as their little ones.
Victoria Norton, who brings her children to The Yard, said the support she receives is invaluable.
‘He can be his true self here’
STV NewsShe said: “I have two children, a four-year-old girl and my son Redmond, who is seven. He’s autistic and is on a waiting list for ADHD.
“The first thing is, it’s so secure he can’t get out. And the play works are amazing, they’re totally, not just happy, but seem to really enjoy playing with him, and he adores it. He’s so excited to come. They will interact on his level and allow him to be his true self here.
“Having people around that understand and are accepting of his needs makes a big difference.”
STV NewsThe 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.
More than 3,000 children across 16 local authorities benefit from what the charity offers.
Until now, families from Glasgow and the surrounding area had to travel to the East to access specialist support and play facilities.
‘It’s about meaningful inclusion’
STV NewsCeline Sinclair, The Yard’s chief executive, said: “The Yard is all about meaningful inclusion and our amazing team are able to set up different play experiences to allow children of all experiences to participate equally.
“The one really beautiful thing about becoming part of The Yard, because it is a community, is that it allows you to build friendships with other families who are on the same journey. A journey you perhaps didn’t expect yourself to be on.”
Funding and the construction of the project has been supported by the Government and other local businesses.
Minister for Children and Young People, Natalie Don-Innes said: “The Scottish Government are really proud to have invested £500,000 in this facility and equally, continuing funding into The Yard into 2025-2026.
“We are absolutely committed to improving outcomes for disabled children, young people, and support for their families, and this absolutely fits into that priority.
“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.”
A similarly renovated space is planned to open in Dundee during the autumn.
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