For over thirty years, The Yard has been a second home for families with disabled children across Scotland to have fun, feel accepted, relax and make friends.  For many families, Christmas can be a very stressful time, particularly for families with disabled children. At Christmas time, The Yard becomes a magical and special safe haven for the whole family to play. Olivia's mum, Danielle, says:

"We started using The Yard when our daughter Olivia was two, after receiving her diagnosis. It’s a fantastic service which Olivia loves. Given her level of needs, it’s difficult to access and get involved in other activities or services for her age group. She can find these challenging and very stressful, as they’re not inclusive of her needs or behavioural challenges.

At The Yard, she’s welcomed, and many of the staff have got to know her and her noisy ways over the years. Olivia now has a little brother, Max, who often goes to The Yard with Olivia. It’s an amazing space where they can both play safely together. It’s difficult for Max and Olivia to both access facilities and play spaces together, but The Yard is the one place where they can both enjoy experiences and moments of joint attention in a safe environment.

Over school holiday times, life becomes increasing challenging when Olivia loses her routine. This is somewhere that is so crucial during this time and is familiar to Olivia. If we hadn’t had access to The Yard over the last seven years or so, life would have been a lot more difficult for Olivia and us. It’s the one place we know she can be herself with no judgement. It really is Olivia’s happy place."

By giving The Yard a gift this Christmas, you help us continue to provide families like Olivia's a safe, non-judgmental and fun space for the whole family to spend time together over the holidays. 

£10 could pay for a new dressing up outfit so our young adventurers can let their imaginations run wild this Christmas.

£30 could pay for art, craft and baking supplies for our family sessions. At Christmas we like to make reindeer antlers and snowman cookies.

£50 could help with the cost of festive entertainment for our families at one of our seven Christmas parties.

£60 could pay it forward by covering the cost of one family's membership for the whole year ahead.

£100 could fund one of our play team leaders for a day during the Christmas holidays. They build imaginative play experiences and create a non-judgmental environment for families to relax.

£250 could fund a trip for two of our youth clubs to enjoy the Christmas markets, go ice skating or enjoy a hot chocolate with their friends.

Give your Christmas gift to The Yard

Thank you!