A popular youth club providing invaluable social and developmental opportunities for disabled youngsters will continue into its second year after receiving a donation of £13,731 from Aberdeen Asset Management.
The Yard runs adventure play sessions for disabled children, young people and their families in the East of Scotland. From its Edinburgh-based centre it provides a friendly environment for children and young people where parents can relax in the knowledge that their child is being cared for.
The Yard’s centre in Edinburgh is open seven days a week and provides a range of play services to over 2,000 children and young people from the ages of two up to 25 every year. Organised play sessions and activities help disabled youngsters to develop their social skills and encourages them to engage in play with other club members.
The donation provided by Aberdeen Asset Management’s Charitable Foundation means that The Yard’s Young Adventurers’ Club is able to continue for another year, with twelve children benefitting in the 2016 session. The Young Adventurers’ Club is attended by young people aged 10-14 with a wide range of disabilities, who all visit the club independently without a parent or carer.
Jenny MacDonald, head of fundraising and communications at The Yard, said: “Without the help and support we’ve received from Aberdeen Asset Management’s Charitable Foundation, we wouldn’t have been able to run The Young Adventurers’ Club for another year. Their funding has helped to significantly impact the lives of a number of disabled young people and their families.
The Yard’s Young Adventurers’ Club provides a crucial service to families of young people with disabilities in Edinburgh and the East of Scotland. This year we have twelve youngsters attending the club who will all be solely independent, allowing them to socialise with children of similar ages and disabilities.
“The Young Adventurers’ Club helps to prepare the youngsters for future social situations as we aim to develop the way they interact with other adults and children. The Yard has a really fun and relaxed atmosphere, so they get to enjoy themselves through play whilst giving their families regular respite..
“We’ve got so many activities planned for this year, such as bowling, a games night, and pizza making. It’s so rewarding to see each member of the club get actively involved in each and every activity with such enthusiasm. They really enjoy the whole experience and parents always remark on the improvements they’ve noticed in their child’s wellbeing.”
A parent whose son attends the club explains how it has boosted his confidence: “My son struggles to attend any other club out of school due to his anxieties around people or environments he’s unfamiliar with. The Yard is the only club he’ll attend without any fear. He loves all the friends he’s made there and is completely familiar with the surroundings and the staff. They’ve all been so supportive and he gets on with them all really well.”
Another parent said about the improvements she’s noticed in her son: “My son is a completely different person since joining The Yard, as before then he was unable to play safely. The staff are all so committed and patient when it comes to his development. As a parent I am extremely grateful for their continuous support for all my family.”
Lynda Affleck of Aberdeen Asset Management’s Charitable Foundation, said: “The charities and causes which receive funding from Aberdeen Asset Management’s Charitable Foundation are decided solely by our own employees. In the past we’ve made donations to Befriend a Child and children’s charity HopScotch, which shows that children and young people hold a very special place in the hearts of our employees.
“The Yard’s Young Adventurers Club is a very deserving cause and we’re very pleased to be supporting the club and all the work it does to support children with disabilities and their families.”
For more information visit: www.aberdeen-asset.com/foundation